Museum of Island History

Wooden catapult and runic stones with logos for Newport Roman Villa, Isle of Wight Council, and museum

Anglo-Saxon Runes: Make, Decorate, Discover!

Join Us This May Half Term – Get creative with history!

Date: Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 May 2025

Time: 10am to 1pm

  • Create your own bracelet or bedroom door sign using Anglo-Saxon runes
  • Decorate your design with patterns inspired by real artefacts found on the Isle of Wight
  • Follow a fun museum trail and discover fascinating treasures from prehistory to the modern day

No need to book – just drop in!
Entry and all activities are just £1 per person

Also This Week – Discover Crazy Catapults Family Event

Newly acquired items

  • the whistle from a steam engine which helped build the PLUTO pipeline. This was later converted to a doorbell by Agricultural Engineer John Palmer
  • a ship badge from HMS Shearwater a naval vessel built at J. S. White’s in 1939
HMS shearwater ships badge on wood showing a sooty shearwater bird and a brass whistle bell

Visitor information

Opening times

  • Tuesdays: 10am to 1pm
  • Thursdays: 10am to 1pm

Admission prices

  • adults £1
  • children 50p.

Come and browse the museum shop for history-inspired gifts.

Finding us

The Museum of Island History is located in the centre of Newport, the county town of the Isle of Wight. You can visit by:

  • foot – the museum can be found in the lower High Street, in the centre of Newport.
  • bus – the museum is less than five minutes’ walk from the central bus station in Newport. Visit the Island buses website provided by Southern Vectis for more information about bus travel on the Isle of Wight.
  • car – there is no parking at the museum, but there is pay and display on-street parking and car parks nearby in central Newport.

Accessibility

The Museum of Island History is accessible to wheelchair users and there is an accessible toilet on site. You are welcome to contact us by using our online send a message to service form prior to your visit for further information or to discuss your needs.

Schools and special groups

We can open for schools and groups by appointment outside of our normal opening hours.

What you will find when you visit

The Museum of Island History is situated within the historic Guildhall on Newport High Street. The museum provides a fascinating exploration of Island history from the time of the dinosaurs to the present day.

Visitors can view incredible objects highlighting the Island’s diverse historical past including:

  • hands on displays
  • the latest archaeological finds
  • as well as visit a range of exciting, changing exhibitions throughout the year.

For any enquiries about our collections, contact the Curator of Human History by contacting us direct.

Visit our museum collections for more information about some of our exhibits.

Your mascots!

Clay mascots made by visitors.

Clay mascots made by visitors green octopus blue man orange pumpkin

Paper Axes

These stone age axe replicas were made by our visitors during recent half term activities.

Stone age axes made by visitors with paper straw handles

Visitor reviews

Our visitors have said:

  • “Brilliant!”
  • “full of information and great photos of the Island”
  • “Informative, well laid out, interactive and child-friendly”.

Read more on Trip Advisor and Google Reviews.

If you’ve visited, leave us a review or send us a compliment.

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