Located just off of the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is only a 40minute ferry or hovercraft away, making it the perfect year-round destination to explore with family and friends.
I have visited the island four times over recent years so here is a round up of what you can see and do while on the island as a family.
⭐Attractions
Heritage and Historic
The Isle of Wight has a rich heritage and history that many Islanders is proud of and visitors love to experience.
The island has always been a firm favourite with the royals, Queen Victoria made her family holiday home here at Osborne. But before that the Island was King Charles I’s very own Alcatraz, as he was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle.
Osborne House
“It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot” – such were the words of Queen Victoria after her first visit to Osborne on the Isle of Wight. No trip to the island would be complete without a visit to this royal seaside palace where Queen Victoria lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children.
Take an intimate glimpse into Queen Victoria’s family life as you tour the nursery and private rooms of Victoria and Albert. Marvel at the magnificence of the Royal Apartments including the sumptuous drawing and dining rooms and the richly decorated Indian-inspired Durbar Room.
Admire the stunning view from the terraces across the Solent – said to remind Prince Albert of the bay of Naples and stroll through Osborne’s extensive grounds. Don’t miss the miniature Swiss Cottage, built to teach the royal children the art of household management!
Queen Victoria’s private beach is a lovely walk from the house.
Carisbrook Castle
Sitting high and proud at the heart of the Isle of Wight, Carisbrooke Castle has been an artillery fortress, king's prison and a royal summer residence. Today it's the quintessential romantic castle, with plenty to see and enjoy in the fresh open air. Experience far reaching panoramic views from high castle walls, or wander the moat to discover King Charles I's bowling green. Enjoy the tranquil Princess Beatrice Garden and stunning St Nicholas' Chapel, all before meeting the adorable Carisbrooke donkeys. Visit Carisbrooke Castle | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)
Shanklin Chine
Shanklin Chine, the Island’s oldest visitor attraction that’s been drawing visitors for over 200 years with its natural beauty and wonder. When visiting us you’ll be amazed by the main waterfall, tumbling down the cliff edge from 45 feet and our second, which is equally as stunning, falling from 29 feet. Unlimited FREE returns to Shanklin Chine within 7 days
⭐Family Fun Attractions
Blackgang Chine
UK’s Oldest Family Theme Park on the Isle of Wight – The Land of Imagination
Create magical memories at the family friendly theme park.
A full day of attractions, rides and events for all ages. A few thrill rides and lots of imagination play with the Wild West Town or play pirates at Pirate Cove.
Tapnell Farm
Family fun at Tapnell Farm. The award-winning Farm Park provides lots to do both inside and outside. It is all-weather fun for everyone! There are go-karts, jumping pillows, trim trails, sledge slides and straw barn fun, plus lots of animals in the paddocks and animal barn!
They have lots of extra activities on during the school holidays and summer fun with their aqua park and archery and axe throwing.
The Donkey Sanctuary
This is a completely free attraction and a lovely one with that. With free entry and free parking and no booking required. It is a great place to visit for a few hours.
Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours at the sanctuary (after-all, it takes time to say hello to over 100 donkeys and ponies!), but you're welcome to stay as long as you like. there is also a cafe and shop.
Model Village Godshill
Set in the grounds of the Old Vicarage, the Model Village in Godshill, is a timeless place to escape the busy world outside. The Godshill Model Village, located on High Street in Godshill, Isle of Wight, is a delightful retro attraction that transports visitors back in time. It meticulously recreates the charming villages of Godshill and Shanklin as they appeared in the 1920s and 1930s. The models are true representations of the houses, cottages, and pubs that still exist in the real world.
⭐Beaches
Shanklin Seafront
Shanklin Beach is a one of the Isle of Wight’s best known stretches of golden sands, which backs onto a traditional English seafront promenade. The beach is located on the south east coast of the Isle of Wight, with groynes keeping the sand in place and a high sea wall and pavement promenade between the sea and the Esplanade. A traditional 'bucket and spade' family beach holiday destination, Shanklin Beach lost its pier after the hurricane of 1987 but there is now a semi-circular vantage point with benches where the entrance to the pier once stood. On the promenade there is an arcade, inside adventure golf, fish and chip shop, cafes, ice cream parlour, fairground rides and outside adventure golf. Plus some really lovely pubs to visit.
St Helens
St. Helens is situated on the east coast of the Isle of Wight, near the mouth of Bembridge Harbour. It features a sandy and pebble beach that gently slopes from the seawall into the harbor entrance channel. It is a great beach for searching rock pools and looking for shells. There is a lovely cafe on the promenade called Baywatch on the Beach. It is a National Trust site so parking is free if you are a member but there is also a long stay carpark by the beach too.
Ventnor Beach
Ventnor beach is the southernmost holiday beach on the Isle of Wight and is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Nestled in the bay beneath the tumbling tiers of the Victorian town. The Cascade road winds its way around a rocky waterfall to arrive on the seafront where a bandstand-like structure stands with 360 degree views from its lofty viewing platform. There is a paddling pool, a giant replica of the Isle of Wight map showing all the major towns and roads, that has entertained children for over 100 years. Next to it is a restaurant serving great all day breakfasts as well as lunches and snacks.
⭐Where to Stay
Sunny Beach Apartments in Shanklin
We have stayed in these apartments a few times. They are a great location, right on shanklin seafront. They are nicely decorated 2 bedroom flats which are perfect for families and have free parking.
Luccombe Hall Hotel in Shanklin
We stayed two nights in this hotel to add on to our stay. It has lovely rooms which are perfect for families. We went for a superior garden room with a hot tub for our stay, our room had a double bed and built in bunk beds for the girls. There is a restaurant, bar and games room.
Lower Hyde Holiday Park
This is a Parkdeans holiday park which is on the outskirts of Shanklin. It is a 20minute walk to the Old town and the seafront so it is a great location. It has all the usual Parkdean facilities including an indoor and outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, children's play areas and entertainment.
⭐Places for Dinner
The Fisherman's Cottage
Nestled just beneath Shanklin Chine in an enviable location at the far end of Shanklin Esplanade you will find Fisherman’s Cottage, the town’s original thatched dining pub on the beach with a rich heritage dating back to 1817.
The Steamer Inn in Shanklin
We loved this pub just on Shanklin seafront. We ate here three times on our recent holiday. They have a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu as well as a large vegetarian, vegan and children's menu. At the Steamer Inn they pride ourselves on the freshest food, a great selection of beers and wine and of course a warm and friendly welcome.
The Cow Restaurant & Bar at Tapnel Farm
This restaurant boasts that it has the best burger on the island, and they are right, the burgers are amazing. It is located right next door to Tapnel Farm Park so it is perfect to visit after a morning at the farm.
⭐Cafes and Tearooms
Fins Beach Cafe
Fins Beach Cafe is a delightful spot located along the coast in Sandown, Isle of Wight.
Their food was gorgeous, from cooked breakfasts, pancakes, granola bowls to eggs benedicts. All served on the promenade so you have a lovely view of the beach and waves.
Blueberrys Cafe
Located in Shanklin along the top cliff, Blueberrys is an award-winning family-run cafe. Featuring some of the best panoramic views over Sandown and Shanklin. Plus a menu of homemade cakes, hot food and drinks. And to top it off, one of the most friendly customer service experiences on the Isle of Wight.
Comments