There is a vast array of things to do in the Island, whatever your age and appetite for adventure. These are a few of our favourites.
Cinema
Cineworld - Coppins Bridge, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2TA (0871 200 2000)
Commodore Cinema - 2 Star St, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 2HX (01983 564064)
Dinosaur Isle and Fossil Walk, Culver Parade, Sandown PO36 8QA (01983 404344)
Set in amongst a recreated landscape you will meet life sized models of the Isle of Wight's famous five dinosaurs. A fascinating museum with hands-on activities for children. Also look out for their guided walks at Yaverland Beach and Colwell Bay – you’ll never look at a pebble in the same way again! Bookable through the Museum.
Mottistone Manor, Mottistone, near Brighstone PO30 4EA (01983 741302)
Beautiful, peaceful gardens in the care of the National Trust. There are plenty of benches to admire the views (although the garden is built on a slope) and a trail for children. The gardens also have a tearoom and NT shop.
Osborne House, York Ave, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JX (0844 844 9988)
Visit the lavish state rooms and tranquil gardens of Queen Victoria's favourite holiday spot. There are restaurants and coffee shops on site including one at the House’s private beach. Run by National Heritage.
Takt-Isle Adventures www.tackt-isle.co.uk (01983 875 542)
Offering a huge amount of activities for adults, children and family groups from Kayaking and paddle boarding to archery and bushcraft. Based at Bembridge Harbour.
Horse Riding
Sallys Riding School (01983 272 960) are based at Bembridge during the Winter months and St Helens during the Summer. Offering riding lessons and treks across the Bembridge Beaches at low tide.
Blackgang Chine, Blackgang Chine PO38 2HN (01983 730 330)
Britains oldest theme park which is situated on a stunning cliff top on the South of the Island. It’s eclectic and eccentric but good fun with dinosaurs, cowboys, a fairy castle and an impressive roller coaster amongst its attractions. The park closes in the winter, so check the opening times before heading off.
Brading Roman Villa, Morton Old Rd, Brading PO36 0EN (01983 406223)
One of the finest Roman sites in the UK, this museum and visitor centre hosts an impressive collection of Mosaic floors and Roman Archaeological finds. Once a month the (licensed!) tearooms open in the evening for a film screening – check the website for details.
RNLI Bembridge Lane End Rd, Bembridge PO35 5TB (01983 872201)
A beautiful building holding the Bembridge Lifeboat of which you get excellent views. Manned by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers who are happy to answer questions and tell you more about the boat. Launches on Tuesday evenings at 7pm but please do check their website as these are sometimes cancelled due to operational reasons. Launches are popular and there’s a short talk beforehand so arrive in good time.
Jurassic Jims, 60 High Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6JN (01983 864577)
A fascinating and well stocked fossil shop run. Jurassic Jim is always happy to chat to customers about his fossils and give advice about fossil hunting on the Island. Well worth a visit – especially if you have children who have pocket money to spend.
The Garlic Farm Mersley Lane, Newchurch, Isle of Wight, PO36 0NR (01983 865 378)
A 40 acre Garlic Farm with a visitors centre, café and farm shop. Visitors are free to walk around the peaceful estate and children’s activities run in school holidays. We recommend a visit to the café which is not only delicious but also a great place to spot red squirrels as well as the Farms resident Peacocks.
Tapnell Farm Park, Newport Road, Yarmouth PO41 0YJ
All weather attraction on West Wight, mainly aimed at the family market but with some great outdoor activities for adults too (axe throwing, football golf, etc). There is a relatively new Aqua Park onsite with slides and inflatables - children must be aged 7+ and over 110cm in height and under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Wetsuits are provided and sessions must be booked online in advance. Lots of pop up events on offer in the summer so it’s always worth checking the website.
Slomo Wellbeing. venues across the Island
Pop up Saunas and Contrast Therapy across the Island - guided sessions and private hire hire available. Highly recommended and worth checking the website as locations come and go seasonally. Slomo.me
The Point Bembridge, via Silversands car park, off Embankment Road, PO35 5NZ
Coastal space offering a pop up bar from our local brewery, Wight Knuckle, SUP and Kayak hire from Beach Buoys, food and coffee. A casual space to explore - open seasonally and currently only Thursday - Sunday but its worth checking their website as the venue expands - linktr.ee/thepointbembridge
Swimming Pools
Waterside Pool, The Esplanade, Ryde, PO33 1 JA (01983-563656)
A 25 metre heated swimming pool with a retractable roof. Good disabled access including hoists although please call ahead if you need to use this service. Check the website or call ahead for information about session times – www.rydepool.co.uk
If its raining…
If it’s raining and you don’t have children with you, we suggest you don your waterproofs, take a walk and then treat yourself to afternoon tea or glass of wine in one of the Islands may pubs! If you have children who need wearing out with you however, here are a few ideas…
Dinosaur Isle followed by lunch at neighbouring Browns café which has a play area for under 5’s.
Amazon World (Watery Ln, Newchurch, Sandown, Hampshire PO36 0LX T 01983 867122) has plenty to do indoors
JR Zone (55 Manners View, Newport PO30 5FA 01983 559272) in Newport is an enormous soft play with activities for children 0 – 12 and a café.
Sandown Pier has lots to do inside including soft play and indoor mini golf
Head to Ryde where you’ll find a bowling alley, a small games arcade, crazy golf and a Chocolatier (Chocolate Apothecary, 7 Esplanade, Ryde PO33 2DY).
Arreton Barns for a look around the craft village, 12th century church and a visit to The Dairymans Daughter pub which has great home cooked food.