Isle of Wight: the family-friendly summer holiday destination where a short journey takes you to another world
What makes a good family holiday? Weather, oh yes, we all love that? Plenty to do? Yes, a must for all ages. Happy kids? Ice cream and dinosaurs help there!But a lifetime of memories is the real sign of a dream trip. The Isle of Wight is filled with magical moments just waiting to be discovered.
A trip to the beach
Whether you like your beaches packed with golden sand, filled with other kids to play with, little nooks for book-reading or scenic idylls for watercolours, or even dog-, paddle-board- or kayak-friendly, with 57 miles of coast the Isle of Wight offers it all.
Be bucket-and-spade-ready at Shanklin or Sandown, where the proms are lined with quaint souvenir shops, ice cream parlours, cafes and arcades.
Explore around the island to find hidden gems, quiet spots or gigantic waves to enjoy – there’s something for everyone.
Theme Park fun
Go back in time (in more ways than one) with a wonderful day at Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest theme park. Packed with dino-fun, cowboy adventures, classics like the hall of mirrors and the crooked house and thrill rides, a day-trip to this Ventnor classic will wow from toddlers to teens.
Holiday like the Royals
With nannies aplenty, Queen Victoria’s summer holidays on the Isle of Wight might have been a little more pampered than for today’s mums and dads, but with nine kids to entertain she picked her destination wisely. Visit her former home at Osborne to see family-friendly fun for all, from the playhouse and Punch and Judy show to the beautiful beach. You can even see HRH’s personal bathing machine, wonder at the curios in the museum or see the Swiss Cottage inspired playhouse that Prince Albert built.
A wild adventure
No matter what age you are, a tree is a challenge! Visit Goodleaf Tree Climbing for a playground beneath beautiful oak trees, suitable for ages eight and up. Experienced staff will coax even the most nervous adventurer to take to the treetops and enjoy stunning views from Ryde around the island. Don’t forget your camera!
A roaring time
Every kid loves a dinosaur … so whether they’re fascinated by fossils (we heartily recommend Compton Bay or Yaverland for the best chance to find your own piece of history), want to walk in the footsteps of these magnificent extinct creatures over at Hanover or ask questions by the gazillion of the experts at Dinosaur Isle, there’s nowhere better to inspire imaginations.
In fact, the Isle of Wight is decribed as having one of the richest sources of dinosaur remains in Europe – as holidays go, this is dino-mite!
Ready to find your next family adventure? Book your tickets to another world here, with Wightlink.