3 great family days out in the Isle of Wight
Summer really does show off everything that’s best about the Isle of Wight - the fabulous produce, the spectacular scenery and the great family attractions. Caravan holidays on the island are one of the best ways of taking advantage of everything there is to see and do, and with the island measuring just 23 miles by 13 miles, you really can do it all!
Caravan holidays in Shanklin are the affordable way to enjoy a proper family holiday in this lovely part of the world. The UK’s oldest theme park at Blackgang Chine is just a short drive away and there’s a bus that runs to Robin Hill, another wonderful day out for families with young children. But here’s our pick of the best family friendly days out around the island.
1. The Needles Landmark Attraction
You can visit two iconic Isle of Wight attractions in one when you spend a day out at the Needles Landmark Attraction. There are plenty of attractions including the old-fashioned carousel and Jurassic Adventure Golf, and there are always demonstrations of the old-fashioned art of sweet-making to enthrall younger children!
The Needles are always a stunning sight emerging from the sea, and the colourful sand cliffs at Alum will provoke plenty of oohs and ahs - don’t go without filling your own souvenir with colourful layers of sand at the Sand Shop. Bring a picnic and prepare to have your pockets emptied at the various attractions.
2. Monkey Haven and Butterfly World
We’re grouping these attractions together as between them they make a great day out, especially for kids interested in the natural world. Monkey Haven is a rescue centre not just for monkeys but meerkats and other creatures too. There’s an activity trail to follow and a big play area for your own little monkeys to swing and climb in!
You can stop for tea here or travel 2 minutes to Butterfly World where you can enjoy the sight of thousands of beautiful butterflies flying freely. There’s also a garden centre plus Japanese gardens and Koi carp ponds to explore. As with most attractions on the island, your ticket acts as a 7 day pass, so you can pop back as often as you like!
3. Tapnell Farm Park and Calbourne Water Mill
Another pair of fascinating attractions that are just a few minutes apart, there’s plenty for all the family to see and do. The farm has soft play for the little ones and the Straw Bale Adventure Barn for older kids who’ll love the go karts and zip wire. There’s also an animal attraction that mixes farmyard animals with wallabies and meerkats. If you can drag the kids away, nearby Calbourne Water Mill offers 35 acres of grounds that house an old fire station and war museum, amongst other attractions.
Buy grain to hand feed the peacocks and doves or enjoy a round of dragon-themed Adventure golf. Kids also love the opportunity to make and take away their own clay models. Both attractions are also perfect for a rainy day, with plenty to do undercover.
With so many great family friendly days out on the Isle of Wight, what are you waiting for? See you in the summer!
