My Guide to a Family Holiday on The Isle of Wight
Updated: Aug 21
Just a short ferry journey from the mainland, the Isle of Wight feels like a proper escape without having to travel too far. This beautiful island is packed with sandy beaches, seaside towns, dramatic coastline, countryside, historic attractions and family-friendly days out, making it a brilliant destination for a family holiday.
And one of the best things about an Isle of Wight holiday? The holiday starts before you even arrive. Driving onto the ferry and crossing the Solent feels like the beginning of the adventure, and within a short time you’re stepping off onto the island ready to explore.
To read about our experience of using Wightlink Ferries Click Here.
We have spent years visiting the island and we always spend it staying in Shanklin, and packed our holiday with a mixture of beach days, exploring the coastline, family attractions, lots of good food and plenty of time simply enjoying being away together.
In my Guide I'm sharing ideas for you to make your visit the best it can be.
⭐Attractions to Visit
Heritage and Historic
The Isle of Wight has a rich heritage and history that many Islanders are 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
Set overlooking the Solent, Osborne House was the much-loved seaside home of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their nine children. Step inside and get a fascinating glimpse into royal family life, from the nursery and private rooms to the magnificent Royal Apartments. Outside, take a stroll through the beautiful grounds.
For families, don’t miss the miniature Swiss Cottage, where the royal children were taught practical household skills. Walk down to Queen Victoria’s private beach, a lovely spot for lunch and finding sea glass. Osborne House offers a fascinating glimpse into the private family life of one of Britain’s most famous monarchs and is a must-visit for any Isle of Wight holiday.
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
Bembridge Windmill
Tucked away in the countryside near Bembridge, Bembridge Windmill is a Grade I listed building and one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic images. Built around 1700, it last operated in 1913 but still has most of its original machinery intact. It is now looked after by the National Trust. You can actually go inside and climb through all four floors of the windmill seeing the huge wooden cogs, gears and working mechanisms still in place.
⭐Family Fun Attractions
The Needles
Read my review of The Needles Attraction
The Needles is one of the Isle of Wight’s most famous landmarks, with its dramatic trio of white chalk stacks alongside the iconic red-and-white lighthouse.
You can make your way down to Alum Bay beach via the steps, or take the famous chairlift for spectacular views as you travel down the cliffside. From the beach, you can also take a boat trip out towards the Needles for an even closer look. Theres also adventure golf, fairground rides, coloured sand souvenirs & glass-blowing demonstrations.
Blackgang Chine
Blackgang Chine is the Isle of Wight’s original theme park and is packed with attractions, rides and things to do for all ages. Set on the cliffs overlooking the south coast, the park has a mix of themed areas, from dinosaurs and cowboys to fairy tales and the Wild West. There are rides for younger children as well as bigger thrills for older kids, plus plenty of play areas and imaginative play.
Robin hill
Robin Hill is an attraction set across 88 acres with a mixture of rides, play areas, gardens and outdoor activities. You can explore the woodland trails, discover the treetop adventure, enjoy family rides and let the kids burn off some energy in the play areas. The park is also home to the famous Colossus toboggan run.
Tapnell Farm Park
Tapnell Farm Park is a brilliant family day out which combines farmyard fun with loads of activities, so there is plenty to keep children entertained whatever the weather. You can meet and feed the farm animals, explore the indoor and outdoor play areas, race around the go-karts and enjoy the giant jumping pillow. There are also crazy golf, trampolines, slides and seasonal activities.
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is a lovely place to visit if your family enjoys animals. Home to rescued donkeys and ponies, the sanctuary gives you the chance to meet the animals, learn about their stories and see the work that goes into caring for them. It is FREE to visit, although donations are welcomed to help support the sanctuary. You can also browse the gift shop and have something to eat at the café, making it an easy, low cost day out while on the island.
Godshill Model Village
Tucked away in the beautiful village of Godshill, the Model Village is a lovely little attraction that both children and adults can enjoy. It features incredibly detailed miniature versions of Godshill and Shanklin Old Village, complete with tiny buildings, gardens, people and plenty of little details to spot.
The model village has been carefully created and maintained over the years, and children will love wandering around looking for all the tiny details. There are also miniature trains running through the village, adding an extra bit of fun. It’s not a huge attraction, but it’s a great little stop to combine with exploring Godshill’s thatched cottages, independent shops and famous medieval church.
⭐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 and a high sea wall. 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.
Freshwater Bay
Situated on the western side of the Isle of Wight, the bay is surrounded by dramatic white chalk cliffs, with the famous Stag Rock sitting just offshore. The beach itself is a mixture of grey flint and chalk pebbles, with some sandy areas becoming exposed further along the bay as the tide goes out. At low tide, you can also find rock pools, making it a lovely place to explore with the kids. There are caves and little coves around the cliffs which were once used by smugglers. You can explore some of the coastline from the water by kayak or paddleboard, but if you're heading towards the caves on foot, make sure you keep a close eye on the tide
Ryde Beach
Ryde Beach is a huge stretch of sand, especially when the tide is out. From the beach, you can look out towards Ryde Pier, where a proper train line runs along the pier connecting Ryde with the mainland ferry terminal, while the iconic hovercrafts come and go from the seafront.
Further along the beach is the impressive Appley Tower, which makes a great landmark if you're exploring the coastline. The town just behind the seafront, you can easily combine a few hours on the beach with a wander around the shops & cafés.
⭐Where to Stay
Sunny Beach Escapes in Shanklin
We have stayed in these apartments a FOUR 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. Perfect for mulitple families staying together.
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 in Shanklin
Tucked beneath Shanklin Chine at the far end of Shanklin Esplanade, this charming thatched pub is literally right on the beach. The cottage dates back to 1817 and is the original thatched dining pub on Shanklin beach. It was built by William Colenutt, who also created the original pathway through Shanklin Chine, so there is plenty of history attached to this little building. The menu is on the smaller side with daily specials often featuring locally caught crab, lobster, bream and bass. You are right beside the beach and at the foot of Shanklin Chine, so it’s easy to combine a meal here with a day exploring the seafront, beach and Chine. Fisherman's Cottage - Shanklin Chine
The Steamer Inn in Shanklin
Sitting right on Shanklin Esplanade, it's just a stone's throw from the beach, with its large terrace looking out across the sea. We loved this pub and ate and drank here alot during our stay. They have a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu as well as a large vegetarian, vegan and children's menu. The portions are great and with the varied menu its great for all the family.
The Crab in Shanklin
The Crab is right in the heart of Shanklin Old Village. It's hard to miss with its beautiful thatched roof and traditional character. The building itself dates back to the 16th century and is Grade II listed, so there is plenty of history behind the door of this pub. Inside, it's traditional with small cosy areas but also has a beer garden for warmer days. It serves classic family-friendly pub food as it is a Green King Chain pub.
The Spyglass Inn in Ventnor
If you're looking for somewhere to eat with a view, The Spyglass Inn in Ventnor is hard to beat. Sitting right on the western end of Ventnor Esplanade, the pub is practically on the water's edge, with fantastic views across Ventnor Bay and the English Channel. The building dates back to around 1830 and has a fascinating history, with Ventnor Bay once being a popular haunt for smugglers. Inside, you'll find the walls covered in maritime memorabilia, old pictures and quirky nautical artefacts, giving the pub a really distinctive feel. Being right beside the sea, seafood is a big part of the menu. Fresh crab and lobster are sourced from the nearby Ventnor Haven Fishery along with a large menu to suit all tastes.
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
Pencil Cottage - Shanklin Old Town
This beautiful thatched cottage is one of the oldest buildings in the village and is Grade II listed, with its traditional Isle of Wight stone, thatched roof and charming cottage-oŕnée style making it look like it has come straight from the pages of a storybook. Pencil Cottage is home to a cosy café serving breakfast, lunches, sandwiches, pizzas, cakes, cream teas and afternoon treats, with a children’s menu making it a lovely place to stop with the family. There is also a peaceful garden terrace where you can sit and enjoy your food.
Old Thatched Teashop - Shanklin Old Town
The building itself dates back to around 1690, when it was originally two or three fishermen's cottages, and it's believed to be the oldest building in Shanklin. It eventually became a teashop in 1940. And it's not just the building that makes this place special. Inside you'll find a wonderfully traditional tearoom, while outside is a fairy garden and pretty garden seating area. The Old Thatch offers traditional cream teas, sandwiches, homemade cakes & light bites.
Fins Beach Cafe - Esplanade between Shanklin & Sandown
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 - Clifftops in Shanklin
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.
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