North Wight

Osborne House

One of the Isle of Wight's most fascinating historic houses, Osborne House make for an excellent day out with the kids. The gardens offer acres of exploring, with multiple family-friendly trails keeping the little ones thoroughly entertained as you weave between trees. Queen Victoria's beloved beach is a great place to grab an ice cream, while the grand rooms offer the perfect place to uncover the history of this sprawling estate.

South Wight

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Free to enter and full of the friendly furry faces, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is one of the best free things to do on the Island with kids. During the holidays, there are often fun activities put on for younger visitors, while over 100 rescue donkeys and ponies ensure every moment will be filled with 'Ooos' and 'Ahhhs'. The site is dog-friendly too, making it pawfect for the whole pack.

West Wight

Boat Rides - The Needles

From the beach at Alum Bay, boat trips run from Easter to October and can take you on either a leisurely 20-minute boat trip to Needles Rock and Lighthouse, a fast, exciting adventure on a high-speed rib or a cruise to nearby Yarmouth. With breathtaking scenery, the whole family will enjoy this special adventure.

Chairlift – The Needles

Situated at the most westerly point of the Island, The Needles Landmark Attraction is an action-packed park with adventure golf, carousel, games and a selection of shops and eateries. The iconic chairlift takes guests down the cliffside to the beach below, giving an awesome view of the Needles and Alum Bay. If you’d prefer to walk, there is an alternative path down steep steps to the beach. Once on the beach, boat trips can be booked for a close-up view of the Needles. Take a look at their website for Supersaver tickets.

East Wight

Bembridge Lifeboat Station

Bembridge Lifeboat Station is on the easterly side of the island and was completed in 2011. Standing proudly, looking out into the Solent, the station has two lifeboats: a Tamar Class all-weather (ALB) and a D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB). Open daily, visitors are also allowed to watch training launches. There’s a shop for souvenirs, and donations are welcome to help support this worthy cause.

Sandown Pier

Sandown is a quintessential seaside town with miles of golden sandy beach, ice cream kiosks, and deckchairs to hire. The town is renowned for its pier, a popular attraction with indoor golf, ten-pin bowling, dodgems, a children’s play area and an arcade with amusements. When it’s time to refuel, there are lots of options when it comes to eating and drinking. Oodles of fun can be had here, and it’s a great place to visit when the weather isn’t great.

Shanklin Chine

A tourist attraction for over 200 years, Shanklin Chine is a steep-sided ravine where guests can follow narrow paths and steps down to Shanklin Beach. With two dramatic waterfalls, this stunning attraction starts in Shanklin Old Village and ends at Shanklin Esplanade. During the summer months, the attraction is also open in the evening and illuminated by hundreds of lights, a truly wonderful spectacle.

Over the Solent

Hovercraft

Fancy taking a trip on the only remaining passenger hovercraft ferry? Well, here you can, courtesy of Hover Travel running between Ryde and Southsea throughout the year, this one-of-a-kind experience will be enjoyed by all. This is the fastest way to cross the Solent and takes a mere 10 minutes, giving you plenty of time for a day out on the mainland, and there is even a bus direct to Portsmouth from Southsea port. Tickets can be booked via their website, and Wight Locations have a discount of 20% available to their guests, so please feel free to contact our island office for the discount code.

Central Wight

Isle of Wight Steam Train

Everyone loves a ride on a steam train, right? This delightful heritage railway passes through the countryside between Havenstreet and Wootton station, and at just over 5 miles in length, it is a great way to see the Island. The steam trains are beautifully restored and kept in pristine condition for Island visitors. There’s a museum and a gorgeous woodland walk at Havenstreet, so why not make a day of it! Take a look at their website for further details and how to book tickets.

Brading Roman Villa

In 1880, a retired army captain, John Thorp, and local farmer William Munns uncovered the Bacchus mosaic, leading to the discovery of the Roman Villa and a fascinating collection of artefacts, which includes 700 Roman coins found in a ceramic pot near Brightstone in 2011. The current building protects the villa from the weather, and here you can learn the fascinating history of the villa, who lived there, and the myths and legends surrounding the ruins. With exhibitions, family events, and a cinema, the whole family will enjoy spending time here, while the café offers the perfect opportunity for a holiday treat.

 Excited for your next family holiday? Explore our beautiful cottages on the Isle of Wight and start planning your fun-filled stay.