Isle of Wight

[babychange]

Dh is suggesting we go to Isle of Wight for a long weekend. Any recommendations on where to go or stay? We have 2 DC 4 and 1

@Longdistance

We’re heading for the midday ferry today to head to our Airbnb cottage in Ventnor. We’re going to Blackgang Chine tomorrow, so I’ll report back. Excited! Feels like a holiday as we’re going on a ferry 😂

We went over two weeks ago to our place in Ventor. It was lovely and did feel like a holiday, despite us working and the rain. Very relaxing.

Island Line trains aren’t running for a while - there’s a replacement bus service

Regarding the zoo - it’s more of a sanctuary than a zoo - they rehome mostly tigers rescued from circuses

We stayed in Ventnor last year. Quite a lot to do within 15 mins drive - donkey sanctuary is so cute and free, blackgang chine, Robin Hill Country Park, Steephill Cove is a lovely beach and cafe, Ventnor paddling pool.

The other place we love is Bembridge but there aren't so many attractions nearby

I used Tesco Clubcard vouchers last summer to get the ferry over. Absolutely LOVE it over there. Please visit the Garlic Farm, awesome place!

We just spoke to some locals and they mentioned about going to Sandown beach. Also, to look out for the tide on the Osborne House beach, otherwise it’s small.

You can't go to the IOW and not go to Blackgang Chine!!!

Also down that way is Compton Beach which is a really nice beach.

Blackgang chine is totally odd and yet enjoyable , definitely good for a 1 and 4yr old.

The needles is worth a trip too.

We’ve just had the day at Blackgang Chine. It was so much fun! We left our picnic in the car and dh went back for it. Lots of places to sit too. My dd is nearly 12 and she loved it. It reminds me of the theme park in Retford, but bigger. Some really quirky things there.
Off to Sandown beach tomorrow. We got speaking to locals last night, they said it was a really good beach, so we’re off there with our picnic for Bank holiday Monday.

I love the Isle of Wight, well known for being the most expensive ferry crossing in the world for distance though! I love Shanklin, our preferred area to stay,pretty village. So much to do for families, my DS’ loved Blackgang Chine, The Needles, Model Village, etc. Would recommend for a family holiday.

@Longdistance what’s the weather like? We arrive on Wednesday and it looks a fair bit chillier than the glorious sunshine in London but I’m wondering if that’s just because of the sea breeze. Not sure what to pack at the moment.

It’s been about 20°c. We had a breeze, but we’ve been on the coast. @FizzyPink pack a mix of things. I had a fleece with me yesterday and it was off more than on. Just when we’d stop and the breeze would come, it got chilly.
It is going to get cooler later on in the week, we’ve booked Osborn house one of the days.