Where on IoW with 1 and 4 year old?

[Pumpkinbumkin200]

Trying to decide where to stay on the Isle of Wight. We like traditional sort of seaside towns, stuff for the kids and not too far to travel from the ferry? Any suggestions where to stay - holiday resort? Self catering? Thank you.

The isle of Wight is tiny so anywhere
Is not far from the ferry. Shanklins nice and definitely visit black gang chine.

Sorry forgot to say we stayed at Wight cliff bay once. It was lovely for the kids. Outdoor cinema on the cliff top with the moon out and marshmallows. Lovely swimming pool and restaurant

Will you have a car?

Yes will have a car.

Nowhere is far away. Seaview is lovely, and right over the other side West Wight (Freshwater, Totland etc) has beaches, Tapnell Farm etc which is great for their age.

Easy beaches on the South side, Ventnor, Shanklin etc. Are you looking for a cottage or a holiday park?

If the latter I too would go for Whitecliffe Bay, or Nodes Point...both of which have beach access.

Briddlesford Farm to look at the calves and eat cake
IoW Steam Railway
Shanklin for a paddle
Blackgang Chine for a vintage theme park

Check out the ferry prices before you book a hotel though. A 5 day trip is cheaper than a week, whichnis eye wateringly expensive.

I can't decide between holiday park or self catering. Either are fine with us. I would just want a nice holiday park (decent lodges!) that isn't too noisy/busy, not fussed about evening entertainment etc but has a swimming pool etc for the kids.

We have stayed at The Lakes and St Helens park run by away resorts. Both were nice and have a pool for kids.

It's the Isle of wight, nowhere is too far from the ferry!

Ryde or a nearby town would meet your requirements though, you'd be close to both the terminals for the Southampton & Portsmouth ferries, lots of traditional seaside beaches nearby too. If not Ryde, then east Wight will be more convenient for your needs than west Wight (but it doesn't take long to drive across the island!).

We camped at Appledurcomb holiday park (might’ve spelt that wrong!) when our kids were that age. it was a lovely little site that had a pool, bar with a pizza oven and lodges/ apartments for non campers. Felt really quiet and kid friendly. Kids loved it and we found it quite relaxing….

We went when DD was 4, she loved the model village and black gang chine

Robin Hill Park is a great day out for younger children, Blackgang Chine might be better when your youngest is a few years older. My 3 and 1 year olds loved the Donkey Sanctuary too. Ryde has a lovely beach but my favourite is Colwell Bay. There are some nice holiday cottages on the quieter west side of the island, but Whitecliff Bay is a good holiday park near Bembridge. Travelling with Red Funnel from Southampton is pretty hassle free and very family friendly, you can usually get a discount code from whoever you book accommodation with.