Isle of Wight

[tworottenapples]

I'm looking to go to The Isle of Wight during the Easter Holidays. Three generations going, age range 5 - 70.

Looking for ideas of places to go / see. Obviously, I can use Google to see the main attractions such as The Needles or Osborne House, but was wondering about more personal recommendations, for example there is a good beach at x place where you can catch crabs, or there's a great pub called x at x town where they serve great food and have a kids play area. Or a café serving great food with views over x harbour.

We'll be staying near Cowes, but obviously the island isn't that large, so happy to consider any area.

Thanks to anyone who can provide suggestions.

Oh and also make sure you check your ferry crossings on the morning of travel. My family have been caught out so many times with cancellations and delays. My DS was over before New Year and it was really foggy, his crossing was delayed.

I must sound so negative, sorry! Just experience is all. Its fantastic here but be prepared for any pitfalls and your holiday won't be spoilt.

The Garlic Farm is fabulous for food and it's a nice, quirky little place! It's in Sandown.

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sponsored/cosy-winter-breaks-on-the-isle-of-wight-sail-for-less-with-wightlink-deals-5485347

Google gave me these

www.portsmouth.co.uk/must-read/half-term-on-a-budget-as-kids-go-free-to-the-isle-of-wight-4630931

@jamjar2025 The Garlic Farm is in Newchurch. Few miles from Sandown.

Cineworld in Newport if its raining.
An independent cinema in Ryde
Bus museum in Ryde
Fort Victoria Country Park has some quirky attractions and a cafe. You can watch seals swimming about.

That's it, I'm taking over! 🤣😂😅

Grab the brochures on the ferry. If you're on Wightlink, it's called Wightlife I think.

Ah- apologies @DinoLil
Haven't been to the IOW in a while- just remembered the Garlic Farm as being particularly good.

@jamjar2025 It is good! Great restaurant and shop with tasting samples and brilliant place to see red squirrels 🐿

Bembridge lifeboat launches at 7pm on Tuesdays (check their Facebook page for details) It is impressive to watch as it's big and coming down a bit ramp.

I don't know if you are planning on wightlink or red funnel but we got our voucher books through a few weeks back for wightlink
Islanders get codes for slightly cheaper ferry's
Iv private messaged you a few of the codes as my family don't have any use for them
@tworottenapples

Thank you so much. That is very kind of you to offer.

I'm not sure how to reply to your PM, but I have managed to read it. (I'm a bit of a technophobe)

I don't think I will be able to use your codes however, as we have already booked accommodation and just need to book the ferry and it appears that the ferry codes are for travel up to 26th March and we will be travelling later than that.

I thought I should let you know as you might be able to pass them on to a friend who has family coming or something if you know I'm not going to be using them.

Tapnell Farm is good for younger kids and there's a nice restaurant/pub there as well. Lots of nice places to eat around Seaview including where they make the gin!

Yes! We stayed in Seaview - ate a couple of times at The Dell at the end of Ryde beach.
Mermaid Gin is lovely! The Pink one is my favourite!!

I'm not really a lover of gin, but perhaps I will make an exception as it's made on the island.

Thanks again everyone.

There was a time I was also interested in visiting the isle of Wight, but unfortunately it never happened :/ I would be very interested to see what you did eventually!!
Some friends of mine went an they said they enjoyed it a lot. That's why I wanted to combine it when I went to Portsmouth. I see you have a bunch of suggestions, but here is whatever I had gathered for the potential trip (here, here, here and www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/unexpected-delight-the-isle-of-wight-afitz )

Just thought I'd update as we're back. We had lovely weather. We stayed four nights, so had three full days, plus did a bit on the day of arrival and departure. We went to Godshill, including the model village and the Griffin pub with the hedge maze. Both were great, but beware the stinging nettles in the hedge maze if you go there.

The next day the youngsters went to Blackgang Chine for the day, but I stayed at the lodge that day as I thought it would be too hilly for pushing my wheelchair.

The next day was spent at Ryde, a great sandy beach. We also went to the arcade there and the kids had fun on the bumper boats and some big zorbing balls on water. Then we went for a walk round the marina a look at the hovercrafts then train ride to the end of the pier (that was a bit underwhelming to be honest.)

Apparently crabbing season hasn't started yet.

Unfortunately due to the time were were there, we didn't make it to West Wight at all, so the plan is to go back again sometime soon and stay on the West of the island. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

I thought it was a shithole! Rundown and crap stoney beaches! Ex in laws are obsessed and for 3 times a year for a month at a time!

I'm sorry you didn't like it. Ryde had a fabulous golden sandy beach.

So pleased you enjoyed it. We went many times and enjoyed revisiting favourite places and discovering new things. Lots of great pubs to enjoy after a day out, walking or at the beach.