To bloody love the Isle of Wight?

[BarbaraVineFan]

I’m here now with my 86 year old dad and 5 year old DD. We come every year and rent a cottage, and always have the best time! There’s so much to do in all weathers, the scenery is gorgeous and everyone we meet is friendly. But I don’t know, people sometimes seem a bit sniffy about it as a holiday destination, as though it’s old fashioned or unfashionable or something. AIBU to love it and not to understand why it isn’t seen as a ‘naice’ holiday destination like Cornwall or the Lake District?

I love Barbara Vine!

I am a massive fan and it always feels like 'abroad' because of getting there on the ferry. We loved taking the children when they were tiny.

Ah, this is lovely to read. I grew up on the Island. I'm pleased you're having a lovely holiday. Have you been to Steephill Cove?

@Arseusmaximuswe haven’t this year, but have before and it’s so beautiful. This year we have mainly been on the beach at Sandown and Shanklin and also to the Donkey Sanctuary and to Robin Hill :)

It does! My DD always gets so excited on the ferry (and I do too, to be honest!)

I've only been once, about thirty years ago. We stayed in a cottage near Carisbrooke Castle. Absolutely beautiful. We need to revisit next summer.

I love the Isle of Wight. Haven’t been for over 10 years. Must take a trip wirh my kids :)

I love it!! Like stepping back in time

A friend just came back from visiting it and she speaks wonders of it, makes me want to go!

Nice to visit. Wouldn't want to live there. I have known quite a few people over the years, who grew up there (as children and teenagers,) and couldn't wait to leave it. They moved to London, Brighton, Bournemouth, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Winchester. A few moved a bit further north (To Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.) Never went back to the Isle Of Wight... Only occasionally - to visit family who still live there.

I once did a sailing course from the Solent. We went into Yarmouth and Cowes, then back and into Lymington then back over again. I loved it, especially the evening we had in Yarmouth eating fish and chips on the quay. I did get quite confused about where we and for ages I thougkht Lymington was on the isle white.

Reminds me of a very very old joke of my late father. ‘ What steams & comes out of cows backwards?’. The Isle of Wight Ferry!⛴️

love the joke @Qoopwhooping!

To be honest, I’m glad not many people seem to go to the Isle of Wight. Here is a pic of the beach at Sandown this morning at 11am

Absolutely love holidays there. It’s such a lovely destination for kids, so much to do.

I don’t think I could live there though.

We love the IoW. Discovered it during Covid and have been back every year to the same flat in Shanklin on the Esplanade.

I'm taking my kids for 3 days next week. What would you recommend we do? They're 2 and 4.

I have happy memories of holidays of IoW both as a child myself and also as a Mum!
Last time we went when our children were small we visited the Monkey Haven - such a lovely attraction.

I've been once, and absolutely loved it. But, I agree, it's for holidays only - I would hate to live there.

I have been fortunate to travel the world , however one of my favourite places is the Isle of Wight
Freshwater Bay is beautiful

In Ventnor there is a little splash pool in the shape of the Island. My kids (7 and 3) love it as did my husband when he was a kid in the 70's. Ventnor also has an ice cream shop called Crave. Lots of flavours your kids will love.

There is also Tapnal farm with animals and soft play. A little pricey but you can spend all day there.

My in laws live there and we visit every year. Great for little kids.

It’s my happy place OP. Haven’t been since 2023, I miss it. We always go to the Model Village at Godshill and have lunch at The Griffin where there is a maze in the garden! DC love it too (and they are in their 20s😆)!

@Notmycircusnotmyotter

Dinosaur World in Sandown, which is next to the Wildlife Sanctuary
There is also a donkey sanctuary and Monkey Haven was good

I’ve been going there for many decades. Many happy memories. Lovely place. 👍😉

Forgot those!