IOW which are the nice bits?

[FrogSparkle]

We are looking at a last minute holiday and found some availability on Isle of Wight. But I remember from childhood holidays it is a bit of a 'mixed' island. Which parts should we visit?

Sandown is rather run down but has a bit more life in the summer.

Freshwater and Yarmouth are quite cut off.

Newport is central but lots of the shops have closed in recent years as in many towns.

But that said, it's a beautiful island, no where is very far away so it doesn't matter really where you stay. Loads to do, fab cafes, restaurants and theatres, museums, zoos, all sorts.

Have a fabulous holiday here! I've lived here almost five years and still feel like I'm on holiday!

I like Ventnor and Shanklin

Ventnor and Seaview and St Helen’s are my favourites . Make sure you drive across the Downs as the views are stunning . Also the Military Road between Freshwater and Ventnor - surfing at one of the beaches along the way - Compton / Brook . Ventnor Botanic gardens is nice and you can get down to Steephill Cove

there is a nice pub on the main road to Calbourne with fabulous views nice views and I think a kids playground ( name escapes me)

Near the Military Road - Brightstone is a lovely village.
Ventnor is also nice.
Newport is a bit of a dump, but pretty much all of the coastal areas are fine.

The Blacksmiths Calbourne Road .

Cowes and Gurnard are worth a wander along the Promenade and for rock pools (not sandy) and chips on the Prom from the town . . Newport - last time I was there a lot of it was closed . Carisbrooke Castle is fab with kids .

Ordanance Survey books of walks are really good if you can get one online - imagine there is an IOW one

Sandown or Shanklin if you’re looking for a classic British holiday and/or you won’t be taking a car. Personally, I prefer Shanklin's old village and seafront amusements but plenty of other people prefer Sandown's seafront.
Newport and Ryde are the best equipped with supermarkets, cinemas and restaurants. They both have nice parts and Newport is excellent for accessing other parts but they aren't as pretty as the other options in my view. Ryde has some good seafront attractions for children (bowling alley, swimming pool, paddling pool, playgrounds) and the beach is sandy and huge.
The town centre in (West) Cowes is attractive but there aren't many sandy beaches nearby. We enjoy sitting on the seafront and watching the yachts trying to avoid massive container ships.