Isle of Wight with a 6,4 and 1 year old

[TelephoneTree]

Can anyone recommend a good area for beach / farms / outdoorsy stuff to do with the kids?? I'm looking at cottages but realise I have no idea wher I should be looking. Also - ideas for things to do if the weather's bad!

To be honest the IOW is so small that it doesn't really matter where you stay because everywhere you want to go will be less than a 25 min drive.

Ryde and Sandown beach both great for kids with play areas etc.

Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine are great.

Model Village in Godshill is opposite a pub with a big garden and a maze. In fact loads of the pubs have great play areas.

We've done most of the tourist attractions - zoo/amazon world/ co lemans farm/needles (over rated in my opinion) and even the random bus museum on a rainy day!

It's not great in bad weather but with waterproofs anything is possible to be honest.

It's a great place for chilling out and kids seem to be able to find entertainment in the most unlikely places!

We've stayed in various accommodation over there - Gurnard pines wasn't very central but did have an indoor pool and a small play area which helped in wet days.

Have a great time!

That is a really helpful post, thank you so much!!

Check the Isle of Wight forum on Trip Advisor - loads of advice/people asking questions like yours.

The steam railway and Carisbrooke Castle are always on our list of must do's as well as all hte things mentioned by Alwick
Depending on what you like there is Osbourne House, and a lovely NT garden (whose name escapes me). Also for small children the 'zoo' at Seaview is great - lots of ducks etc to feed, penguins to feed, wllabies to stroke and a lovely petting zoo etc.
Love the IoW - it is great with small children. We love the beach at the western end of Sandown Bay, by the Zoo - Yaverland. Not too tourisy but lovely sand, good for swimming, good car park, small cafe and lovely clean loos!

I agree with Aldwick - Ryde & Sandown beaches are great and safe for the kids - If you don't get a cottage, Park Resorts in St Helens / Bembridge may be worth a look?. If the weather goes bad Dinosaur Museum, Classic Boat Museum and indoor play centres may be your best bet - If you do go be sure to get an Isle of Wight Tourist Card - www.iowtouristcard.com it could save you quite a bit during your holiday.

thank you so much everyone - this is so helpful!