Isle of Wight

[Thismummyruns]

1st time in IOW next week with a nearly 5 year old.

Any recommendations of places to visit, really good places to eat etc?

Hints & tips greatly appreciated

Where are you staying?

We just went last week with a 4 and 6 year old and loved the dinosaur museum at Sandown, Sandown pier and blackgang chine! The dinosaurs and rollercoaster at black gang chine were favourites. It’s a bit pricy for what it is- but you can go back in on the same tickets for 7 days - so go early in your trip so you can go back!

Were going in a few weeks. I love blackgangchine even though its very dated. We also go to the needles. The actual shops and "entertainment" are hideous but the kids loved filling an ornament with coloured sand. Im terrified of the chairlift so walk but lots of people like it. Wed like to do the boat trip at the bottom too.

We didnt really eat out last time we went. Interested to hear suggestions!

We're planning quite a few walks this time - with return trips on the train/bus.

I agree that the Dinosaur museum at Sandown is excellent.

Fort Victoria is a good day out. There's a marine aquarium and an amazing Model Railway which weaves through miniature towns past things like the circus and the fairground! Some of the railway's functions rely on small fingers pressing the right buttons so there is an element of interactivity, but it's also fairly mesmerising to just stand and watch. Plus there's a planetarium offering stargazing and simulated moonwalks! There are also space related science displays and a super modern exhibition to have a good nose through, with loads of interesting things to study.
Countryside Rangers are often able to offer guided walks of the surrounding area but it's also nice to just explore on your own.
The steam railway at Ryde can also be a full day out. The Railway is five miles and you can get an all day ticket which allows you to hop on and off and explore the villages. Back at base there's a train discovery centre, play area, outdoor theatre (lots of performances and storytellings on during the summer) and a woodland trail.
Robin Hill Country has something for everyone. There are a few theme park style rides, lots of play areas, falconry shows, tractor rides, woodland gardens, a sculpture trail and a maze.

We are staying in Ryde

Thanks for those suggestions! I've been on tripadvisor researching the life out of everything

So far I've wrote down-

Haven Falconery & Steam Railway
Monkey Haven
Donkey Sanctuary
Model village
Tapnell Farm Park
Blackgang Chine- some negative reviews though?
Garlic Farm

I would like to do the Needles but a mixed bag of reviews on tripadvisor, is it going to be a 5 minute look at the sea and then back in the car? We've got 3 full days to spend, 4th day is our travel back day

Robin Hill Park is nice...we liked it better than Blackgang Chine

When we do the needles we look at the glassblowing workshop as you can watch them as its fascinating. We also walk down to the sea and do the sand. This time were doing a 20min boat trip. Its certainly not an all day thing, more something you might do for a couple of hours. Theres a lovely walk up the top to the battery too with tea and coffee at the top. The other stuff at the needles tring to turn it into an attraction is dated and a bit rubbish. We do it after getting off the ferry and before something else.

To be honest though we dont do tons and tons of attractions and like to build a few walks into the day. We're doing 4 days and want to include some pottering and meals. We mught do some short walks and take a train back. We might do carisbrooke...

We're going later than you so please let me know how you get on! Ive found 2 kid friendly pubs with play areas and good reviews online we might try but now cant remember where !!

Carisbrooke Castle
Steam train
Blackgang Chine
Osbourne House is lovely but your DC may be a bit young
Amazon world is great too

Tapnell Farm is brilliant.
The Needles stair lift is terrifying.
Amazon world was a full day. Fort Victoria is great for an afternoon.

Carisbrooke Castle is good, we went last week and they had lots of activities for the kids which they loved.

Bembridge Harbour is quite a nice place to paddle / sit and watch the world go by.

Go to the Garlic Festival if it is on- it's a great day out!

Blackgang chine and Robin hill on a joint ticket, also can go back to Blackgang to see all lit up in evening for free during week

Carrisbrooke castle

Godshill model village and cream tea

Pink and white striped ice cream 99 on shanklin beach

How long are you going for?

If your child is into pirates or pretend play we spent all day at black gang with DC playing in the Pirates ship - you can take your own picnic with you inside

Open top bus ride around south side of Island, sit upstairs at the front for best views

Robin Hill is lovely for a day out but little ones like Blackgang despite it being tacky.
Ours liked

• crab hunting at Steephil cove.
• the botanic gardens
• the beaches obviously
• cinema in the rain
• carisbrooke castle
• Osborne house is good
• lots of fetes and fairs

Eating depends what you want.

Good Indian in Ventnor.
Spyglass has lovely position and reasonable pub food.
Bonchurch Inn
The Royal for a special meal or afternoon tea
The old station at Yarmouth
The Shack at Steephill
Cheaper but good Besty and Spinkies breakfasts
Chips and crab from Ventnor Haven
Good beach cafe in a portacabin if you walk to end of Ryde beach near Apsley
Cowes has good restaurants for all budgets.