Isle of Wight - whitecliff bay

[warmmfeet]

Hello

Just wondered if anyone has recently stayed at isle of wight caravan resort called Whitecliff Bay? Looking for any tips and advice, like where to shop for food etc. Staying there next week with DC aged 2 and 4.

Hi OP sorry to be unhelpful but just looking into this myself could you please report back on how your trip was 😊

@newmum0604 yes of course! Will do an update in a weeks time, we leave Monday

We were there at Easter. There is a small shop on site for essentials, nothing else in walking distance. Co-op in Bembridge. We get the ferry from Portsmouth and there is a big Tesco on the outskirts of Ryde that you would go past on the way. If you are coming on the Southampton crossing you can stop in Newport for Morrisons, probably others.

The clubhouse with evening entertainment is dated but was packed in the evenings. We didn't use the pools (were only there for a couple of days and have teens not small DC). The onsite restaurant was very standard pub food. You can walk up to the Culver Haven Inn on top pf the cliff, we like it there but it's quite a trek. There is LOADS to do on the IOW generally.

I went a long time ago and maybe they have updated the accommodation but we stayed in a chalet and it was so basic, I have never seen anything like it. Much worse than Butlins or Haven. We asked to move but there was nothing else available so made the most of it.

The pool area was fine but the entertainment was old-fashioned. I was shocked at how awful it was tbh as someone had recommended it. The setting is lovely though I will say that and if you have kids I’m sure they will enjoy a holiday wherever you go. I would be prepared to go out and about in the car each day.

We stayed here last year and are going back in a few weeks. We shopped at Morrisons in sandown. It's just out of town so big shop with car parking. The local coop is fine if you need bread and milk etc but you wouldn't do a whole shop there.
We weren't impressed with the food at the on-site restaurant so wouldn't eat there again. Loads nice family pub type places around though.
The caravan we stayed in was lovely but there are different grades so depends what you have paid for as to how basic it will be - I'm sure they are all fine but you might want to check what is included with yours as it varies.
My daughter was 3 when we went last year and loved the little park and swimming pool. You can also walk down to the beach from the site.

We had some lovely holidays there when the dc were young ( 25 years ago) I am sure it has been updated since then, but lovely memories

We were in a lovely caravan (booked through AirBnB not the site). The chalets did look dated but well maintained from the outside.

I'm local and I think the site looks good and the beach is lovely. I have just spent the day on the beach there - and I've got the whole Island to choose from so that's a big compliment! Hope you have a great time if you decide to come!

Thanks everyone! Some good info and tips.
Can anyone tell me if it's chilly at night in the caravans? Is it similar to being in a tent?!

The one I stayed in was warm at night. Nothing like a tent!

They have heating if you need it. Definitely warmer than tents.

Hi @newmum0604 and everyone.
Well we are back so here is my honest appraisal:

Firstly I have to point out we had amazing sunny weather the whole time, so that really helped.
We had a great week. The site is nice. There is a great outdoor pool which we went in every day. Two play parks. An indoor pool which is ok, we only went in once. There is also a path down to a lovely beach and free crazy golf.

The caravan itself was modern and very clean. We've not stayed in a caravan before and did find it very small the first night but soon got used to it. My DC absolutely loved it. I would say bring a fan if you are going in warm weather because caravans heat up like a tin can apparently! That made sleep a bit hard some nights. Also there was loud music from the club some nights.

I agree with someone who said the kid's evening entertainment is crap. Mine are 2 and 4 and not particularly discerning but they did not want to stay more than 5 minutes.

We went out most days as we like to explore. Loads to do around the island and we ran out of time to do all we wanted to.

The staff we met were lovely. The shop on site is quite good but a bit limited. Not much fresh stuff. Didn't try any of the kids club sessions (they're about £8 per session, things like archery, crafts, etc)

We went during term time, apparently it's a lot busier during school hols.

I'm absolutely shattered now!

Glad it went well! You did get fabulous weather.