Isle of Wight at Feb half term: Where to stay and what to do?

[SuperBunny]

That's it... want to take DS to the Isle of Wight at half term and don't know where to stay. Any recommendations?

TIA

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Hi,

What sort of thing do you want? Camp site with chalets/caravan? Hotel? B&B? Do you know which area you want to stay in? Will you have a car for getting around? How old is DS? What does he like to do? Do you want budget days out or is money no object?

I have lived here all my life and can probably give you a few pointers if I know a bit more first.

Oo, thanks PA.

Just need somewhere to stay, anywhere. Not a swanky 5 star hotel as is just me and DS but anywhere with a roof and beds and heat. Not bothered about location but near to Stuff would be good - would be nice to not need the car although we will have that with us. Never been to IoW before so have no idea where would be a good place to be based.

DS is 4.

Holiday parks will not let me book for 2 nights only so they are out.

And money is a bit of an object but am willing to spend more on a fab day out. Just want to get to the IoW really. We live near it and see it every day and it seems silly that we've never been there.

Theres a Travel Lodge in Newport and also a Premier Inn. Newport is central, so easy to get to anywhere from there. Both of these are relatively new and both very clean if you jusr want a base to go from. Premier Inn is connected to Medina Quay where the food is lovely. (for breakfasts and evening meals)
If you are travelling across to Cowes there really is not a lot there, but if you are comin gto Fishbourne, then its not far to Ryde (although I don't really know where there is to stay around Ryde).

Sorry, timing going tea cooked. Will be back later

Crossing will be to Cowes or Yarmouth, I think. But we can drive to wherever we need to be so not a problem.

Will look at Travel Lodge & other one, thanks.

What about Shanklin? Lots of B&Bs there.

I like this

Will stuff be open at half term?

That one looks alright. It is a nicer part of Shanklin, on the main road. It is a busy road, so if you had a room facing the road it may be noisy through the night.

Some things are open over half term, some wont be. The best place for a full day out is Robin Hill, but I don't think that opens until Easter. Shanklin is a good place to be for getting around Sandown and all down the south Wight, which is the Touristy parts. There is a Dinosaur place in Sandown, which my kids used to like, but didn't take too long to go round. There is a Roman Villa in Brading which is good, but may be a bit steep in price. Some of the guides are fantastic there. The flamingo park in Seaview is brill! My kids loved it!! (now older) Well worth seeing if that is open and making your way to there. If you only want to pick one I would suggest the flamingo park if your DS like animals.

Thanks so much, PA. You've been so helpful. Think we might not make it over this week now but will definitely come before the year is over so will make notes!