Looking for a Family-Friendly Vibe? Check out the Isle of Wight

October 27, 2017
Jess

Surfing

The Isle of Wight has plenty of places to entertain and explore with the kids, many of which you’ll find open throughout the year. The beaches are some of the best around, from wild, deserted beaches perfect for surfing, to safe, sandy shores waiting for little feet to paddle.

The Isle of Wight is one of the sunniest places in the UK, and is located just 5 miles from Hampshire. This is the place to go if you’re hoping to spend some time as a family and truly get away from it all.

If you love to walk, you’ll love the Isle of Wight, and more than half of the island is a Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are plenty of trails and walks waiting for you, with landmarks including The Needles and Carisbrooke Castle.

There’s a reason why the Isle of Wight is known as the Carnival Capital of the UK. If you’re lucky enough to visit during August, you’ll be able to attend the Ryde Carnival, which was first held in 1888 and attended by Queen Victoria.

If you loved the Jurassic World movie, you’ll be inspired by the Isle of Wight.This was named the “Dinosaur Capital of Britain” for a reason, and you can look for fossils on Yaverland or Compton Bay beaches. The kids will love Dinosaur Isle, which is jam packed with interactive displays, more than 1,000 fossils, and life-sized reconstructions of dinosaurs.

Planning a visit in July? Local crafts-people and artists open their home and studios or exhibit in public venues, giving you the opportunity to see their work, understand their techniques, and explore their inspiration. Open Studios is free each year, so if you’re looking for an opportunity to purchase some art, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, photography, prints, sculptures, or paintings, this is a great chance.

The kids will love the attractions they’ll find on the Isle of Wight. There are plenty of fun outdoor activities like lizard safaris, bug hunts, and nature trails, along with rockpooling, sandcastle building, and more.

For those with older kids, head to Freshwater or Compton Bay for kayaking, surf lessons, or stand-up paddle boarding. You can also do paragliding from the hillside of West Wight, or go for a high-speed RIB ride through The Needles. Looking for something a little different? Squeeze into an inflatable ball and go zorbing down a hill. And if you prefer something a little more sedate, grab the kids and head to the Segway course.

If you’re planning to visit the Isle of Wight, Blue Chip Holidays can get you sorted with accommodation. There are plenty of great lodges, resorts, and cottages to choose from, but be sure to book this popular destination well in advance.

Have you been to the Isle of Wight? Are you planning a trip? Leave a comment below and let me know!