UK Family Holidays and Breaks: The Isle of Wight with Kids

by Angelina Villa-Clarke

For lovers of good old-fashioned seaside family holidays and breaks, there’s no better destination than the Isle of Wight just a short hop across the Solent from Southampton. Stepping ashore here is like travelling back in time: charming winding lanes, unspoilt seaside towns, pristine beaches and windswept landscapes all seem unchanged from when it was the holiday destination of choice for Brits back in the ‘60s, before we all discovered air travel and guaranteed sunny skies. Only nowadays its quintessential charm is coupled with new foodie haunts and chic hotels, plus other accommodation ranging from elegant country retreats to vintage holiday chalets and budget-friendly holiday parks.

Farringford House, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the west of the island, is the wilder side of the Isle of Wight, offering stunning cliff-top walks, including The Tennyson Trail celebrating the life of the Victorian poet (who once lived in the house), that take in dramatic vistas along the Downs. Just outside the charming village of Freshwater and minutes from some of the best beaches on the island, the estate has a selection of pastel-coloured cottages with sparkling, all-white interiors, contemporary kitchens and bathrooms and all the mod-cons you’ll need (WiFi, dishwasher, flatscreen TVs). Guests get access to the estate’s tennis courts, play area and swimming pool; it’s also a place where kids can roam safely while you kick back on your terrace or indulge at The Garden Restaurant with its affordable seasonal menus based on locally sourced produce, including pizzas cooked in the wood-fired oven, seafood, rare breeds meat and local cheeses.

A trip to the Seaview Wildlife Encounter on the east of the island, in stunning parkland with the glistening sea beyond, is a must for animal lovers, with flamingos, penguins and wallabies among other species. For those who like their holiday experiences wilder, Blackgang Chine near Ventnor is the UK’s oldest themepark, with rides and attractions ranging from the classic Cliff Hanger rollercoaster to the new Fairyland. Ventnor itself is one of the most delightful towns on the island, with bunting-strewn lanes concealing quaint little shops such as Ventnor Rare Books and great eateries, including the island’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, The Hambrough (though the same chef’s nearby Pond Café is a better bet with kids).

OceanBlue Quay on the Ventnor seafront is an innovative sea-charter company running sea safaris and lobster- or mackerel-fishing trips aimed at the whole family. Plumping for a 1hr mackerel-fishing trip, we sped off in a high-speed catamaran and within minutes were bobbing along in the mackerel grounds. After a quick demo on how to use the reels (even our 4-year-old could do it), we were all hanging over the side looking for our first catch. Within no time at all, there were squeals of delight as people began catching the fish and reeling them in. You can take your catch home for your BBQ or even ask the OceanBlue cafe, back on dry land, to cook it for you. 

Back on shore, a walk along the coastal path to Steephill Cove will not only bring you to an idyllic sheltered beach but also Wheeler’s Crab Shed (01983 852177) – both are among the island’s best-kept secrets, as the traditional bay can only be reached on foot. Nestling among the handful of cottages and beach huts, the tiny Crab Shed serves locally renowned, delicious crab pasties, as well as lobster salad and mackerel ciabatta. All the seafood is caught fresh each morning by the owner Mandy’s husband.

No holiday to the Isle of Wight is complete without some time spent, bucket and spade in hand, on the beach. Sandown and Shanklin are among the most popular for families, both with a wide expanse of golden sands and safe swimming, as well as all the attractions that you’d expect to find at a good British seaside resort – fish and chip shops, play areas and ice-cream parlours. When it comes to ice cream, look out for a Minghella’s sign – the company was founded in the 1950s by film director Anthony Minghella’s parents, and its 140 flavours, still made on the island, use local cream.

From ice cream to garlic and cheese, the Isle of Wight is awash with local artisan producers. The Garlic Farm in Newchurch sells a huge array of garlic products, from chutneys to varieties of bulbs you can grow at home, and also has a fantastic Garlic Café serving inspiring garlic-based dishes. The Isle of Wight Lavender Farm is another delightful stop-off – the farm itself is open to the public, and there’s a gift shop selling rare plants.

Lastly, Made on the Isle of Wight, near Seaview, brings together artists, artisans and local producers to offer one-off homewares, jewellery and gifts in a huge, lofty barn. It’s the perfect pit-stop for sourcing a memento to remind you that timeless holidays do exist.

Red Funnel ferries run regularly from Southampton to the to the Isle of Wight, with return vehicle tickets from £45, or see our great ferry rates on all Isle of Wight crossings.

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