Holiday Isle of Wight

Yes, Blackgang Chine is rather changed from when we first went in the early 80s. However, the last time we went, with the next generation, it was only two years ago. Much of it was brand new then, dinosaur models etc. It seems like they have re-positioned the items that could be moved and greatly added to them. It has all been brought further inland because of the cliff falls. DGS still talks about our visit there, he was only two at the time.

We haven`t been for a good many years, but our kids loved Totland Bay and Freshwater Bay, even though the latter only has a pebble beach, but it`s very pretty there. The chair lift down the cliffs at Alum Bay is worth a go. I believe Blackgang Chine is sadly depleted since we went, due to cliff erosion, but we all loved it, we went in the dark, it was great. We had a lovely sunny day out at Calbourne Water Mill, the kids loved feeding the birds that hung around our table, peacocks, ducks, and other wildfowl.

tapnellfarm.com/

DH and I lived in a cottage on this farm when we were first married. DS was born there. Just a working farm in those days but like a lot of them it now has added attractions.

It's also opposite the site of the 1970 Pop Festival!

Wow! Thank you for all your lovely suggestions - will start looking all these places up. Sounds marvellous!

I would agree with somewhere on the east coast, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin. If you don't have a car there are good buses and the option of the train. They all have lovely beaches. A good day out would be to Blackgang Chine, our GDC love it there. The Island is a lovely place to go with children.

Had a wonderful break at Easter with kids 11 and 9. They just loved the sea. We found Colwell Bay near Alum Bay. Spades, bucket and wet suits and they amused themselves for hours. Went to Alum Bay...magical....a boat ride there. Carisbrooke Castle. Garlic Farm .Beaches glorious. Loved it and very near home for us. Just a quick ferry from Portsmouth.

Stick to the east coast if you want activities for children but if you have a car, anywhere on the Island is 'near' and there is plenty to see and do.