When I visit the Island – where should we go?
As we all start to think about summer holidays we’ve revisited a stay we did to the Isle of Wight, where we checked out some of the local attractions and places to visit…
Blackgang Chine…what’s that all about?
Badged as the land of imagination, we weren’t sure what to expect. On arrival, the kids were quickly excited by the large water flume you can see from the car park – uh oh, we’re gonna get wet! Spare clothes at the ready!
We set off down to the Dinosaurs which the kids loved.
Especially this big fella. The kids found this highly amusing and even the babies we’re kicking their legs watching him roar.
Next we headed to the Cliffhanger where the eldest kids in our party quickly jumped in the (small) queue. Adults in tow, we headed onto the ride and we were amazed by the views at the top – just beautiful! Three rides later and next stop was the Hall of Mirrors…
Big legs, small legs, long bodies, fat heads – you get it! Again, this had the kids chuckling at all their funny new faces…
Now almost lunch time, so we headed towards the Café before Cowboy Town. We kinda expected a few sandwiches or sausages rolls on offer but was pleasantly surprised by the range they had! From jacket potatoes, to hot plates, sandwiches and even a vegan selection. (falafel wrap was delicious!) The kids had a little box of sandwiches, crisps, apple, dinosaur cheese and juice – enough to keep them going to explore the rest of the afternoon.
After all that food, we walked down to Underwater Kingdom and which again, at every turn had something interactive or exciting to look at. From a giant whale, to funny looking fish to turtles hanging from the sky!
And who can forget Fairyland! Our little girls (3 & 4 years) loved the big castle and running in and out of the mushrooms – and even our teenager had a giggle with this one!
We’ll be honest, we weren’t sure what to expect but its safe to say, this attraction exceeded our expectations. Each and every area of the Park has something unique and exciting to explore, look at or jump and climb on. The Park isn’t huge so it’s not a lot of walking like some theme parks and the food offering was varied and tasty. All in all, we’d definitely go back and if you’ve got kids under 10 years, we’d say it’s a winner!
Look out for their Frights & Sprites and Terror Island events coming up this autumn, they look pretty spooky! Oh yes, and very ticket also gets FREE re-entry for 7 days too – visit www.blackgangchine.com
Shanklin Seafront
The sun was shining, so we knew we had to hit the beach! You can’t come to the Isle of Wight & not head to the sea! We choose Shanklin Seafront, we heard it was great for the kids and would give that traditional seaside experience. It was certainly that.
We arrived around 11:30am and parked easily at the seafront car park, loaded up the buggies and found some red and white stripy deck chairs…our spot for the day! (Small charge for these) Blankets down and off to the shop for those all-important bucket and spades. Toilets were no problem, with main loos at the car park end but also along the seafront in various spots. Lunch was fish and chips! Wrapped up and eaten on the beach – just before the tide came in a soaked the blankets – didn’t move back far enough – doh! 😉
Last stop before home was the amusements and the seafront small rides. You need tokens for these at the machines but fairly reasonable prices. Oh, and don’t forget the ice-cream we ate whilst walking back and the traditional sticks of rock to take home! If you want a ‘bucket & spade’ day out – this is the place.
Culver Inn
Literally just 5 minutes in the car from Whitecliff Bay (you can see it from the Crosswinds side of the Park) this small Inn has THE MOST AMAZING views. Almost 360. We thoroughly enjoyed our glass of prosecco whilst soaking up the sun and those glorious views. The kids had an ice-cream from the little shop across the road from the Inn and a walk around the monument whilst ‘waving’ to our caravan.
Spy Glass Inn, Ventnor
Ooh, we love this little place. Right on the edge of water its perfect for fresh, locally sourced meals amongst quirky surroundings. Rustic doorstop sandwiches, jugs of prawns and daily specials, it’s a lovely little taste of the Island! On certain dates you can also enjoy live music. Get yourself down there! www.thespyglass.com