Staff Favourite Places on the Isle of Wight

“… Just a short drive away in Ventnor (or about an hours walk to the South along the coastal path) you can find Crave – an ice cream parlour with the most amazing flavours on offer.  Not just traditional ice cream made on site by the lovely owners, but they also do Vegan and Dairy Free.  For the latest flavours on offer, check out their facebook page.  Me and my littlest one Ruben love the place!”

“… One of my favourite places to visit on the Isle of Wight is Osborne House, the seaside home of Queen Victoria. There is so much to see that you can spend all day exploring. I love to take a picnic with me and enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings but there is also a café and Terrace Restaurant which you can eat at.  Visitors can look around inside the house at the State rooms, explore the gardens and grounds, visit Swiss Cottage where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s children played and visit the private beach which has beautiful views of the Solent. Osborne House is suitable for all ages, there is even two playgrounds for children meaning the whole family can enjoy their visit. Osborne House was also recently featured in the film Victoria & Abdul starring Dame Judi Dench…”

“…For any new (or returning) visitors to the Island, I would thoroughly recommend the Isle of Wight Zoo for a great family day out.

The establishment is now no longer a zoo, but a sanctuary for big cats that have been rescued from zoos and circuses in Europe, sometimes taking up to two or three years to get these beautiful animals to a safe and comfortable ‘retirement home’.

The Zoo is also home to a few Lemurs and Meercats which are very popular with the younger children, and if that isn’t enough to keep the little ones happy, there is always a lovely play area and a cafe too.

The Isle of Wight Zoo also has the advantage of being situated in Sandown, which is only a ten minute drive from Shanklin, although on a nice day, a slow walk along the seafront makes a pleasant day out even more pleasurable!…”

“…I love to go to Arreton Barns with my family as there is not just a great pub (The Dairyman’s Daughter) but a whole craft village.  The food is great in the pub and they serve local ales too.  Farmer Jacks is where you can find all the best local produce, some of which appears on our menus…”

“… From the hotels at Luccombe to Sandown there is some stunning scenery along the cliff path.  The official coastal path runs right past the hotels and is easy to follow either along the cliff top or for a more gentle walk on the flat, along the esplanade.  Don’t forget to check out The Little Dessert Shop on Sandown Seafront right by the pier.  The grandsons love to go to Jungle Jims on the esplanade at Shanklin too…”