Things to see & do on the Isle of Wight

neilda · 13 February 2010, 11:57

Although I'm a frequent visitor to Cowes and Yarmouth, I've never explored the island... next week my kids are on holiday and we're thinking of taking the car over for a day to have a look around.

Any tips, tricks, places to see or avoid would be welcome! For example - can you just pole up for the ferry or is a booking essential?!

Thanks

Neil

Steve_B · 13 February 2010, 13:14

Hi Neil

Have never not managed to get a space at this time of the year, but I would try to book just to be sure.

There are lots of booklets and brochures at the terminal of things to do. The only slight concern would be how many are open before Easter!

Have a good trip, make sure you get some garlic, good stuff ...

Steve

Nasher · 13 February 2010, 15:03

Neil

Possibly not strictly nessessary, but as it's half term I'd book the ferry.

As 250 says though, you need to be aware that a lot of the attractions don't get going until Easter.

The best place to find out whats open etc would be the IOW Tourist Board website. Sorry, don't have a link, but shouldn't be too hard to find.

Nasher.

NautiSeacrets · 13 February 2010, 15:04

Hi Neil

The Needles area is good - be careful with whats open this time of year -
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main...dlesoldbattery

They have an email addy for contact as well as phone.

Buses run from Yarmouth.

NeilH · 13 February 2010, 16:12

Hi
Looks like the zoo is open
http://www.isleofwightzoo.com/index.php
My daughter (18 years old) found the needles chair lift hilarious and terrifying (she thought it a bit 'rickety') but with good views when she went on it a few months ago.
Cheers
Neil
hope it warms up!

Paul Cannell · 13 February 2010, 20:57

http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk/

http://www.enjoyengland.com/destinat...h+East+England

SOLENTER · 13 February 2010, 22:49

As an Islander i wouldent bother far to early wait till arfter easter we havent come out of hibernation yet

tim griffin · 14 February 2010, 06:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilda

Although I'm a frequent visitor to Cowes and Yarmouth, I've never explored the island... next week my kids are on holiday and we're thinking of taking the car over for a day to have a look around.

Any tips, tricks, places to see or avoid would be welcome! For example - can you just pole up for the ferry or is a booking essential?!

Thanks

Neil

Try www.isleofwighttouristguide.com some attractions will be shut so check first.

Hope you have a nice time if you come over.
Tim

biffer · 14 February 2010, 09:18

i would agree that some of the attractions won't be open and if your kids are modern nintendo kids you'll be in trouble, if you're kids are outdoor kids there's loads of place's to explore, go up to Culver downs, it's on the backside of the island over towards bembridge, if you've got kites take them with you, if it's clear the view from up there is amazing, there's a walk along the river from cowes to newport, go and have lunch at Totland bay, pub and food, park on the beach, go and have a look round Godshill, little village with a load of quirky little shops in it, on the newport rd just outside cowes is the tank museum, don't know if the rnli museum in east cowes is open, go and have a look for fossil bones over by st catherines point, only had one cuppa this morning i'll think of some more later

neilda · 14 February 2010, 14:56

Some great suggestions, many thanks.......

Despite it being too early, we will go over - my kids are definitely Nintendo and PSP geeks and getting them out of the house and off the sodding computer(s) is the agenda. Plus, I'd like to see the island myself.

I like the idea of doing a bit of fossil hunting - can't quite see my 12 year old daughter going for that one given she's soooooooooooo grown up.

biffer · 14 February 2010, 17:35

i've got another house on the island so if you guys need to stay over for longer i'm sure we could work something out or does this also come under advertising on here, if so, you can't use it, empty most of the time

neilda · 14 February 2010, 22:11

That's a very kind offer - many thanks.... We're not staying over this time, but the offer is very much appreciated.

neilda · 18 February 2010, 11:19

I seemed to have picked the perfect day yesterday - blue skies pretty much over the Isle of Wight...

Took the ferry to Fishbourne (much quicker by RIB), then to Godshill (was told it was quaint), then to Ventnor, Shanklin (lunch), Sandown (Zoo) then home....

I would really have liked to have seen the other end of the island (Totland Bay and the Needles) but ran out of time.