Fifteen things to do with Children

There is so much to do on the Isle of Wight.

The following activities can all be done when you stay at our Gwydyr House cottages on the Isle of Wight.

 
  1. A short walk from our Gwydyr House cottages is Ryde seafront, where you can visit the sandy beach or stroll along the prom. Children love to watch the boats and hover crafts at sea, and there is a gated play park right next to the beach at Ryde. Paddleboarding and kayaking are also available.
  2. Explore Appley Park: A vast park with plenty of space to run and play amongst the trees and the beach.
  3. Ryde Superbowl has a bowling alley, laser quest, pool tables, air hockey, and more, and it is excellent for family entertainment.
  4. Quarr Abbey is a five-minute drive or 40-minute walk away. It is free, depending on the season. Children enjoy feeding the pigs; you can take some carrots and apples or buy pig food there. You can explore the woods, look out for the Red squirrels, and listen to woodpeckers knocking on the trees. 
  5. Again less than a 5-minute drive away is the Isle of Wight bus museum, which has free entry 
  6. A 10-minute drive away is Seaview Wildlife Encounter: A Petting Zoo with exotic animals such as lemurs, monkeys, and tortoises.
  7. Another 10-minute drive away is Haven Falconry: Get Close to Birds of Prey experience right up close with them. Learn about these birds and experience them flying right over your head.
  8. A 15-minute drive away is Robin Hill Country Park: An exciting adventure park with roller coasters, playgrounds, nature trails, and more.
  9. A 20-minute drive away is Parkhurst Forest has lots of lovely walks, squirrel hides, and muddy puddles! 
  10. A 20 minutes drive away is the lovely paddling pool and park on East Cowes esplanade (which is free) - Shoreside cafe next to it is excellent - if you park on the East Cowes side, you can also take a trip on the floating bridge to Cowes which is a great adventure for children.
  11. Visit Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, less than a 20-minute drive away. This zoo is home to various species of animals, including tigers, lemurs, and red pandas. The zoo also conducts daily educational talks and feeding sessions. 
  12. Dinosaur Isle: Again, less than a 20-minute drive away at Sandown, Dinosaur enthusiasts will love this museum, home to various fossils and recreation of dinosaurs. 
  13. Slightly further away, with a 25-minute drive, is the Donkey Sanctuary close to Godshill. It is free to visit, but you may end up adopting one. The Grazers café there is excellent too.
  14. Also in, Godshill is a lovely model village which is perfect for children 
  15. A 30-minute drive away, and for the fit and adventurous, you can climb the devil's chimney.