Ten summer days out with kids go free to the Isle of Wight with Wightlink
Golden sands of Ryde
The shallow waters and stretching miles of golden sands in Ryde, make it ideal for little ones as well as the rest of the family. Take a wander around this pretty town and cool off with an ice cream or a cocktail at the beach. Then get some retail therapy at the shops. There are plenty of seaside arcades and amusements to make this a family favourite!
Hunting for fossils
Compton Bay is a fossil hunter’s delight, with its dinosaur footprints fully visible at low tide. This stretch of coastline is known as the ‘richest source of dinosaur remains in Europe’. You can also travel west along the coast to Hanover Point to discover massive fossilised foot casts, which have been preserved in rocks along the beach.
Gorge with a stunning waterfall
There’s nowhere quite like Shanklin Chine – and it’s been popular for over 200 years! Queen Victorian and Jane Austen toured the area, which is known for its tree-lined gorge from Shanklin Old Village to the beach, and breathtaking waterfall which has magical illuminations at night.
Riverside pedals and flat seafront routes
The Isle of Wight is perfect for a family bike ride, whatever your level – with plenty of reasons to stop along the way. Enjoy a takeaway tea and cake on the Medina Greenway Breeze route, or the many temptations for an ice cream through Sandown and Shanklin. This will get the whole family outdoors!
Tigers and lemurs to meerkats and wallabies
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a little oasis by the sea which is built in a Victorian fort at Sandown. See the Wildheart Trust’s specialism of tigers and lemurs, as well as lions, meerkats, monkeys, wallabies, birds and reptiles.
No traffic near to this hidden bay!
For one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, visit Steephill Cove with its handful of cottages, beach huts, deck chairs and rockpools. This fishing cove is unspoilt, with no road access and is a 10-minute walk from the nearest traffic.
Toboggan ride and tree-top canopy walkway
There are 88 acres of parkland with stunning woodland, water gardens and open countryside at Robin Hill Country Park. To keep the family entertained, try adventure nets, tree-top canopy walkways, a quarter-mile downhill toboggan and lots of rides and slides.
Finding red squirrels
If you’re quiet, you can spot red squirrels at Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve near Sandown, woodland around Newtown, Parkhurst Forest or the Mottistone Estate. Take a walk at Newtown Creek – the island’s National Trust Reserve – to see the visiting waders and wildfowl, and beautiful orchids and wildflowers.
Try the new-for-2023 Extinction ride
There’s a new ride called Extinction as even more of a reason to visit Blackgang Chine. Waterforce has great rides and slides, while you can also walk the dinosaur trail or take a cowboy adventure. If you are brave enough then explore the Crooked House, before having fun in the Hall of Mirrors. Younger ones will enjoy searching for their favourite characters in Nurseryland.
Meet the rescued donkeys
More than 100 donkeys ponies live at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. See them enjoying their forever home within 55 acres of countryside in Wroxall Valley. Visits are free but to help to look after the animals, make donation, eat in their café, buy gifts in their shop or adopt a donkey.
Book your visit
It’s easy to forget that the Isle of Wight is close enough for a spontaneous day trip, as well as short breaks and staycations. Just book online to enjoy the ferry trip across the Solent – it’s only 45 minutes from Wightlink’s Portsmouth to Fishbourne journey, starting from just £71 for a day return with a vehicle.
Kids Go Free* all through the school summer holidays when you travel on foot with Wightlink’s FastCat – and you can take your bike for free.
Book today at wightlink.co.uk/KGF
*offer terms and conditions apply, visit wightlink.co.uk/kgf