10 reasons why the Isle of Wight is worth visiting with kids

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There are loads of reasons why the Isle of Wight is worth visiting with kids – it’s one of our favourite places for UK staycation and such a family-friendly destination. Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, this charming island is packed with attractions that will keep little ones entertained without breaking the bank and, though you’re still in the UK, on a warm sunny day you’ll feel a million miles away. So, if you’re looking for a fun-filled family break, here are 10 reasons why the Isle of Wight is worth visiting with kids for your staycation holiday:

1. It’s quick and easy to get to

Getting to the Isle of Wight is super easy, with regular ferries running from various locations on the south coast. The main ferry operators, Wightlink and Red Funnel, offer services from Portsmouth, Lymington and Southampton. If you’re travelling by car, you can take a vehicle ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Lymington to Yarmouth, or Southampton to East Cowes. If you’re on foot, there are high-speed passenger ferries, such as the Wightlink FastCat from Portsmouth to Ryde or the Red Jet from Southampton to West Cowes, which take just 20-30 minutes. The ferry ride itself is part of the adventure – I think it really adds to the magic of a family holiday on the Isle of Wight. To get the best price for your ferry journey – use comparison website Direct Ferries.

2. The Isle of Wight has some brilliant holiday parks

The Isle of Wight is actually home to some of the best UK holiday parks for fun family getaways – there are some brilliant Parkdean Resorts and Away Resorts sites on the island – with things like indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, direct beach access and even hot tub accommodation options if you fancy a little bit of luxury. We had a fantastic stay at Lower Hyde Holiday Park (click here for review) on our last visit, so for some fantastic accommodation options for your Isle of Wight family getaway, check out my article: The 6 best Isle of Wight holiday park getaways for families.

3. It’s steeped in history

The Isle of Wight is known as Dinosaur Island due to its rich fossil history – so another brilliant thing that you can do with the kids, without spending a penny, is some fossil hunting. You can go fossil hunting at Yaverland Beach or Brook Bay, where you might even find a dinosaur footprint! The Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown is also a great place to learn more about these prehistoric creatures without spending too much if the kids would like to know a bit more about it. And, English Heritage sites Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle can be interesting days out for history-lovers too.

4. There are beautiful, child-friendly beaches

With 57 miles of coastline, the Isle of Wight has some of the best family-friendly beaches in the UK – so it’s certainly worth planning in some time for visiting these with the kids. Shanklin Beach and Sandown Beach have golden sands and shallow waters, making them great for paddling, sandcastle building and beach games. Meanwhile, Compton Bay is ideal for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. Many beaches also have free parking nearby, which is a bonus for budget-conscious families. You can pack up a picnic, and some buckets and spades, and enjoy a fun day on the beach without spending a penny.

5. The Isle of Wight is easy to get around

So, how big is the Isle of Wight? Despite offering loads of fantastic attractions, you might be surprised to learn that the Isle of Wight is only about 23 miles wide from east to west and 13 miles long from north to south. It’s small size makes it perfect for a family trip as everything is within easy reach – you don’t have to waste too much time in the car! Whether you want to spend the day at the beach, visit a family attraction or go on a scenic walk, you’ll never be too far from your next adventure. Plus, with over half of the island designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are plenty of stunning landscapes to explore!

6. There are some brilliant family-friendly attractions

I think the Isle of Wight offers loads of fantastic days out with the kids, so it’s worth popping some spending money aside for visiting some of the islands most popular family attractions. You might want to check out: Blackgang Chine – The UK’s oldest theme park, Tapnell Farm Park (there’s an aqua park there too), Robin Hill Country Park, Amazon World Zoo Park, The Needles, the steam railway and lots of other spots too. For a full list, and more info, have a read of my article: The 10 best things to do with kids on the Isle of Wight – you won’t get bored in a hurry that’s for sure!

7. The island has so much natural beauty

The Isle of Wight is one of the prettiest spots in the UK – so if you need to recharge your batteries it’s one of the best spots for it. As well as having lots of family-attractions for an action-packed getaway, you can also slow down and enjoy the tranquillity and stunning views on offer too. I always feel totally refreshed when we’ve had an Isle of Wight holiday, it’s just such a gorgeous place to visit. As well as the stunning coastline, there are some really charming villages with lots of lovely little pubs and restaurants to unwind in at the end of a busy day.

8. It’s a brilliant place for walking

One of the best things about the Isle of Wight is that there are so many beautiful spots to enjoy a walk with the kids, making the most of nature. Families can enjoy scenic coastal walks, countryside trails and woodland adventures without spending a penny. In particular, Ventnor Downs and the Tennyson Trail both offer stunning views and plenty of space for little explorers to roam, so pack up a picnic and enjoy what the beautiful Isle of Wight has to offer – it’s a great dog-friendly destination too. For more freebie day out ideas on the island, check out my article: The 5 best FREE things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids.

9. It’s home to the Isle of Wight festival

The Isle of Wight Festival is one of the UK’s most iconic music events, drawing huge crowds every summer for a weekend of live performances and festival fun. While it’s mostly known for its big-name lineups, it’s also a great family-friendly event, with a dedicated KidZone featuring fun activities, workshops and entertainment for little ones. If you’re visiting with older kids, it’s a fantastic way to introduce them to live music in a relaxed friendly atmosphere – the Isle of Wight Festival is the highlight of the island’s calendar!

10. The Isle of Wight offers lots of water sports

Considering that the Isle of Wight is surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that it’s a fantastic spot for a holiday if you love the water. You can have a go at sailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, windsurfing and more – so if you enjoy an action-packed break there’s definitely a lot on offer to keep the whole family happy, as it’s the perfect spot for enjoying water sports with a view!

Which are the best holiday parks for families on the Isle of Wight?

There are 6 holiday parks in particular that are well set up for families when it comes to kids’ activities, swimming pools, their proximity to the island’s best beaches and attractions, and a wide range accommodation options to suit all budgets. (All of the sites also have hot tub lodges available if you’re after a little bit of luxury!) Here’s a quick glimpse at my top picks, and you can find out more about them here: The 6 best Isle of Wight holiday park getaways for families.

The Isle of Wight or Cornwall – which is better for a family holiday?

Probably two of the most popular holiday spots in the South of the UK – both the Isle of Wight and Cornwall are fantastic destinations for a family getaway, but which one is right for you depends on what you’re looking for. The Isle of Wight is smaller and easier to explore, with everything just a short drive or bus ride away, so it’s perfect for families who want a stress-free trip without spending too much time travelling between attractions. The island’s beaches, dinosaur fossil hunting and family-friendly days out make it a great choice for kids. Cornwall, on the other hand, is much larger and more spread out, meaning longer drives between attractions – the country roads can be quite interesting there too!

Cornwall is famous for its dramatic coastlines, surfing spots and historic sites like Tintagel Castle – it’s yet another beautiful place with loads to do if you’re after a fun-filled family break. We had such a great time when we visited Cornwall, it’s another one of my favourite UK holiday spots – which makes this question almost impossible to answer! Cornwall also has some fantastic holiday parks (check out my article: Where are the best places to stay in Cornwall with kids? for more info) so whichever place you choose you’ll have a great time. If you’re after a beach holiday with plenty of surfing and rugged scenery then Cornwall is a great pick, but if you want lots on offer without too much travel then the Isle of Wight is hard to beat. So, pack your bags, hop on the ferry and enjoy everything this wonderful island has to offer!