Isle of Wight Guru
  • Home
  • Why You Should Visit The Isle Of Wight
  • Ferry travel advice & discounts
    • Discount Isle of Wight Ferry Travel
    • Isle Of Wight Ferry Beginners Guide
    • Wightlink's Tesco Clubcard deal – is it the best discount?
    • Using Wightlink’s Multilink deal for cheap ferry travel
    • Cheap Isle of Wight Ferry Travel For Caravans
  • Holiday parks, hotels, camping & cottages
    • Family holiday parks & caravans >
      • 10 Of The Best Isle of Wight Caravan Holiday Parks
      • Park Resorts And Parkdean Resorts Isle of Wight Holiday Parks
      • Which Isle Of Wight Holiday Park Should I Stay In?
      • Last Minute Deals And Discounts At Holiday Parks
      • Is There A Haven Holiday Park On The Isle Of Wight?
      • Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park Reviews and Facilities
      • Lower Hyde And Landguard Holiday Park Teview
      • 6 Tricks To Save Money At Isle Of Wight Caravan Holiday Parks
    • Hotels & guest houses >
      • Isle of Wight Hotels - a beginner's guide
      • 10 Best Isle Of Wight Luxury Hotels
      • Warner's Bembridge Coast & Norton Grange hotels
      • 5 Best Isle of Wight Coach Tour Holidays And Trips
      • Isle of Wight Hotels With A Sea View
      • 5 Ventnor Hotels And Guest Houses
    • Spa Breaks & Romantic >
      • 3 Best Isle Of Wight Spa Break Hotels And Spa Days
      • Romantic Isle Of Wight Holidays For Couples
    • Camping & glamping >
      • 20 Isle Of Wight Camping And Touring Parks
      • Isle of Wight Glamping
    • Cottages & self catering >
      • 10 Best Places To Stay In Shanklin
      • 10 Best Places To Stay In Cowes
      • 10 Best Places To Stay In Newport
      • 10 Best Places To Stay In Sandown
      • 10 Isle Of Wight Wheelchair Accessible & Disabled Friendly Holidays
      • Brambles Chine And Linstone Chine Self Catering
      • 5 Isle Of Wight Holidays Including Ferry Travel
    • Lodges & hot tub holidays >
      • 5 Best Isle Of Wight Holiday Lodges
      • 10 Best Isle Of Wight Hot Tub Holidays
      • 10 Best Isle Of Wight Holidays With Swimming Pools
    • Quirky & AirBnbs >
      • 20 Quirky Places To Stay On The Isle Of Wight
      • 10 Best Isle of Wight Airbnb Holiday Homes
    • Group accommodation >
      • 10 Best Places To Stay For Large Groups
      • 8 Best Isle Of Wight Manor Houses For Hire
    • Accommodation advice >
      • What Time Of Year Should I Visit The Isle Of Wight?
      • Which Isle of Wight Town Should I Stay In?
      • Where Is The Cheapest Place To Stay?
  • Festivals, days out & attractions
    • Festivals & carnivals >
      • Major Festivals And Carnivals
      • Isle of Wight Festival 2022 Lineup And Tickets
      • 10 Unforgettable Isle of Wight Festival Moments
      • Isle of Wight Festival History
      • Cowes Week - Attractions And Accommodation
    • Free days out & attraction discounts >
      • Free Days Out On The Isle Of Wight
      • Discounts To Isle Of Wight Attractions
      • Itinerary For A Budget Isle of Wight Holiday
      • 10 Ways To Save Money On Isle Of Wight Holidays
    • Attractions for children, teenagers, adults >
      • Activities For Toddlers On The Isle Of Wight
      • Activities For Children And Families On The Isle Of Wight
      • Activities For Teenagers On The Isle Of Wight
      • Activities For Adults On The Isle Of Wight
      • Activities For An Isle Of Wight Stag Do
      • Surviving An Isle Of Wight Holiday With A Toddler
    • Quirky days out >
      • 10 Quirky Days Out On The Isle Of Wight
      • 10 Things You Can't Do On The Isle Of Wight
      • 10 Things You Can Only Visit On The Isle Of Wight
      • Isle Of Wight TV & Movie Tour
      • 10 Reasons To Visit The Isle Of Wight
    • Days out in Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor >
      • 10 Things To Do In Bembridge, St Helen's and Seaview
      • 10 Things To Do In Cowes And East Cowes
      • 10 Things To Do In Newport and Carisbrooke
      • 15 Things To Do In Ryde
      • 15 Things To Do In Shanklin And Sandown
      • 15 Things To Do In Ventnor And South Wight
      • 15 Things To Do In Yarmouth And West Wight
    • Rainy day & winter attractions >
      • Rainy Day Activities On The Isle Of Wight
      • Itinerary For A Rainy Isle Of Wight Holiday
      • Winter Days Out On The Isle Of Wight
    • Zoos, historic attractions, gardens >
      • Isle of Wight Zoos And Animal Attractions
      • Historic Attractions On The Isle Of Wight
      • 10 Isle of Wight Gardens And Parks
    • Day trip itineraries >
      • Day Trips From Portsmouth To The Isle of Wight
      • Day Trips From Southampton To The Isle of Wight
      • Day Trips From Lymington To The Isle of Wight
    • Car journey games & viewpoints >
      • 5 Isle Of Wight Car Journey Games
      • 15 Best Isle Of Wight Car Park Viewpoints
      • The Isle Spy Car Journey Game
  • Beaches, tides, watersports & weather
    • Which Is The Best Isle Of Wight Beach For...
    • Isle of Wight Beaches Interactive Map
    • Isle Of Wight Tide Times
    • Isle of Wight Weather Forecast
    • Isle Of Wight Surf Forecast
    • Isle of Wight Watersports
    • The Beach Holiday Checklist - 5 Accessories
    • Mobile Version Of Isle Of Wight Best Beaches
  • Walking, cycling & public transport
    • Walking >
      • Walking The Isle of Wight Coastal Path
      • 10 Best Isle of Wight Walks (Circular, 3-9 miles)
      • 10 Isle of Wight Short Walks For Children (1 Mile)
      • Isle of Wight Themed Walks
      • Isle of Wight Treasure Trails and Treasure Hunts
    • Cycling Holidays On The Isle of Wight
    • Public Transport
    • Isle Of Wight Car Hire
  • Dog friendly
    • Dog Friendly Isle of Wight Accommodation
    • Dog Friendly Isle Of Wight Holidays
  • Food & drink
    • Eating Out On A Budget
    • Pubs And Restaurants With A Sea View
    • Family Friendly Pubs With Playgrounds
    • Isle Of Wight Supermarkets
  • Useful information
    • Boring & practical stuff >
      • FAQ
      • Which Mobile Phone Network Has The Best Signal On The Isle Of Wight?
      • Cheap Parcel Delivery And Sending Mail To The Isle Of Wight
      • Isle of Wight Map
      • Isle of Wight Newspapers, News Websites And Radio Stations
    • Souvenirs
    • Should I Move To The Isle Of Wight?
    • Les Vacances Sur L’île De Wight
  • About
    • Contact Us/About/Disclaimer
    • Who Is The Isle Of Wight Guru?
    • Isle of Wight Copywriter
  • Blog
  • Advice For Plagiarists
  • Privacy policy and cookies policy
  • Home
  • Why You Should Visit The Isle Of Wight
  • Ferry travel advice & discounts
    • Discount Isle of Wight Ferry Travel
    • Isle Of Wight Ferry Beginners Guide
    • Wightlink's Tesco Clubcard deal – is it the best discount?
    • Using Wightlink’s Multilink deal for cheap ferry travel
    • Cheap Isle of Wight Ferry Travel For Caravans
  • Holiday parks, hotels, camping & cottages
    • Family holiday parks & caravans >
      • 10 Of The Best Isle of Wight Caravan Holiday Parks
      • Park Resorts And Parkdean Resorts Isle of Wight Holiday Parks
      • Which Isle Of Wight Holiday Park Should I Stay In?
      • Last Minute Deals And Discounts At Holiday Parks
      • Is There A Haven Holiday Park On The Isle Of Wight?
      • Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park Reviews and Facilities
      • Lower Hyde And Landguard Holiday Park Teview
      • 6 Tricks To Save Money At Isle Of Wight Caravan Holiday Parks
    • Hotels & guest houses >
      • Isle of Wight Hotels - a beginner's guide
      • 10 Best Isle Of Wight Luxury Hotels
      • Warner's Bembridge Coast & Norton Grange hotels
      • 5 Best Isle of Wight Coach Tour Holidays And Trips
      • Isle of Wight Hotels With A Sea View
      • 5 Ventnor Hotels And Guest Houses
    • Spa Breaks & Romantic >
      • 3 Best Isle Of Wight Spa Break Hotels And Spa Days
      • Romantic Isle Of Wight Holidays For Couples
    • Camping & glamping >
      • 20 Isle Of Wight Camping And Touring Parks
      • Isle of Wight Glamping
    • Cottages & self catering >
      • 10 Best Places To Stay In Shanklin
      • 10 Best Places To Stay In Cowes
      • 10 Best Places To Stay In Newport
      • 10 Best Places To Stay In Sandown
      • 10 Isle Of Wight Wheelchair Accessible & Disabled Friendly Holidays
      • Brambles Chine And Linstone Chine Self Catering
      • 5 Isle Of Wight Holidays Including Ferry Travel
    • Lodges & hot tub holidays >
      • 5 Best Isle Of Wight Holiday Lodges
      • 10 Best Isle Of Wight Hot Tub Holidays
      • 10 Best Isle Of Wight Holidays With Swimming Pools
    • Quirky & AirBnbs >
      • 20 Quirky Places To Stay On The Isle Of Wight
      • 10 Best Isle of Wight Airbnb Holiday Homes
    • Group accommodation >
      • 10 Best Places To Stay For Large Groups
      • 8 Best Isle Of Wight Manor Houses For Hire
    • Accommodation advice >
      • What Time Of Year Should I Visit The Isle Of Wight?
      • Which Isle of Wight Town Should I Stay In?
      • Where Is The Cheapest Place To Stay?
  • Festivals, days out & attractions
    • Festivals & carnivals >
      • Major Festivals And Carnivals
      • Isle of Wight Festival 2022 Lineup And Tickets
      • 10 Unforgettable Isle of Wight Festival Moments
      • Isle of Wight Festival History
      • Cowes Week - Attractions And Accommodation
    • Free days out & attraction discounts >
      • Free Days Out On The Isle Of Wight
      • Discounts To Isle Of Wight Attractions
      • Itinerary For A Budget Isle of Wight Holiday
      • 10 Ways To Save Money On Isle Of Wight Holidays
    • Attractions for children, teenagers, adults >
      • Activities For Toddlers On The Isle Of Wight
      • Activities For Children And Families On The Isle Of Wight
      • Activities For Teenagers On The Isle Of Wight
      • Activities For Adults On The Isle Of Wight
      • Activities For An Isle Of Wight Stag Do
      • Surviving An Isle Of Wight Holiday With A Toddler
    • Quirky days out >
      • 10 Quirky Days Out On The Isle Of Wight
      • 10 Things You Can't Do On The Isle Of Wight
      • 10 Things You Can Only Visit On The Isle Of Wight
      • Isle Of Wight TV & Movie Tour
      • 10 Reasons To Visit The Isle Of Wight
    • Days out in Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor >
      • 10 Things To Do In Bembridge, St Helen's and Seaview
      • 10 Things To Do In Cowes And East Cowes
      • 10 Things To Do In Newport and Carisbrooke
      • 15 Things To Do In Ryde
      • 15 Things To Do In Shanklin And Sandown
      • 15 Things To Do In Ventnor And South Wight
      • 15 Things To Do In Yarmouth And West Wight
    • Rainy day & winter attractions >
      • Rainy Day Activities On The Isle Of Wight
      • Itinerary For A Rainy Isle Of Wight Holiday
      • Winter Days Out On The Isle Of Wight
    • Zoos, historic attractions, gardens >
      • Isle of Wight Zoos And Animal Attractions
      • Historic Attractions On The Isle Of Wight
      • 10 Isle of Wight Gardens And Parks
    • Day trip itineraries >
      • Day Trips From Portsmouth To The Isle of Wight
      • Day Trips From Southampton To The Isle of Wight
      • Day Trips From Lymington To The Isle of Wight
    • Car journey games & viewpoints >
      • 5 Isle Of Wight Car Journey Games
      • 15 Best Isle Of Wight Car Park Viewpoints
      • The Isle Spy Car Journey Game
  • Beaches, tides, watersports & weather
    • Which Is The Best Isle Of Wight Beach For...
    • Isle of Wight Beaches Interactive Map
    • Isle Of Wight Tide Times
    • Isle of Wight Weather Forecast
    • Isle Of Wight Surf Forecast
    • Isle of Wight Watersports
    • The Beach Holiday Checklist - 5 Accessories
    • Mobile Version Of Isle Of Wight Best Beaches
  • Walking, cycling & public transport
    • Walking >
      • Walking The Isle of Wight Coastal Path
      • 10 Best Isle of Wight Walks (Circular, 3-9 miles)
      • 10 Isle of Wight Short Walks For Children (1 Mile)
      • Isle of Wight Themed Walks
      • Isle of Wight Treasure Trails and Treasure Hunts
    • Cycling Holidays On The Isle of Wight
    • Public Transport
    • Isle Of Wight Car Hire
  • Dog friendly
    • Dog Friendly Isle of Wight Accommodation
    • Dog Friendly Isle Of Wight Holidays
  • Food & drink
    • Eating Out On A Budget
    • Pubs And Restaurants With A Sea View
    • Family Friendly Pubs With Playgrounds
    • Isle Of Wight Supermarkets
  • Useful information
    • Boring & practical stuff >
      • FAQ
      • Which Mobile Phone Network Has The Best Signal On The Isle Of Wight?
      • Cheap Parcel Delivery And Sending Mail To The Isle Of Wight
      • Isle of Wight Map
      • Isle of Wight Newspapers, News Websites And Radio Stations
    • Souvenirs
    • Should I Move To The Isle Of Wight?
    • Les Vacances Sur L’île De Wight
  • About
    • Contact Us/About/Disclaimer
    • Who Is The Isle Of Wight Guru?
    • Isle of Wight Copywriter
  • Blog
  • Advice For Plagiarists
  • Privacy policy and cookies policy
Isle of Wight Guru
This site uses cookies - see our privacy policy. Ads & links in bold may give us a small payment from the seller, at no cost to the buyer. However, this never affects our views - if we like it, we recommend it.

10 Family Friendly Isle Of Wight Pubs With Playgrounds (2022 Guide)

Dining out with children is rarely a relaxing occasion. 

The children are usually full of snacks by the time the food arrives so they play on your phone whilst you shovel down your dinner in 30 seconds.

Relieve your stresses (slightly) by finding a family-friendly pub with a playground on the Isle of Wight.

​Our criteria for inclusion are places which have a playground, a children's menu and a TripAdvisor rating of at least four stars. We've only included pubs and restaurants which do evening meals which excludes a lot of cafes and casual dining places. 

This isn't a comprehensive list and it's in no particular order. If we've missed an outstanding pub with a playground, please feel free to contact us if you feel inclined.

1. The Fighting Cocks, Arreton

The Fighting Cocks is a large pub which is 10 minutes inland from Shanklin and Sandown. It isn't a particularly scenic spot (half way between a garden centre and a Suzuki dealership) but it is very popular with customers and it has a much better-than-average play area. 

At the time of writing, there's a playground for older children, a toddlers' area, bouncy castles and an inflatable go kart track. The last two are weather permitting, but I doubt you'd want to sit outside in the wind and rain anyway. There's also a children's menu. (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene). 

Warning: the name of this pub will make some dads make embarrassing jokes.
Fighting Cocks playground
The Fighting Cocks pub has a playground...
Go kart track at the Fighting Cocks pub Isle of Wight
...and bouncy castles and an inflatable go kart track (weather permitting)

2. Eight Bells, Carisbrooke

The Eight Bells in Carisbrooke has a large garden with a playground. It backs onto some water which is lovely but is a little hazardous if your children are a bit giddy. It is right on the High Street, and is a convenient pub if you've just been to Carisbrooke Castle. (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene rating).

They recently added an indoor soft play area at The Eight Bells, so you can send the little darlings in there if it's raining. I didn't go inside when I last visited as I didn't have the children with me and didn't want to get odd looks from the other parents.
​

3. The Blacksmiths, near Carisbrooke

The Blacksmith's on the outskirts of Carisbrooke is one of our favourite places to eat on the Isle of Wight. We've always had good food there and it's often busy and buzzing with atmosphere. It's a grown up pub with a playground rather than the sort of place you'll find one of those 20p grabbing machines where you might win a cuddly toy. The views are lovely on a warm evening and you can see the sea in the distance even though it's some way inland. (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see food hygiene rating). ​
Playground at Blacksmiths Isle of Wight
The Blacksmiths has better food than most family-friendly pubs

4. The Griffin, Godshill

​The Griffin in Godshill is unusual as it's got a maze as well as a playground. Hopefully you won't be lost near the middle just as your food arrives. Again, it's not by the coast but Godshill is a busy tourist location thanks to its thatched cottages. You might like to visit after wandering round Godshill's Model Village and remarking at the model village in the model village. (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene rating).

5. The Chequers Inn, Rookley

The Chequers Inn in Rookley is very child-friendly with a large playground and a wendy house. Again, it isn't by the coast but reviews are solid. (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene rating). Rookley is roughly in the direction of Ventnor and it's also home to The Lakes holiday resort.
Chequers Inn playground
Check out the playground at the Chequers Inn

6. The Woodman's Arms, Wootton

The Woodman's Arms is a traditional style old pub with a playground and a children's menu. It won't give you a sea view but it's a high scorer with customers. (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene rating). It's 7 minutes from the ferry from Fishbourne to Portsmouth, so perhaps a good one to visit on the way home or if you've got time to fill before you can check in at your accommodation.

7. Horse and Groom, Shalfleet near Yarmouth

The Horse and Groom is one of the few West Wight pubs with a playground. The West Wight is lovely, with far fewer people and cars than the East Wight. The beaches are usually less accessible but are much quieter.

​Last time I drove past they had several things to fill time in the beer garden in an area called The Paddock. (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene rating).

8. The Caulkheads, Sandown

The Caulkheads is only five minutes walk from the seafront in Sandown, which is one of the most popular beaches for families on the Isle of Wight. It's a similar distance from Sandham Gardens which has decent minigolf, bouncy nets and child-friendly go karts. The pub has indoor and outdoor playgrounds and a kids' menu.

In case you're wondering, it is named after the traditional nickname for a born-and-bred Isle of Wight resident. (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene rating).
Sandown Pier
Caulkheads is five minutes from Sandown seafront

9. The Wight Mouse, Chale

The Wight Mouse is a large enough pub that you won't feel your children are disturbing the peace too much. It's got a playground and good views of the South Wight even though it's not right next to the beach. It's also near to Blackgang Chine, so perhaps one for visiting after a day out with the dinosaurs and dodos. (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene rating).

10. The Cedars, Wootton

I must admit I don't know a lot about The Cedars in Wootton but it does have a small playground and it's described as family-friendly. (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene rating). It's another one which is quite near to the ferry from Portsmouth.

A few alternatives which didn't make the list

  • There are some relaxed pubs right on the Isle of Wight's seafronts which might do the trick. For example, The Spyglass in Ventnor is a busy pub with atmosphere and outside seating overlooking the beach. With a bit of luck you can send the children to run around whilst you wait for the food and then beckon them over. Of course, there's a high risk they'll ignore you. 
  • The Cow in Freshwater doesn't exactly have a playground but it is next to Tapnell Farm so it's convenient to visit after a day out. It specialises in burgers and has good views if you book an upstairs table. (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene)​
  • The Bandstand in Sandown doesn't have its own playground but it is only a few metres from a large public playground in Sandham Gardens. It's got terrific views of the beach and it's a bit trendier and more modern that most pubs.
  • If you've given up on a pub, there are McDonalds in Newport and Ryde, a Burger King in Newport, Pizza Hut in Newport and branches of KFC in Lake and Newport.
  • The Woodvale in Gurnard doesn't have a playground but it is only 100 metres from a public playground and it has a kids' menu. The big advantage with the Woodvale is that you get terrific sea views and outstanding sunsets.
  • If you want a chain, Beefeater in Newport is only about 5 minutes walk from a public playground in Seaclose Park. 
  • The Hare and Hounds is next door to Robin Hill Country Park and it also has its own play area. When we checked, it was only scoring 3.5/5 on TripAdvisor, so it didn't make our top 10.

The-Isle-of-Wight-Guru-Don't-Blame-Us-Disclaimer™ All the information on this website is correct, as far as we know, but please do check details directly - and please contact us if you find anything inaccurate. Here's our full disclaimer.

Related guides from Isle of Wight Guru:

Children swimming at a holiday park
10 best caravan holiday parks
Carisbrooke Castle gatehouse
20 quirky places to stay
30 days out for children & families
Hot tub at a holiday lodge
5 Isle of Wight holiday lodges
Child at Compton Bay
Which is the best beach for...?
Bedroom at Hambrough Hotel
10 best Isle of Wight luxury hotels
Surfing dog
Dog friendly holidays
Glamping pod
Glamping on the Isle of Wight
Red funnel car ferry
Discount Isle of Wight ferry travel

Where to stay

Holiday parks
​
Lodges
Posh hotels
Cheap​
​Quirky
​Big houses
​Camping
​Glamping
​Dog friendly
Last minute
​Coach trips
Airbnb
Accessible
Ferry-inclusive
Sea views
​Hot tubs
Manor houses
​Swimming pools
Cowes
Newport
Sandown
Shanklin

Days out

Adults
Beaches
Bembridge
​Cowes
​Cycling
Day trips
Dog friendly
Families
Festivals
Historic
Newport
​Quirky
​Rainy days
​Romantic
Ryde
​Shanklin
Toddlers
Teenagers
Ventnor​
Watersports
Winter
​Yarmouth
​
Zoos

Saving money

Ferry discount codes
​
Tesco Clubcard
​Multilink
Accommodation
​Attraction discounts
​Free attractions
Holiday park discounts
​Car hire
​

Eating out

Cheap pubs
Family friendly
Seaside restaurants
​

Walking

Coastal path
3-9 mile walks
1 mile walks
Themed walks
Treasure hunts

About

Contact
Blog
Who is the Guru?
​Advice for plagiarists
Privacy Policy
​Disclaimer

Some of the links on this site are 'affiliate links' meaning we may receive commission from accommodation providers at no cost to the buyer. We are also an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying products. However, we maintain full editorial control and only recommend based on merit rather than whether they offer commission.
​© COPYRIGHT 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.