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Itinerary for a rainy Isle of Wight holiday, with indoor and wet weather activities
Here's our itinerary for things to do on the Isle of Wight on a wet weekend, because trying to entertain children on a rainy holiday requires similar skills to those employed by riot police before a football derby match. Trouble could kick off at any moment between rival siblings unless you can provide a packed wet weather schedule and space to run around.
Pick up your riot shield (umbrella), put on your steel toe-capped boots (wellington boots) and in case of emergency, use your pepper spray (Peppa Pig DVD in the car).
We've also got an itinerary for a budget week, free days out, activities for toddlers and teenagers and discounts to Isle of Wight attractions.
Pick up your riot shield (umbrella), put on your steel toe-capped boots (wellington boots) and in case of emergency, use your pepper spray (Peppa Pig DVD in the car).
We've also got an itinerary for a budget week, free days out, activities for toddlers and teenagers and discounts to Isle of Wight attractions.
Day 1 - Sandown and South East Wight
Once you've checked the weather forecast and muttered expletives under your breath, head over to Sandown, where there is a decent selection of indoor activities. Amazon World (PO36 0LX) is a good option if you like slimy creatures.
In the afternoon, head to Sandown Pier (PO36 8JT) for a classic seaside experience. There is an indoor play area and 'adventure golf' among other dry things. Of course, you'll also be by the seaside in case the weather miraculously improves. There's also an indoor play area in nearby Shanklin called Jungle Jim's (PO37 6BG).
If you want something a bit less twee then you might prefer Dinosaur Isle (PO36 8QA), for an exhibition of the Isle of Wight's prehistoric history.
If all that doesn't fill your day then you might like to stop off at The Heights swimming pool in Sandown (PO36 9ET), particularly if the little darlings optimistically packed their trunks despite the terrible forecast.
As for eating out, there are loads of places to buy 'chips with everything' meals, but there are also reasonable sized supermarkets in the area if you have a car and would rather endure a soggy picnic.
If you're on a tight budget, The Crab, Shanklin (PO37 6NS) does cheap pub grub. In nearby Lake, Morrisons has a cafe (PO36 9PA).
In the afternoon, head to Sandown Pier (PO36 8JT) for a classic seaside experience. There is an indoor play area and 'adventure golf' among other dry things. Of course, you'll also be by the seaside in case the weather miraculously improves. There's also an indoor play area in nearby Shanklin called Jungle Jim's (PO37 6BG).
If you want something a bit less twee then you might prefer Dinosaur Isle (PO36 8QA), for an exhibition of the Isle of Wight's prehistoric history.
If all that doesn't fill your day then you might like to stop off at The Heights swimming pool in Sandown (PO36 9ET), particularly if the little darlings optimistically packed their trunks despite the terrible forecast.
As for eating out, there are loads of places to buy 'chips with everything' meals, but there are also reasonable sized supermarkets in the area if you have a car and would rather endure a soggy picnic.
If you're on a tight budget, The Crab, Shanklin (PO37 6NS) does cheap pub grub. In nearby Lake, Morrisons has a cafe (PO36 9PA).
Day 2 - Ryde in the rain
For your second day of dodging the rain showers, head over to Ryde. The esplanade has a decent bowling alley (PO33 2EL).
In the afternoon, Ryde Cinema (PO33 2HX) is a good way to waste a couple of hours. The cinema is small and quaint and is a fair distance from the esplanade but it is very good value (£4 at the time of writing, in 2017). If you prefer the multiplex experience then you will need to travel to Newport Cineworld (PO30 2TA), which is a 20 minute drive from Ryde.
If you fancy a more memorable performance than some nauseating Disney movie, consider Waltzing Waters (PO33 1QS) which involves large scale water fountains dancing to music. Just re-read the second part of that last sentence in case you didn't fully grasp what's on offer.
Another all weather option in Ryde is Wight Karting (PO33 1QS). It is outdoors, but it runs in the rain if you don't mind looking like you've been on a log flume by the end of the day.
Finally, on the route between Newport and Ryde is the Butterfly and Fountain World (PO33 4RW), which is a fairly self explanatory attraction!
Again, there are some cheap options for eating out in the Ryde area.
I'm not sure if I dare suggest this...but there are a few fast food chains around Ryde, including McDonalds (PO33 1QG).
There is also a cheap carvery (about £4) at the Sloop Inn in Wootton (PO33 4HS) which is on the way to Ryde if you are travelling from Newport. There are sometimes offers to be had.
There is also a Wetherspoons in Ryde (PO33 2LF).
In the afternoon, Ryde Cinema (PO33 2HX) is a good way to waste a couple of hours. The cinema is small and quaint and is a fair distance from the esplanade but it is very good value (£4 at the time of writing, in 2017). If you prefer the multiplex experience then you will need to travel to Newport Cineworld (PO30 2TA), which is a 20 minute drive from Ryde.
If you fancy a more memorable performance than some nauseating Disney movie, consider Waltzing Waters (PO33 1QS) which involves large scale water fountains dancing to music. Just re-read the second part of that last sentence in case you didn't fully grasp what's on offer.
Another all weather option in Ryde is Wight Karting (PO33 1QS). It is outdoors, but it runs in the rain if you don't mind looking like you've been on a log flume by the end of the day.
Finally, on the route between Newport and Ryde is the Butterfly and Fountain World (PO33 4RW), which is a fairly self explanatory attraction!
Again, there are some cheap options for eating out in the Ryde area.
I'm not sure if I dare suggest this...but there are a few fast food chains around Ryde, including McDonalds (PO33 1QG).
There is also a cheap carvery (about £4) at the Sloop Inn in Wootton (PO33 4HS) which is on the way to Ryde if you are travelling from Newport. There are sometimes offers to be had.
There is also a Wetherspoons in Ryde (PO33 2LF).
The-Isle-of-Wight-Guru-Don't-Blame-Us-Disclaimer™ The information on this website is correct, as far as we know, but please do check opening times and details with attractions and restaurants directly if you are planning a long journey - and please contact us if you find anything inaccurate.
