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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 videos on Netflix).
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 videos on Netflix).
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, Shanklin and South East Wight
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Once you've checked the weather forecast and muttered expletives under your breath, head over to Sandown and Shanklin where there is a decent selection of indoor activities.
Personally, we like the amusement arcades on Shanklin seafront which chuck out yellow tickets which can be swapped for plastic tat that you don't need. There's also an indoor minigolf course called Caddyshack, which opened in 2020. Alternatively, Amazon World which is nearish to Sandown is a good option if you like slimy creatures. It has a large soft play area called Monkey Madness which we quite like (you pay extra for this bit). |
Sandown Pier is a cheap and cheerful day out in the rain
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In the afternoon, head to Sandown Pier for a classic seaside experience. There is a cheap and cheerful 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.
If you want something a bit less twee then you might prefer Dinosaur Isle at the Yaverland end of Sandown esplanade, 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, 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. We've also got some suggestions of places to eat with a sea view in the area. If you're on a tight budget, Morrisons in Lake has a cafe.
If you want something a bit less twee then you might prefer Dinosaur Isle at the Yaverland end of Sandown esplanade, 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, 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. We've also got some suggestions of places to eat with a sea view in the area. If you're on a tight budget, Morrisons in Lake has a cafe.
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.
In the afternoon, Ryde Cinema 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 2020). If you prefer the multiplex experience then you will need to travel to Newport Cineworld which is a 20 minute drive from Ryde.
Another all weather option in Ryde is Wight Karting. 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 Butterfly World which is a fairly self explanatory attraction!
Again, there are some cheap options for eating out in the Ryde area including a little-known fast food place called McDonalds and a cheap carvery place called the Sloop Inn in Wootton 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.
In the afternoon, Ryde Cinema 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 2020). If you prefer the multiplex experience then you will need to travel to Newport Cineworld which is a 20 minute drive from Ryde.
Another all weather option in Ryde is Wight Karting. 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 Butterfly World which is a fairly self explanatory attraction!
Again, there are some cheap options for eating out in the Ryde area including a little-known fast food place called McDonalds and a cheap carvery place called the Sloop Inn in Wootton 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.
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