Isle of Wight is the easiest adventure with your kids this autumn

Year-round holidays in Isle of Wight are very much a thing. Antonia Windsor sails away with her kids and uncovers an island of adventure, even in autumn.

Goodleaf tree climbing, holidays in Isle of Wight © Antonia Windsor

The Isle of Wight offers families a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and history, all within easy reach of the UK mainland. Hunting for dinosaur footprints in the rocks on the beach, pretending to be Victorian children at Osborne House or racing go-karts around a track, holidays in Isle of Wight are packed with opportunities for learning and play. Whether your kids love animals, amusement parks, or simply running free, the lovely Isle of Wight is the ideal place to make memories.

The Isle of Wight is also a great choice for little kids because nowhere is too far and the most time you’ll spend in the car to get somewhere is about 40 minutes, which avoids those relentless cries of, “are we there yet”. Alternate days building sandcastles on various beaches and paddling in rock pools with visits to some of the island’s most child-friendly attractions.

Tiny Town: a miniature take on holidays in Isle of Wight

Godshill Model Village is wondrous for children of any age, but is particularly delightful for young children. Paths wind through tiny replicas of local buildings and landmarks and a scaled-down version of Godshill itself (complete with a model of the model village, which children find fascinating). A model steam train carrying circus animals in its carriage “choo-choos” along tracks and you can keep kids focused by completing a spotting card that’s given out at the entrance. The village is surrounded by gardens, and buggy-friendly paths make it easy to keep going even when little legs get tired.

Full Steam Ahead: pet-friendly vintage rail journeys

If the model steam train captures your little one’s imagination, then they’ll be delighted when you take them on the real thing. At the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, kids can hop aboard restored vintage carriages and feel the excitement of chugging through the island’s picturesque countryside as though they’re journeying to Hogwarts. The sound of the whistle, the steam billowing from the engine, and the gentle rhythm of the train create an effortless sense of adventure – and dogs can come too, so you don’t have to leave any family member behind.

Monkey Haven © Visit Isle of Wight

Where to monkey around on holidays in Isle of Wight

Meanwhile animal lovers will be won over by the rescued primates at Monkey Haven. Children can watch the monkeys swing and play in their enclosures, while learning about the important conservation work the sanctuary does. The haven is designed with families in mind, featuring child-friendly trails, a play area, and interactive talks from keepers, that are both fun and educational. The friendly atmosphere, combined with the chance to meet the monkeys, owls, and other rescued animals, makes it an engaging day out for young animal lovers.

Carisbrooke Castle © Visit Isle of Wight

Making History From ancient Roman settlements to royal connections

Isle of Wight has played a significant role throughout the centuries and its coastal defences, castles, and stately homes offer an exciting journey through history for young minds, with plenty of hands-on experiences to inspire them. Carisbrooke Castle with its fairy tale turrets is a must-see for young history-buffs, here children can walk along the ancient walls, discover the famous donkey-powered well, and learn about its royal prisoners, including King Charles I.

At Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s grand holiday home, kids can find out how the Victorian aristocracy lived, play in the royal playhouse, Swiss Cottage, and watch Punch and Judy shows on the private beach during the summer.

While at Brading Roman Villa kids can see well-preserved floor mosaics, before creating their own in the museum’s foyer.

Human dinosaur, Appley Beach © Visit Isle of Wight

Try digging up dinosaurs on holidays in Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight’s rich history isn’t limited to castles and royal homes, it’s also known as “Dinosaur Island”. Several dinosaur species have been discovered here, including Neovenator, Eotyrannus, and Iguanodon, and the island is one of the best places in the world to find early Cretaceous fossils, dating back over 120 million years. The southwest coast, particularly around Compton Bay and Yaverland, is the best place for fossil hunting, and a number of different companies offer guided walks to help you and the kids find small fossils or even dinosaur footprints. At Dinosaur Isle, an interactive museum dedicated to the island’s ancient past, children can see life-sized dinosaur models, examine real fossils, and even try their hand at digging for bones.

The UK’s oldest theme park © Blackgang Chine

Good old fashioned thrills at Blackgang Chine

The Isle of Wight is also a great place for good old-fashioned fun. Blackgang Chine, established in 1843, is the UK’s oldest amusement park and kids can let loose here as they explore themed areas such as Pirate Cove and the Enchanted Woodland. Thrill-seeking teens will definitely want to make a beeline for the new 360-degree pendulum swing, “Extinction”.

Even farms are fun on holidays in Isle of Wight

To the west of the island, near Yarmouth, Tapnell Farm Park is where kids can get up close with friendly farm animals such as goats, rabbits, and wallabies, while also enjoying the park’s large adventure playgrounds, bouncy pillows, and indoor soft play area. There’s also a pedal go-kart track, as well as a zip-wire, both perfect for burning off some energy. And older kids can try axe throwing, archery and football golf.

Part of the Tapnell Farm Park complex, but with a separate entrance, the Isle of Wight Aqua Park is the only waterpark on the island. Don a wetsuit and buoyancy aid and spend an exhilarating hour jumping and climbing on the large inflatable obstacle course. The lake water is filtered, so it doesn’t matter if you swallow a mouthful after a particularly daring jump, and there’s a viewing area for family members who are too nervous (or too young) to venture in: children have to be over the age of seven.

Go-karting, Isle of Wight © Wight Karting

Get On Track for some fast-paced island adventure

If your kids want to experience the thrill of driving a real vehicle, head to Wight Karting. Their popular Junior Track Training is a 2.5-hour session that runs every morning during school holidays for 8-15 year olds, and parents can drop off and pick up. Alternatively book into a family race session for a bit of healthy competition.

Take To The Trees for an aerial look at Isle of Wight

If everyone has a head for heights, then another great activity for older kids is Goodleaf Tree Climbing. Suitable from anyone over the age of eight, this well-organised activity takes place in the great oak tree at Appley Park, Ryde. With ropes and tree hammocks hooked up in advance you just need to turn up, put on a climbing harness and after some simple instructions on how to hoick yourself up the rope and into the tree you’re free to explore the different ropes that lead to the uppermost branches or to hammocks, where you can have a short rest. It takes some muscle power and is a great way to tire the kids out.