By Parkdean Resorts on 04/05/2018
The Isle of Wight is the perfect destination any time of year, but it’s particularly stunning during summer. With its many beautiful beaches, exciting events and fun family attractions, there’s so much to do on a holiday here. Whether you’re taking the kids during the school holidays or you’re having a summer weekend break away, there’s something for everyone on the Isle of Wight.
Here at Parkdean Resorts, we’re lifting the lid on some of the best things to do this summer on the Isle of Wight, so you can enjoy many of the island’s top events and attractions on your next visit.
Exciting events
The Isle of Wight is known for its festivals and events, and it’s easy to see why. The island has a range of events all year round, but it’s summer when you’ll catch some of the best. From music and food festivals to sailing regattas and firework displays, the summertime calendar is packed full on this beautiful island.
If you’re staying at Lower Hyde Holiday Park, then just 20 minutes away is Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest amusement park, which has been here since 1843. Here you can enjoy fireworks shows on Monday and Wednesday evenings throughout the summer months - a perfect way to end a warm summer day.
There’s a huge amount to do at Blackgang Chine - sit back and enjoy the live action cowboy show, before watching the famous Shadow and Sheila performance from the park’s resident dinosaurs. Get involved in the action and have a go at Wild West dancing, or take part in the circus workshop. Make sure you stick around for the main event, the show stopping musical firework display.
Of course, no summer would be complete without attending a food festival, and the Isle of Wight has lots to choose from. One of the most popular is the Bembridge Harbour Food Festival, which is usually held around the 22nd and 23rd September each year. Just five minutes away from Nodes Point Holiday Park, the festival sells everything from seafood and meats to vegetables and cakes. It’s also renowned for its wide variety of wines and beers which are sourced from local vineyards and breweries. After a bite to eat and a couple of drinks, get involved in the fun for yourself by taking part in the festival’s competitions, such as the Great Bembridge Bake Off and the Men’s Perfect Breakfast.
In terms of large-scale events, the obvious two to look out for are the historic Isle of Wight Festival, on the 21st-24th of June 2018, and the stunning Round the Island Race on Saturday 7th of July, in which sailing boats race around the entire coast of the island - a great idea is to find the perfect viewing spot and watch the sails billow by.
Beautiful beaches
With 57 miles of beautiful coastline, it’s easy to see why the Isle of Wight is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe. Whether you want to make sandcastles with the kids, try your hand at thrilling water sports or take a stroll along the cliff tops, there are plenty of beaches where you can enjoy summer seaside activities.
Under 40 minutes from Thorness Bay Holiday Park, Alum Bay Beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the Isle of Wight. Located on the most westerly tip of the island, the beach is known for being home to The Needles, a row of three stacks of coloured chalk that rise 30 metres out of the sea. Swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or walk along the cliffs, taking in the stunning views that surround the bay. Above the beach you’ll find The Needles Park, where you can enjoy a range of attractions for the whole family. After an exciting chairlift ride, play Jurassic golf or enjoy the water peddlers, before satisfying your taste buds at the sweet factory.
If you’re looking for a little piece of paradise, then just 20 minutes from both Landguard Holiday Park and Lower Hyde Holiday Park is Steephill Cove, which is one of the island’s hidden gems. Tucked away under the cliffs, this is a great place to enjoy clear waters and rock pools, making it the perfect location to relax with the whole family.
Video sourced from Visit Isle of Wight
Family attractions
As well as the island’s picturesque scenery, fantastic beaches and wide range of activities, there are also plenty of attractions to visit. From castles and historic landmarks to zoos and museums, you won’t be stuck for something to do this summer.
Just 15 minutes from Nodes Point Holiday Park is the Isle of Wight Zoo, the perfect place for a summer’s day out. Enjoy a Walking Safari around the zoo, where keepers will tell you all about the residents and how they’re cared for. Meet the meerkats, before going behind the scenes and assisting in the training of some of the zoo’s big cats.
If you’re an animal lover, then there’s also Amazon World Zoo, just over 5 minutes away from Landguard Holiday Park. Learn all about conservation and rainforests at this award-winning attraction and come face-to-face with some of the world’s most unusual and beautiful animals, including sloths and anteaters. Under 30 minutes from all of our holiday parks on the Isle of Wight is Dinosaur Isle.
Take a step back in time at Britain’s first purpose-built dinosaur attraction, and discover fascinating fossils from over 120 million years ago. There are plenty of interactive activities for you to enjoy on a visit, too - including a robotic dinosaur that you can control! Plus, there are plenty of life-sized models of different dinosaur species, perfect for helping the kids learn all about the creatures that once roamed the Earth.
Another fantastic attraction is the famous Carisbrooke Castle, just 15 minutes from Thorness Bay Holiday Park, where you can discover over 800 years of history. As well as exploring this romantic castle, you can meet the lovable donkeys, visit the museum and picnic in the castle’s stunning gardens.
Outdoor activities
With warmer temperatures than the rest of the UK, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine. There are plenty of outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family, including walking, cycling and a range of water sports.
If you’re a keen walker or cyclist, then you’ll love the Isle of Wight, as it’s filled with over 500 miles of footpaths. Whether you want to take a trip through charming towns, over rugged woodland or along beautiful beaches, you’ll find a trail perfect for you. If you’re an adventurous family, then a walk or bike ride through Borthwood Copse is a must. Only 5 minutes from Landguard Holiday Park, this ancient oak woodland is right on your doorstep. Travel through the magical forests, looking out for red squirrels as you pass, then climb to the viewpoint overlooking the coast and Culver Downs for some spectacular views
For adventure lovers, why not try your hand at water sports at one of the island’s incredible beaches? A great place for the whole family to go is Freshwater Bay, about 25 minutes from Thorness Bay Holiday Park. Explore the many hidden coves by kayak, canoe or paddle board, or dare to jump from the cliffs on a coasteering experience.
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