Why I keep going to the Isle Of Wight for family holidays

What’s so magical about the Isle of Wight? We asked adventure travel writer Luke Rees to tell about his experiences and why he just can’t stay away.

“As far back as I can remember, my parents took me to the Isle of Wight on holiday. Forty plus years later my kids and I eagerly pack our bags for repeated visits to the island. My dad still talks about visiting with his parents as a kid, and I vaguely remember being there with the grandparents in tow when I was a child.”

“My mum and dad loved the Isle of Wight so much that we almost moved there just before I started secondary school. Unfortunately the offer was gazumped, and we stayed in Sussex. But we regularly visited for weekends and longer breaks.

Whether we stayed with friends, at B&Bs or campsites I always enjoyed a trip to the IOW. Although as I grew into my teen years I was less keen, and at times I have thought my adolescent self dodged a bit of a social bullet by staying on the mainland. So apart from a couple of festivals I didn’t visit the island for more than a decade.

But for my parents the dream never died and eventually they retired to a lovely cottage in Sandown. My initial thoughts were, “great, I need to get a ferry to see my folks.” But now the Wightlink ferry journey is the start of a holiday, it feels like we are going abroad rather than to stay with family.

We now visit three or four times a year, and while each trip has its similarities there is so much to do on this quaint island that it has become an unending source of family fun. From surfing to sightseeing and sea shanties to sand castles it is a home away from home.”

“On arrival, the island feels like stepping into a comforting old storybook. The patchwork fields, dramatic cliffs and endless ocean views change with the seasons and the weather. But they always remain beautiful – the island is a photographer’s dream.

The Isle of Wight is a treasure trove of fun for all the family. From the stunning panorama of the iconic Needles to seeing red squirrels in the wild, and the remains of Appuldurcombe House to the Donkey Sanctuary there are plenty of free family friendly activities. When you add the likes of Blackgang Chine, the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary (formerly IOW Zoo) and Robin Hill you have top quality days out for the kids.

But for me it is the huge range of Isle of Wight adventure activities that keep me visiting. I love water sports such as surfing and SUP, enjoy hiking and biking and love that a relatively small island offers everything from skydiving to scuba diving.”

“Exploring the extensive network of footpaths is a family favourite. From gentle strolls, to vigorous hikes, to one of the best long distance treks in the UK, the Isle of Wight offers trails to cater to all. More than half the island is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s one of few places in the UK to gain UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.

The island hosts a walking festival twice a year in May and October with guided and unguided walks for all levels. Every footfall on the meandering coastal paths, across the rolling hills or through enchanting woodland walks is so worthwhile.

We often pack a picnic with local produce. Freshly baked bread, the infamous garlic chutney from The Garlic Farm, combined with the creamy cheeses and fresh fish or pies for a tasty alfresco lunch.

And you are never that far from a pub or a cafe, most of which are independent – there are not many chains on the Isle of Wight. So you could enjoy a pint of local beer with a ploughman’s lunch. Or get involved in the classic cream tea – the scones in the island’s quaint tea shops are always a winner with the entire family.

The fun continues with cycling. There are bike routes all over the island, offering an immersive way to experience its idyllic scenery. A particular favourite of ours is the aptly named Sunshine Trail. Stretching 12 miles across glorious countryside and sandy beaches it passes Shanklin, Wroxall, Godshill, Merstone, Arreton, Newchurch, Alverstone and Sandown.”

“And if all of this seems like it is on the soft side of adventure, there are a whole range of action sports to get involved in. The exhilarating coasteering – a unique blend of swimming, climbing, and jumping from the island’s rocky coastline – is a year round experience.

There is a giant inflatable course near Yarmouth – perfect to cool the kids down on a hot day. Obviously sailing is massive on the Isle of Wight, and while not my thing it is nice to see so many yachts out on the water. If you prefer your watersports more high octane you can rent jet skis, wakeboard, waterski and hire speedboats.

I have yet to join them but year round I have seen people kiteboarding and windsurfing. I have got involved in surfing on the Isle of Wight, there are a few good breaks and you can hire a board or get lessons. Plus being an island there are always protected spots that are perfect for paddle boarding.”

“For the mini thrill-seekers Tapnell Farm, Kingswood or Robin Hill are the places to go. From archery to axe throwing, bushcraft to climbing, slides to giant bouncy pillows and ziplining to toboggan runs the lively activities will entertain and tire the kids out.

There is a Dinosaur Museum in Sandown which amazingly we have not visited yet. Plus the chance to hunt for fossils yourself along the Isle’s coastline. We’ve also never made it to Amazon World, Monkey Haven, The Steam Railway or the Alpaca Farm.

When I asked my kids what they want to do when we visit next in August their resounding answer was to go fishing! Of all the things we have done fishing with their grandad is their favourite. There are a few ponds on the island for course fishing and plenty of spots to dangle your line in the sea off a pier.

And if you are in the mood for a bit of heritage you won’t be disappointed. Carisbrooke Castle dates from Norman times and Osborne was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s holiday retreat. With Roman ruins, Quarr Abbey, Yarmouth Castle, St Catherine’s Oratory, the Needles Old Battery, Fort Victoria and much more you’ll certainly entertain history buffs.”

“And I can’t believe I have got this far without mentioning the British classic of a day at the beach. There are around 50 beaches on the Isle of Wight ranging from tiny hidden ones you need to hike to, to expansive sandy beaches.

Regarded as some of the best beaches in the UK, 14 Isle of Wight beaches were awarded a Blue Flag in 2023, and 24 the Seaside Award. Sandown beach is one of just seven to win both awards.

And Sandown beach is where we spend a lot of time. While its promenade still needs some improvements they are slowly being made. But from the kiss-me-quick pier to the crazy golf there are fun things to do, and the surrounding cliffs block wind and add to its allure. But at the end of the day kids love to play in the sand and adults seem to revert to kids on a beach…”

“The Isle of Wight is not just a holiday destination for us. It’s a place where my family comes together, and have done so for four generations. This island, with its rich history, abundant outdoor activities and undeniable charm, has become a part of our family story.

We don’t just return because my parents now live there, but because it is a wonderful place for a holiday.”

ℹ️ As an adventure travel writer, Luke can be found snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, surfing or doing other exciting activities all over the world. He is the founder of AWE365.com, a website offering more than 80 outdoor activities in 6,000+ destinations around the world, that helps people to plan action sport and adventure holidays.