rainy days out on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is well-known for being one of the sunniest places in the UK, but sometimes a rainy day can happen… Don’t panic! There are plenty of days out and activities for all ages, keeping younger kids, adults, and even teenagers entertained during a rainy spell.
embrace the elements
No matter your age, it’s always fun to get out in the elements with the family and have some outdoor adventures in the rain. So, grab your wellies (and maybe a wetsuit) and give these a try…
- Woodland Walks – explore the Island under the shelter of tree canopies. Firestone Copse, Parkhurst Forest, and Bouldnor Forest are all beautiful spots, with a good network of paths to explore.
- Watersports – you’re already getting wet, so why not head out to sea and tackle some watersports, like stand-up paddle boarding or surfing with iSurf.
- Beach Walks – wrap up warm and get out to explore some of the Island’s beaches. Look out for easy walks along the sea walls around Ventnor, Gurnard, or from Sandown to Shanklin.
for younger kids
Beat the boredom and bring on the fun with these all-weather ideas for little legends who love to keep busy…
- Indoor Soft Play – there are plenty of options for indoor fun, including JR Zone, or Monkey Madness at Amazon World.
- Meet the Animals – spend the day at a part-covered animal attraction, such as Tapnell Farm Park or Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, and meet some new furry friends and exotic creatures.
- Seaside amusements – the tried and tested way to have fun on a rainy holiday, there are good-sized traditional amusements at Shanklin Seafront with indoor mini-golf and more to enjoy.
- Get Arty – paint your own pottery at Fired Art Ceramic Studio in Ryde. Choose from any pre-made pottery design, and have fun decorating. The perfect rainy-day art project.
- Discover Dinosaurs – See, hear, touch, and immerse yourself in the collection of models, fossils, rocks, and other natural history items at Dinosaur Isle. Learn all about the dinosaurs that roamed the Isle of Wight over 125 million years ago.
- Sweet Treats - Just because it's raining doesn't mean you can't have ice cream! Crave in Ventnor offers over 30 imaginative flavours... grown-ups are also bound to find a new favourite.
for older kids/teenagers
Leave the phones behind and have a go at some of these Isle of Wight adrenaline-inducing activities perfect for older kids and teenagers…
- Go Karting – according to Wight Karting’s customers, whizzing around the 520m floodlight track is even more fun in the rain!
- Laser Quest & Bowling – have a go at one or both boredom-busting activities all under one roof at Ryde Superbowl!
- Go for a Skate – get your skates on and have a go at retro roller skating! Beginner, advanced, disco, and family sessions available at Skates the Quay! Skateboarders should head to award-winning John Cattle’s Skate Club, suitable for all ages, or Canopy Skatepark in Ventnor.
- Wipeout at the Aqua Park – fans of Total Wipeout will love the 20+ obstacle course at the Tapnell Farm's Aqua Park. Great fun for confident swimmers aged 8 and over.
- Ready… Set… Smash – Head to Rage-Release Isle of Wight and find your inner calm by ‘smashing some stuff up’ in the most fun way possible. Leave any stress behind and get stuck into this rainy-day activity. 12+ with accompanying adult.
- Go Golfing - With the only fully-covered driving range on the Island, Westridge Golf Centre is a great place to take shelter and hit a few balls! Open 7 days a week, there's no need to book - simply turn up and hire your equipment.
- Gamers Assemble - Stop by Ryde's Game On for retro gaming experiences, as well as Nintendo Switch on a big screen!
for the adults
It’s time to explore the local area, learn about the heritage, try something new, and get a real taste of island produce. Here are a few ideas to get you started…
- Retail Therapy – there are plenty of boutique stores in the main towns, with lots of local treats to explore. The Garlic Farm, Cowes High Street and Isle of Wight Distillery are perfect places to pick up gifts and just relax with your partner or friends, while Oasis is a mecca for eccentric furniture, décor and souvenirs with an on-site coffee shop.
- Get Crafty – learn to make something with a ‘hands-on’ workshop. Book in at The Jewellery Cabin, near Newport, to create a unique pendant or set of earrings. Quay Arts also run regular workshops and courses for anyone looking to get creative.
- Take a trip back in time – the Island boasts some fantastic indoor heritage attractions, including Queen Victoria’s palace by the sea at Osborne, and one of the UK’s finest Roman sites, Brading Roman Villa.
- Play Games! – Board games aren’t just for kids. At Snacks & Ladders Board Game Café you can choose from hundreds of board games (both child and adult themed) whilst enjoying something tasty from their food menu including a delicious cocktail! For next-level fun and to test your puzzle-solving skills, try The Lost Crypt Escape Room in Ryde, or Random-Rooms in Newport and pick from five unique escape room challenges!
- Rocket Ronnie’s Sports Bar – Head to Rocket Ronnie's in Newport for a couple of games of pool, a cold beverage, good food, and to catch up on the latest sports
- Silver Screen - Soak up the nostalgic feel of a local cinema at Leo Leisure Commodore Cinema in Ryde. Offering a selection of new release films plus a few classics, you can book your tickets online at a bargain price of £4 per ticket. You'll also find daily bingo sessions here, perfect for hopefully boosting those holiday funds!
For more Island inspiration, see our Explore section.
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