THE Isle of Wight is just a short ferry ride from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot to stay than Parkdean Resorts’ Lower Hyde Holiday Park, on the east coast of the island.
It is surrounded by trees and has its own swimming pool with a slide.
But if you’re really into wildlife you may want to stay at Parkdean’s Thorness Bay resort which is close to Newtown Nature Reserve.
Here’s what’s going on nearby . . .
FUN FOR UNDER A FIVER: Kids can visit the Haven Falconry Bird Of Prey Centre for a fiver, but better still they can ride the Isle of Wight Steam Railway from here for just £2.50 per child and £3.50 per adult (see haven-falconry.co.uk).
CHEAP EATS AND DRINKS: The family-run Blueberry’s Cafe (blueberryscafeiow. co.uk) on the east coast of the island is great for breakfast, lunch, waffles and ice cream, especially on a sunny day when you can eat at a table on the grass outside and admire the view.
A gammon sandwich with salad and chips will set you back £6.90, while a kids’ portion of butcher’s sausages, chips and beans costs just over a fiver.
For a pint, head to the 16th-century Sun Inn in the rugged countryside near Compton Beach, which also serves cracking pub grub made from local produce.
BARGAIN BEACH DAYS: The rock formation are a landmark on the Isle of Wight’s coast and Alum Bay Beach puts you in a prime spot for admiring their majesty.
The sands on this beach are pretty special. too. They are made up of three minerals, quartz, felspar and mica which produces a lovely whiteish colour – and they are backed by fiery red cliffs.
For a closer look at the impressive Needles, take a boat trip from Alum Bay which will guide you in a loop around the natural phenomenon. Tickets cost from £6 per child and £9 per adult (see needlespleasurecruises.co.uk).
AFFORDABLE ATTRACTIONS:The fab Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, also on the east of the island, is home to monkeys, lynxes, lions and farm animals and offers a great day out for families.
There’s an excellent playground on site, with a messy mud kitchen and drawing room, as well as a cafe serving salads, cakes and burgers.
Entry costs £12 per child and £14 per adult (for further details, check out wildheartanimalsanctuary.org).
FREE FOR ALL:The walls inside 18th- century Appuldurcombe House certainly have a few fascinating stories to tell – and the place is free to visit.
This former home of the Worsley family was once the grandest house on the Isle of Wight and you can admire the rooms in their historic splendour (see english-heritage.co.uk).
There are THREE ways to book our Holidays from £9.50:
Terms and Conditions: Price per person based on four sharing. Multiple token/code collect. Subject to availability. Price guarantee based on four people sharing, excluding extras/upgrades . Date restrictions apply. See full Terms & Conditions here.
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