Gotten Manor Estate Guidebook
Sightseeing
Its history dates back to 1313AD when a boat was shipwrecked and a local Lord helped himself to all the communion wine onboard. It annoyed the Vatican who demanded that he build a lighthouse as penance. Nowadays it would be called Eucharistgate and the papers would say 'his position has become untenable'.
8 locals recommend
St. Catherine's Oratory
Blackgang RoadIts history dates back to 1313AD when a boat was shipwrecked and a local Lord helped himself to all the communion wine onboard. It annoyed the Vatican who demanded that he build a lighthouse as penance. Nowadays it would be called Eucharistgate and the papers would say 'his position has become untenable'.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Main RoadButterfly World IOW
Staplers RoadGood day out for the kids
Tapnell Farm Park
Newport RoadAqua park, football golf, fun for kids
Osborne
York Aveit even has its own private beach!
The Needles Landmark Attraction
Alum Bay New RoadCharlift is good fun
West Wight Alpacas & Llamas
Main Roadgo walking with some alpacas!
Ventnor Botanic Garden
Undercliff Driveit has its own micro climate
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Godshill Model Village is a quaint attraction within a quaint village. It's been in the same family for the last 35 years, and they take great pride in the quality of everything from the church to the 3000 model conifers. Young children obviously need to be accompanied to make sure that you don't get home to find half a dozen residents and a lamp-post in a coat pocket. Under threes get in free.
22 locals recommend
Model Village Godshill
High StreetGodshill Model Village is a quaint attraction within a quaint village. It's been in the same family for the last 35 years, and they take great pride in the quality of everything from the church to the 3000 model conifers. Young children obviously need to be accompanied to make sure that you don't get home to find half a dozen residents and a lamp-post in a coat pocket. Under threes get in free.
There are various adventure playgrounds that will appeal as well as a couple of tame rides, tunnels to crawl through, fish to feed, a miniature village and a maze. More adventurous 3 year olds are also allowed on the Toboggan Run with an adult. It's also worth noting that under 4s get in free, so perhaps one to consider if your pre-schoolers are a couple of months away from their fourth birthday.
101 locals recommend
Robin Hill
Downend RoadThere are various adventure playgrounds that will appeal as well as a couple of tame rides, tunnels to crawl through, fish to feed, a miniature village and a maze. More adventurous 3 year olds are also allowed on the Toboggan Run with an adult. It's also worth noting that under 4s get in free, so perhaps one to consider if your pre-schoolers are a couple of months away from their fourth birthday.
Wight Karting
Brading Roadfor the petrol heads
However, if your kids are constantly lunging at each other with swords and holding shields then you might get away with Carisbrooke Castle.
English Heritage make a good effort to keep it family-friendly with jousting on the bowling green in the summer. Is there a charge? Yes, of course, that's the general idea of jousting (Ed: groan).
There are also donkeys which pull up a bucket from a well all year round and a dry moat outside the ground which we used to run up and down like lunatics.
133 locals recommend
Carisbrooke Castle
Castle HillHowever, if your kids are constantly lunging at each other with swords and holding shields then you might get away with Carisbrooke Castle.
English Heritage make a good effort to keep it family-friendly with jousting on the bowling green in the summer. Is there a charge? Yes, of course, that's the general idea of jousting (Ed: groan).
There are also donkeys which pull up a bucket from a well all year round and a dry moat outside the ground which we used to run up and down like lunatics.
Freshwater Bay Golf Club
Afton Roadthe best views ever from a golf course?
Theme Park
Blackgang Chine
Theme Park for kids
City/town information
Ventnor
Quaint 1920s style esplanade
Traveler advice
Ways to save
Book online shops with Tesco, Waitrose or Asda in advance
That way you get the best slots for when you arrive
What to pack
Prepare for the great outdoors
Bring beach towels, walking shoes, wet weather gear, body boards, buckets and spades.
Don't miss
Festivals
The Chale Show
The Garlic Festival
Tour of Britain
Round the Island Yacht race
The Isle of Wight Festival
Ventnor Fringe
Getting around
Bring a car
We are VERY remote - you can't get around without a car - so i'd hire one or book taxis!
Getting around
Taxi service
If you are going to need a taxi - our local firm is Ladybird taxis