This summer's weather has been less than inspiring but don't let that stop you having fun with the kids on the Isle of Wight. With more visitor attractions per square mile, the Isle of Wight is sure to have something to keep the whole family amused during the rainy weather.
Here's our pick of the top things to do, places to visit and activities to take part in on the Isle of Wight on a rainy day.
Come face to face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered creatures at the heart of the Isle of Wight in Arreton. Some of the animals living at Amazon World you won't be able to see anywhere else in the UK or even Europe! It's exciting, educational and great fun for al the family. Watch a talk and display, learn about the animals, wildlife conservation and see the animals first hand. A family ticket is £30 (2 adults and 2 children).
One of the finest Roman sites in the UK, Brading Roman Villa offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain from beautiful preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of Roman archaeology. There's interactive displays for the kids to get involved with and learn about life in Roman Britain. Open daily from 10am and with a standard family ticket for £20 (2 adults and 3 children), Brading Roman Villa is great fun when the weather has taken a turn for the worst.
At the heart of the Isle of Wight, Arreton Old Village is the epitome of a traditional English village. With local craftspeople, traditional sweet chop, local farm shop and butcher, village pub and plenty more, the village is definitely worth a visit. Arreton Old Village is also home to the Isle of Wight Shipwreck Centre, a collection of seafaring memorabilia collected from Shipwrecks around the UK.
Britain's first purpose built dinosaur museum, Dinosaur Isle sits right on the beach in Yaverland, Sandown. The Isle of Wight has a rich geological history and the rocks on the Isle of Wight record the best exposures of dinosaur material in Europe. The displays are fully interactive, there's quizzes, challenges and plenty of opportunity for the kids to learn about the prehistoric history of the Isle of Wight. A standard family ticket starts from £16 (2 adults and 2 children.
This award winning visitor attraction is ideal if you want to take it easy. Take a seat, sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside that the Isle of Wight has to offer. Take a ride on one of the vintage steam trains for a special journey back in time. The Victorian and Edwardian carriages have been lovingly restored and a family ticket is £39 to enjoy the Isle of Wight's countryside in style.
See what rainy day activities are being suggested on Mumsnet!
If you're not looking for a long stay holiday, Wightlink have some great day trip offers available that combine ferry travel and admission fees for Amazon World, Brading Roman Villa, Dinosaur Isle and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway; as well as a range of other attractions and places to visit on the Isle of Wight. Take a look at the special offers available here.
Some other great places to visit on the Isle of Wight on a rainy day are Chessel Pottery, Dimbola Lodge, Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House, The Isle of Wight Zoo, Owl and Monkey Haven, Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Waltzing Waters and Butterfly World.
See our directory for what to do, activities and visitor attractions on the Isle of Wight here.
Situated centrally on Sandown’s seafront and one of the top Isle of Wight hotels, the Trouville Hotel in Sandown is the ideal location for an Isle of Wight Break.
Lugleys of Cowes is a relaxed fine dining restaurant and Piano Bar located on Cowes Parade overlooking the Solent and is renowned for great food, unrivalled views and its stylish design.
There has been an Abbey at Quarr on the Isle of Wight since 1132,. It played a central part in the life of the Island until its dissolution by Henry VIII. The Quarr Abbey that stands alongside the ruins of the former building belongs to the Solesmes Congregation group of monasteries.
