Collaborative post by another author. The Isle of Wight is such a great choice for a family holiday. It feels a bit like stepping back in time to those traditional seaside breaks we all remember from childhood, but with enough modern bits to keep everyone happy. It is famously one of the sunniest spots in the UK, which definitely helps when you are trying to coordinate a week away with your children.

With miles of coastline to choose from, you have plenty of options when planning potential holidays to Isle of Wight. It isn't just about the beaches, though; there are lots of small seaside towns and attractions that make it a great place to explore with children.

Explore the beaches of the Isle Of Wight

Choose The Best Beach For Your Family

With over 60 miles of coast, it helps to know which beaches suit different ages. Between wider sandy beaches, secluded coves with pebbly beaches, or narrow stretches of rocky outcrops you’re pretty spoilt for choice.  If you have younger children, sandy spots like Shanklin or Sandown are usually the easiest. They have everything close by, including toilets, cafes for snacks and shops if you’ve forgotten the sun cream.

For families with older children who like to explore, Compton Bay is a great choice. It is a bit more rugged and is well-known for fossil hunting, which can keep everyone busy for hours. If you want somewhere a bit tucked away, Steephill Cove is very pretty, but keep in mind it is a bit of a walk from the car park with all your gear.

Explore Other Coastal Attractions

The Isle of Wight is about more than just its beaches, having plenty of other enjoyable coastal attractions to enjoy on your holiday. Take a break from sunbathing 

There is plenty to do when everyone has had enough of the sand including having a stroll along the scenic coastal paths, getting an even more impressive view of the sea from higher up on the cliffs. A trip to The Needles is usually on the list for most visitors, with the set of three chalk stacks rising out of the waves and making the perfect backdrop for some amazing holiday snaps. Taking the chairlift down to the beach is also fun for the kids and gives you a great view of the famous chalk rocks.

If your children are active, you can take to the waters and rent paddleboards or kayaks in many of the calmer bays. For a quieter afternoon, the town of Ventnor is a lovely place for a walk, and the Botanic Gardens there are worth a visit as they grow plants you don't usually see in the UK.

Prepare For The Weather

Even though the island is known for being slightly warmer, it is still the British coast. The wind can pick up quickly, so it is always worth packing extra jumpers even if the sun is out.

If the children are keen on swimming, a wetsuit is a good idea. The sea can stay quite cold even in the middle of summer, and it helps them stay in the water longer without getting blue lips. 

The Journey Over

The holiday really starts on the ferry. Whether you sail from Portsmouth, Southampton or Lymington, the boat trip is a highlight for children. The island is small enough that you can drive from one side to the other in about an hour, so if it looks cloudy on one beach, you can easily head to the other side to find the sun.