Sometimes it’s hard to please the whole family, but the Isle of Wight is bursting with attractions that will keep all ages happy for hours. There are beaches galore, of course, but when you feel like a change, a fun-packed day in a theme park beckons. Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park, Arreton, has sculpture and nature trails, rides and red squirrels running up the trees. A new set of woodland ponds and gardens have recently been added, as has Driftwood Dome, a 13-metre, sphere-shaped greenhouse housing natural wooden sculptures and scented plants. Three exciting rides are the 400m Toboggan Run, the Colossus swinging ship and the motion-cinema Time Machine. Neptune Ride and Jets are gentler roundabouts for younger visitors.

Robin Hill’s sister attraction, Blackgang Chine Fantasy Park in Chale offers an eccentric mix of attractions spread out amid rambling Victorian gardens perched on the south-west coast. As you arrive you can’t fail to notice the Cliff Hanger rollercoaster (pictured), which climbs to 120m above the sea and reaches speeds of up to 35mph. Set off on the park’s winding paths and you’ll variously come to a maze, a Wild West town, Dinosaur Land, a Crooked House, Nursery Land, Hall of Funny Mirrors and a Smugglers’ Cave. Let your children’s imaginations—and your own—run riot.

If you fancy getting your creative juices flowing, head for the Pottery Café at Chessell Pottery Barns, near Calbourne. Choose from a range of pottery items, such as piggy banks, jugs, mugs and egg cups to decorate in your own inimitable style. Once the painted item has been glazed and fired in the oven, ta da!, you have a unique, special memento of your holiday to take home.

Butterfly World, near Wootton, is a great destination, allowing you to spot up to 100 species fluttering freely in a natural environment. Fountain World is on the same site and features delightful Italian and Japanese water gardens and two koi carp ponds. The nearby Jumping Jets and fairy-tale-like Small World are great for the little ones.

Now, how about getting out and about? You can book a cruise on the Solent, ride on the steam train from Smallbrook to Wootton or tour the Island on an open-top bus, hopping on and off as you wish and enjoying discounts at selected attractions. Choose your route—Downs, Medina, Sandown Bay or Needles tour.

“Make a point of visiting us”, they say at the award-winning Needles Park, and you really shouldn’t miss it. Admission is free, though there is a parking charge and an irresistible array of pay-as-you-go attractions. Top of the list must be the chairlift down to the beach, a fabulous way to enjoy the scenery and take a close look at the multi-coloured cliffs before boarding a boat for an exciting trip around the Needles and Lighthouse. Back on land, you will find more thrilling activities—a new Teacup Ride, carousel, Jurassic Golf—an imaginative, dinosaur-themed course, a sweet factory and a shop where you can fill a container with the colourful sands from Alum Bay. SOLANGE HANDO

Where to stay...

A number of family-sized rooms are available at Priory Manor Hotel, Shanklin (01983 862854), a converted manor house just a short walk from the famous Shanklin cliffs. Old Park Hotel, St Lawrence (01983 852583), is ideal for parents with young children, and close to the sea in 16 acres of gardens, woods, streams and waterfalls. It offers family suites with separate children’s rooms, play areas and an indoor pool.

Where to eat...

Treat yourselves to Minghella ice cream and try the giant meringues at the Old Smithy in Godshill (01983 840364). Lunch at The Griffin, Godshill (01983 840039), an award-winning, family-friendly pub with a children’s menu, mini football pitch, Wendy house and good access for prams.

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