Budget Friendly Family Fun
There are loads of Budget-Friendly family things to do on the Isle of Wight, explore our favourites below!
The Isle of Wight offers an array of affordable family fun, from beach outings and museum trips to park picnics and scenic bike rides, ensuring a delightful holiday experience without the hefty price tag.
Free Activity Ideas!
COWES
Brunswick Road: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing, bench seats & litter bins.
Northwood Park: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing with self-closing gates, bench seats & litter bin.
(Northwood House) Park Rd Recreation Ground: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring bench, litter bin & dog bin.
Venner Avenue: Large selection of play equipment, bench seats & litter bin.
EAST COWES Esplanade/Paddling Pool: Large selection of play equipment, zip line, soft safety flooring, benches, litter bins & dog bin. Paddling Pool open seasonally end of May to September.
Jubilee Recreation Ground: Selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, benches & litter bin.
Victoria Grove: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing with self-closing gates, litter bin & dog bin.
GURNARD
Gurnard Green: Selection of play equipment, benches, litter bin & dog bin.
FRESHWATER
Stroud Recreation Ground: Selection of play equipment, benches, litter bin & dog bin.
HAVENSTREET Recreation Ground: Small selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring & dog bin.
LAKE
Lea Road: Selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing with self-closing gates, benches & dog bin.
NEWPORT
Clatterford Recreation Ground: Swings, Multi play, bench, litter bin & dog bin.
Church Litten: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing, benches & litter bin.
Pan Estate: Large selection of play equipment & soft safety flooring.
Seaclose Recreation Ground: A large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing with self-closing gates, benches, litter bin & dog bin.
Victoria Recreation Ground: A selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, litter bin & dog bin.
Victoria Recreation Ground: Slide & swing, soft safety flooring & dog bin.
RYDE
Appley Park: Large selection of play equipment, soft sand safety flooring, secure fencing, picnic tables & litter bins.
Binstead Recreation Ground: Selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, bench, litter bin & dog bin.
Binstead Rest Gardens: Small selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, litter bin & dog bin.
Canoe Lake Paddling Pool: (Please check for 2024 opening – unconfirmed maintenance closure) This site contains a paddling pool and many interactive features.
Monkton Mead: Large selection of play equipment, soft sand safety flooring, secure fencing & litter bins.
Oakwood Road: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, bench & dog bin.
Puckpool Park, Seaview: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, picnic tables, litter bins & dog bin.
Simeon St Recreation Ground: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing with self-closing gates, bench seats, picnic tables litter bin & dog bin.
SANDOWN Battery Gardens: Selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, benches & litter bin.
Sandham Grounds: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing with self-closing gates, bench seats & picnic tables.
SHANKLIN
Big Meade: A selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing with self-closing gates, benches, litter bin & dog bin.
Batts Copse: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, benches & litter bin.
ST HELENS
St Helens Green: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing with self-closing gates, bench & dog bin.
TOTLAND
Totland Recreation Ground: Large selection of play equipment, soft safety flooring, secure fencing with self-closing gates, benches & dog bin.
Rock Pooling
The Isle of Wight offers some excellent spots for rock pooling, where you and your family can discover a variety of marine life. Pack your beach shoes and uncover are some of our favourite places:
- Bembridge Ledges: Known as a rock pooling mecca, Bembridge Ledges reveal vast shallow pools full of life at low tide.
- Freshwater Bay: This location has become a strong contender for the best rock pooling spot, with an abundance of crabs and other marine creatures found among the rocks.
- Compton Bay at Hannover Point: Offers good rock pools to explore when the tide goes down.
- St Helens Duver: At Node’s Point, you can find limestone outcrops teeming with marine life like whelks, limpets, and barnacles. (Parking charges apply)
- Binnel Bay (South Wight): A hidden gem of a beach, secluded from northerly winds, you will be able to spend hours exploring the rock pools and even do some snorkeling in the crystal clear water.
- Seaview Beach to Priory Bay: At low tide a stunning array of rock pools form, with safe flat sand surrounding the pools the warm summer evenings are perfect for rock pooling here. (Paid parking in Seaview)
Remember to check the tide times before you go, as rock pooling is best at low tide. Have a great time exploring these natural treasures! 🦀🌊
On the Isle of Wight, you can spend a delightful day at the Donkey Sanctuary, enjoying over 100 donkeys and Shetland ponies with grooming presentations, donkey walking, and feeding tours.
You can also explore the peaceful Quarr Abbey and its beautiful grounds, which is a great place for reflection and learning about local history.
Discover the vital work of the RNLI at Bembridge Lifeboat Station and get an introduction to life-saving at sea. Enjoy the serene Steephill Cove Beach, perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely walk along the shore.
Lastly, visit Arreton Barns, a historic site with craft shops and a shipwreck museum, making it well worth a visit. These attractions offer a mix of educational, historical, and just plain fun experiences that will create lasting memories for you and your family without costing anything.
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Enjoy your Holiday without Breaking the Bank
Here are some other suggestions:
- Explore the Great Outdoors: The Isle of Wight is known for its stunning natural beauty. You can visit the beaches, go on coastal walks, or explore the countryside. These activities are free and offer endless fun for the family.
- Local Events: Keep an eye out for local events, fairs, and carnivals, which often have free or low-cost entry and can be a great way to spend the day.
- Picnics: Pack a picnic and enjoy the island’s many picnic spots. It’s a great way to enjoy a meal out without the expense of dining at a restaurant.
Remember, planning ahead can help you find the best deals and discounts, and visiting outside of peak times can also save money. The Isle of Wight offers a range of activities that cater to all interests and budgets, ensuring that you and your family can have a memorable time without overspending. Enjoy your visit!
Our budget busting favourites
Photo and Video Gallery
Looking for inspiration? Look through our photos and videos of the Isle of Wight and see the beautiful scenery waiting to be explored. Visit photo wall
Make your Isle of Wight trip affordable and enjoyable with our Family-Friendly Fun suggestions. Get inspired with new ideas and cool ways to have a great holiday on the island, all without breaking the bank. Go now!
Explore the Beaches, Rivers & Sea
Discover the pristine beauty of the Isle of Wight as you embark on a water-based adventure with our expert guides, guiding you to explore enchanting beaches, serene rivers, and picturesque coastlines – plan your next trip and uncover a new beach or coastal walk with us. Dive in!
Unleash the spirit of exploration with day trips and holiday planners helping you find things to see and do during your visit – our budget-friendly, tried-and-tested recommendations cater to families and adventure seekers alike. Check them out!
Arriving By Boat, Marinas and Harbours
Experience a memorable weekend on the Isle of Wight as you arrive by boat, discovering hidden marinas, charming harbors, and secluded anchorages. With on-land expeditions and attractions within walking distance from your moorings, make your Solent crossing an unforgettable adventure. Read more!
Bembridge on the Isle of Wight is a charming coastal village known for its bustling village centre, picturesque harbour and delightful beaches. Explore Bembridge!
Top 6 Free Things to Do
01
Day out in Sandown (Beach & Picnic, Fossil Hunting on Yaverland Beach)
02
Newtown Creek Picnic and Walk, Visit the National Trust Centre
03
Explore Ventnor on Foot, Search for Lizards, Walk to Steephill Cove
04
Head to Appuldurcombe House and Find Fremantle Gate, ghost hunt in the ruins!
06
Enjoy East Wight Tranquillity, Walk around Bembridge Harbour and The Duver (The Victorian Golf Course)
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