The Isle of Wight is a fantastic destination for a family day out, even in the winter. If you’re planning a day on the beach with children during the colder months, here are five things you can do to make the most of your time.
Beachcombing
Beachcombing is a fun and educational activity that can keep children entertained for hours. During the winter, the tide often reveals treasures that are normally hidden, such as shells, fossils, and sea glass. Take a bucket or a bag with you and see what you can find. We spent a winter afternoon on Yaverland beach near Sandown and were not disappointed, with starfish, large shells and plenty of sand to run along.
Build a sandcastle
Who says you can only build sandcastles in the summer? Winter beaches are often less crowded, making them the perfect place for a family sandcastle competition. Take buckets and spades and see who can build the best sandcastle or the most creative sculpture. You will almost have the entire beach to yourself and on a sunny winter day, you can spend hours playing with a bucket and spade. Sandown and Appley beaches in particular have very shallow pools that form at low tide and are great fun to explore with wellies on.
Take a walk
The Isle of Wight has many beautiful coastal walks that are perfect for a winter stroll. Put on warm clothes, bring a thermos of hot chocolate, and take a walk along the beach. (Many of the beach cafes are also open serving warming food and drink) Yarmouth to Fort Victoria or along Compton Bay are favourites for the winter. You can draw a large maze on the sand for the children to navigate to keep them entertained or stop at an amusement arcade to break up your journey (Sandown, Shanklin and Ryde arcades are open all year round).
We visited Freshwater Caves (Below) on a very cold but bright December day, be sure to check the tides and only leave just before low water.
Have a picnic
Pack a picnic basket with hot food and drinks, and have a family picnic on the beach. Take a waterproof picnic blanket to sit on. The beach at Totland has a nice sea wall you can sit on or Sandown beaches have picnic areas where you can sit and enjoy the stunning scenery. Don’t forget to pack a blanket and some warm clothes and please take home your rubbish.
We visited Steephill Cove just next to Ventnor on a bright late March day, we packed a picnic, some warm clothes and the children loved exploring the beach and cove area.
Fly a kite
Winter beaches can be windy, making them the perfect place to fly a kite. Bring a kite and see who can get theirs to fly the highest. It’s a fun and healthy activity that everyone can enjoy. We flew a kite down on Shanklin beach, just beware of other beach users and dogs, there is plenty of space to fly your kite without disturbing others.
The Isle of Wight has plenty to offer for families looking for a fun day out on the beach, even during the colder months. Do not let the weather put you off from getting out and about. Make sure to pack waterproof clothes and wellies and even in the pouring rain the beaches are still there to enjoy.
From beachcombing to flying kites, there are many activities that children can enjoy. Just remember to dress warmly, pack a picnic, and have fun!
Isle of Wight
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