I love the Isle of Wight – usually go down a few times a year but out of season when its a bit quieter.
East side of the island is usual sea side stuff from Ryde all the way around to Ventnor. Piers, ice cream and to be fair, brilliant beaches. St Helens is a personal fave, as is the small beach at the Bembridge side of the harbour mouth. Yaverland is also good – Sandown and Shanklin a bit too busy during summer. Ventnor busy but a bit nicer.
West side of the island is generally a LOT quieter and the side we generally go to. Beach wise, Colwell Bay is great, as is Freshwater (shingle beach though) and Compton Bay.
Stuff to do:
– walks:
Freshwater Bay along the coastal path up to the Tennyson monument and then down to the Needles and back.
Through Brightstone Forest from the Jubilee car park just outside Brightstone village. Head east or west – great views.
St Helens and the Duver. Can be walked from Brading station too across the marshes. Food at the Baywatch cafe, walk/bus back to Brading.
– steam railway is ace dependent on train fascination/age of kids
– Alum Bay is a bit crap but the boat rides out to the Needles and back are good
– Sandown pier indoor crazy golf
– loads and loads and loads of nice places to eat. The Piano in Freshwater, The Taverners in Godshill, little bakery on the square in Yarmouth does epic chorizo sausage rolls, The Pannini Shack (?) on Ryde high street is good.
To be honest, part of the reason we go is because its so relaxed.