RAINY DAYS OUT

The Island prides itself on being one of the sunniest places in the UK. However, rainy days can happen! So, what do you do when the weather’s not looking too hot? Don’t worry, there are plenty of all-weather attractions and things to do that will keep the entire family happy.

EMBRACE THE ELEMENTS

No matter your age, it’s always fun to get out in the elements with the family and have some outdoor adventures in the rain. So, grab your wellies (and maybe a wetsuit) and give these a try… • Woodland Walks – explore the Island under the shelter of tree canopies.

Firestone Copse, Parkhurst Forest and

Bouldnor Forest are all beautiful spots, with a good network of paths to explore. • Watersports – you’re already getting wet, so why not head out to sea and tackle some watersports, like stand-up paddleboarding or surfing with iSurf. • Beach Walks – wrap up warm and get out to explore some of the Island’s beaches.

Look out for easy walks along the sea walls from Ventnor to Bonchurch, and

Sandown to Shanklin.

FOR OLDER KIDS / TEENAGERS

Some adrenaline-inducing ideas to entice teenagers away from their phones and straight into Isle of Wight activities… • Go Karting – according to Wight Karting’s customers, whizzing round the 520m floodlight track is more fun in the rain! Their Junior Track sessions are perfect for ages 8-15. • Wipe Out at the Aqua Park – fans of Total Wipeout will love the 20+ obstacle course at the

Isle of Wight Aqua Park. Great fun for confident swimmers aged 8 and over. • Bowling & Laser Quest – at Ryde Superbowl you’ve got two boredom-busting activities under one roof.

FOR YOUNGER KIDS

Keeping the youngest entertained is always a priority, so try these fun all-weather attractions that will beat the boredom and bring on the smiles… • Indoor Soft Play – you’re spoiled for choice for indoor fun, with several attractions, including Monkey Madness and JR Zone, offering extensive soft play centres for your little ones to run wild. • Meet the Animals – spend the day at a part-covered animal attraction, such as

Tapnell Farm Park or Amazon World, and meet some new furry friends and exotic creatures.

• Seaside Amusements – the tried and tested way to have fun on a rainy holiday, there are good sized traditional amusements at Shanklin Seafront with indoor mini-golf and more to enjoy.

FOR ADULTS

Rainy days are a great excuse for adults to get out and sample the local produce, artisans and heritage. Here are some ideas to get you started… • Retail Therapy – there are plenty of boutique stores in the main towns, with lots of local treats to explore. The Garlic

Farm and Isle of Wight Distillery are perfect places to pick up gifts and just relax with your partner or friends. • Get Crafty – learn to make something with a hands-on workshop. Book in at

The Jewellery Cabin, near Newport, to create yourself a unique pendant or set of earrings. The Quay Arts also runs regular workshops and courses for anyone looking to get creative. • Take a trip back in time – the Island boasts some fantastic indoor heritage attractions, including Queen Victoria’s palace by the sea at Osborne, and one of the UK’s finest Roman sites,

Brading Roman Villa.