A very welcome addition to the West Wight a few years ago, Tapnell Farm has seen extensive expansion to the attraction over the last couple of years with even more planned for 2020, with the inclusion of an outdoor water park.
The Farm has multiple areas suitable for all ages, although the main play areas are aimed at young children. The enormous play-barn at the far end of the park, contains a very large haybale climbing area, which includes tunnels and slides. Alongside this you’ll find a climbing wall and trampolines and a fast Zip line for the slightly larger kids. One end of the barn opens onto a tarmacked race circuit for the numerous peddle-cars available to pick up and race.
The centre of the farm hosts a multitude of animals to see and touch, including some more exotic species as well as plenty of farmyard favourites such as pigs, lambs, donkeys, etc. There are regular feeding and interactive events taking place daily.
Outside, the growing collections of attractions includes, climbing frames, sledge runs, jumping pillows and more animals to see, including Wallabies and Meercats.
Tapnell Farm is open daily, 9-5, and for more information and address, click here
Robin Hill is a vast country park located just outside of Newport near the centre of the Island and easily accessible by Car or Bus. The 88 acres of beautiful countryside have been carefully transformed to include a very eclectic mix of individual attractions within the Park, including live falconry displays, ornate oriental themed gardens and woodlands, many children’s play areas including the new Jungle Heights and Squirrel Tower.
This award-winning attraction boasts a whole day of entertainment and more. With great rides – including the quarter mile downhill toboggan and a 4D motion cinema.
The park hosts a range of themed events throughout the year and is open for illuminated evenings during the February and October Half terms. Although many of the attractions are aimed at children, there’s plenty for adults to enjoy too, and this really is a destination for visitors of all ages!
Events take place throughout the year so take a look at their website for further details.
On the north East Coast of the Island, just a short hop from the Red Funnel Car Ferry, you’ll find the palatial holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, at Osborne House in Whippingham. Osborne was built by Thomas Cubitt in the mid 1800’s, Osborne House became Queen Victoria’s beloved country getaway on the Isle of Wight and is an English Heritage site.
The House and gardens are open to the public all year round, and you can enjoy a guided tour of the house which is filled with original furnishings and priceless artworks, and get a real insight into royal family life 200 years ago.
Wander through the many acres of beautiful gardens, a private bathing beach, private apartments and guided walks, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
The private beach at Osborne has been opened to the public for all to enjoy, and on display is the fully restored bathing machine Queen Victoria used to protect her modesty whilst taking a dip.
Tickets available to book online.
Lose yourself in the Land of Imagination at Blackgang Chine…the UK’s oldest amusement park where you step out of the everyday and into a magical world where the only constraint is your own creativity.
For 2023, Blackgang Chine welcomes a brand new thrill-seeking ride Extinction! A cliff top 360 pendulum swing that will take riders to new heights, reaching 18m and being faced with unparalleled views out to sea!
Explore a world like no other where you truly can be whoever you want to be. Round up giant beasts as a courageous dinosaur keeper in Restricted Area 5; cast spells from your own castle as a magical fairy in Fairyland; chose to be either an outlaw or sheriff as a rootin’ tootin’ cowboy in Cowboy Town; challenge your friends to a duel aboard a battle ship as a swashbuckling pirate in Pirate Cove; or come face to face with a 60ft whale as a deep sea diver in Underwater Kingdom…where will your imagination take you?
Chances to brave an adrenaline-inducing drop tower ride Evolution or speed down the waterslide, mixed with the wholesome nostalgia of Blackgang Chine’s quirky attractions, allow you to seamlessly experience classic adventure alongside timeless excitement.
On top of all that, you can watch the Land of Imagination come to life as Blackgang Chine celebrates a season filled with epic family-friendly events. From an action-packed Dinos vs. Cowboys in May to the biggest summer party for kids that the Isle of Wight has seen and a spooky Halloween-themed October, the park will keep you entertained throughout the year.
SCHOOLS & GROUPS – Every year hundreds of school parties from across the country visit Blackgang Chine. Children’s’ imaginations run wild as they enjoy the many themed areas around the park. For more information including rates please visit www.blackgangchine.com
Mrs Boswell grew her first garlic bulbs on the Isle of Wight over 50 years ago. Now, as a third-generation family farm, we continue to offer quality garlic from our own fields and those of partner farms in the UK, France and Spain. Our passion for this superfood bulb has led to the creation of a multitude of garlic infused products, from Mayonnaises and Chutneys to Garlic Beer and Ice-Cream. Heading towards organic farming, supporting local businesses and being a living wage employer, we are also showcasing the respect we have for the planet and its people. This is solidified in our bid to become a B-Corp certified member and our ethics and ethos statement can be found on our website.
The Garlic Farm’s renowned shop and restaurant make for a unique and memorable visit. Learn all there is to know about garlic, browse our shop full of delicious garlicky products, enjoy exceptional gourmet food in our restaurant and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces. Feel free to explore the farm on our farm walks; maps are available to buy in the shop.
Inspiring, surprising and award-winning … Equally appealing to adults and families, your visit to The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will charm, engage and captivate, leaving you with some lasting memories of a special day out.
Step back to a bygone era when steam power was the order of the day. Thrill to the sight and sound of powerful majestic steam engines and breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway. Soak-up the rhythm of quiet rural stations while enjoying the friendliness of traditionally uniformed staff.
TRAVEL IN STYLE
Settle back in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and discover an idyllic view of the Island’s unspoilt countryside … or hop off at one of our stations and just watch the trains go by. Keep an eye out for a red squirrel or deer darting away from the train as you pass through ancient woodland.
Our Locomotives and Carriages have all been painstakingly restored to pristine condition and are the hallmark of our delightful railway. Our oldest locomotive was built in 1876 and carriages date back to 1864!
LOTS TO SEE AT HAVENSTREET STATION
The railway is more than just a train ride – most visitors spend at least 4 hours with us; some stay all day.
Explore our Train Story Discovery Centre, our interactive indoor museum which brings the story of the Island’s railways to life. Discover our oldest carriage, built for the opening of the Ryde to Shanklin line in 1864, and the Underground trains that ran on the line until January 2021.
Don’t miss the daily falconry displays provided by our friends at Haven Falconry at 11:40 and 13:40 each day. You can also visit our Woodland Walk, children’s playground, railway shop and refreshment rooms.
A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Make your visit extra special by booking a VIP Experience. Add a touch of class to your celebrations with exclusive use of a luxurious first-class compartment, with their polished brass handles, gleaming woodwork and immaculate hand-made upholstery, you’ll be transported back to the romantic age of steam.
Waiting for you will be a luxury hamper with sandwiches, cakes and Prosecco to enjoy as you make a complete round trip along the line. Whether you’re planning a romantic treat, or birthday celebration with all the family, a ride in our 1st class carriages befits any special occasion.
Website: https://iwsteamrailway.co.uk
As soon as you think of the Isle of Wight the iconic image of the world-famous chairlift taking you to see the needles rocks and coloured sands spring to mind. The Islands most famous landmark attraction has so much more to enjoy than the stunning views, it is a destination not to be missed.
The range of attractions includes the spectacular chairlift ride, taking you on a journey past the coloured sands cliffs to the beach. Soak up the breath-taking views from the beach and enjoy a paddle in the sea. Or get closer to the Needles by taking a pleasure cruise.
At the sand shop visitors can make their very own unique coloured sand souvenir using the sand collected from the cliffs here at The Needles.
4D Cinema – Imagine being drawn into an exciting world where everything you see is in 3D… everything you hear is in powerful cinema surround sound, with the added fun of feeling the action too!
With our 4D cinema you don’t just watch the movie you feel like you are right there in the middle of it.
Alum Bay Glass is educational as well as fun. Visitors can watch the fascinating art of glass blowing and see craftsmen make a variety of bespoke glassware.
At the Isle of Wight Sweet manufactory watch our skilled sweet makers create sweets that you will not find anywhere else, a sample of the sweets is compulsory!
We’re home to a variety of children’s attractions including a traditional Victorian Carousel, Needles Tea Cup ride and a Games Kiosk – which includes tin can alley and hook a duck, with a prize every time you play! Our Water Walkerz are a particular crowd favourite too.
Our prehistoric adventure Jurassic Golf features an 11-hole course with some 5 and 6 par holes all beautifully set off by imaginative water features and story boards depicting a range of different dinosaur species.
Refurbished in 2019, our Dino Jeep Safari is an experience not to miss, providing heaps of fun for any budding explorer.
The Needles Landmark Attraction is also home to a variety of shops including The Pier Head Shopping Emporium. Here you will find an interesting range of souvenirs and gifts to suit all budgets and tastes.
The Needles Landmark Attraction has full catering facilities including a fully licensed tearoom, as well as kiosks serving fresh Tea, Coffee, Ice Cream and much more.
MARCONI’S LICENSED TEA ROOMS:
With a warm welcome awaiting you, take time out from your adventures at The Needles Landmark Attraction to enjoy a delightful refreshment or two! With a range of hot drinks, sinful cakes, pastries and an extensive selection of soft drinks, cold beers and alcoholic beverages available – this is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and tuck in to a delicious and well-earned sweet treat.
For further details and information, plus news regarding exciting events throughout the year, visit our website www.theneedles.co.uk, or alternatively find us on facebook – @The Needles: Landmark Attraction
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