Things to do

This could easily become the biggest page on the website and is very much dictated by who you are and what you want to do while you are here.

isleofwight.co.uk is an independently run website that lists lots of things to do on the island and includes listings for shopping, eating out and getting around.

This link will take you straight to the Tripadvisor page for Ventnor.

We are often asked about eating out and of course this is very personal to your own taste! There are plenty of great places to eat locally. This link will take you to the restaurants page of Trip Advisor for Ventnor so you can see the latest suggestions.

Visit isle Of Wight is the official tourism website for the Island and has many events listed.

Love Ventnor is run by the Ventnor Business Association and lists many things to do locally.

Local events that we enjoy:

• Ventnor Carnival - in August each year and includes both a children's carnival and grand parade with illuminations and large firework display.

• Easter Duck Race - Easter Saturday raising funds for the Ventnor Enhancement Fund.

• Ventnor Fringe - Usually the second week of August. Free and ticketed events across a number of venues.

If you intend to visit Black Gang Chine and Robin Hill remember that they offer a joint ticket and also you may return anytime within seven days. When our kids were younger we would go there early in the week then make a shorter return visit before we left.

A walk to the beautiful Steephill Cove is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon and it takes less than an hour from the house.

Join the largest treasure hunt in the world! There are 500 Geocache hides all across the Island. The Geocaching App is free and it's a great way to add an extra element to a walk.

Crabbing is an absolute winner with young children. Crabbing lines can be bought very cheaply from the shops in town and we find the best bait is very cheap value bacon. The best spot locally is on the sea wall by Wheelers Bay, west of the car park. Walk the five minutes from the house to Wheelers Bay car park and walk down to the sea wall. Turn left to find the wall in front of the boat storage.

Check the tide times here. Rockpooling in Wheelers Bay is great fun and at its best at low tide. Crabbing is best done about three hours either side of low tide also.

If you intend to visit the Steam Railway then consider using the bus from outside the house and then by connecting train from Shanklin making this a real adventure for younger children.

The National Trust have published a number of walks that can be downloaded here.

Wanderlust rates the top 5 walks on the Island with general directiosn to follow here.