Fun-Filled Family Attractions in Isle of Wight

You may have broken a lot of getaway promises and spending Isle of Wight holidays with your whole family will definitely wash all the negativities away. It is also a great idea to make reservations in one of the lavish Isle of Wight cottages. These Isle of Wight cottages provide excellent self-catering accommodations, outstanding customer service rendered by well-trained staff, free parking spaces for guests and pet-friendly environment. Aside from these benefits, staying in one of these Isle of Wight cottages will bring you closer to numerous tourist destinations in IOW.

The heritage of IOW is perhaps its best asset and the reason why tourism has flourished in this beautiful island. You will never experience any dull moment during your Isle of Wight holidays. You can visit museums, castles, gardens and old villages, explore pristine beaches, try international and local cuisine in fine restaurants and bond with your little ones in theme parks around. If you have not completed your Isle of Wight holidays’ itinerary, here are some recommendations.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Your Isle of Wight holidays will never be complete without paying a visit with the kids to the IOW Donkey Sanctuary. This family attraction can be found between Shanklin and Ventnor and is within close proximity from your Isle of Wight cottages. It was constructed in the late 80’s and was opened in ’87. The IWO Donkey sanctuary is home to donkeys and rare animals that are near extinction. It has been a quest by the management to care for these animals and educate all visitors. Your kids will surely enjoy playing around these beautiful and friendly creatures.

IOW Donkey Sanctuary is open from 10:30AM until 4PM from Easter till the end of October. Tickets have corresponding prices and visitors are encouraged to donate any amount for fundraising purposes.

The Isle of Wight Zoo

For your animal-lover children, the IOW Zoo is a perfect place to visit during your Isle of Wight holidays. It is a must-see attraction for the whole family and is near some of the Isle of Wight cottages. The zoo is located inside the Victorian fort and has the classic style of the era. Just like the IOW Donkey Sanctuary, the zoo has become a shelter to endangered species like exotic cats, spider monkeys, Madagascan Lemurs and giant East African land snails. Your little ones will be delighted to see these animals, feed and play with them. They also provide awareness talks for visitors and locals alike. This is in line with their goal of disseminating information that would drive nature preservation. You can also give contributions to the management of the IOW zoo for maintenance of the whole attraction.

Sample Exotic Cuisine in Dorset

During your Dorset holidays with your family or your group of friends, you will get a superb chance to enjoy exotic cuisines at Dorset’s many restaurants. Even though the holiday cottages offer self-catering facilities, you may not always feel like stepping in the kitchen during your Dorset holidays. At times like these, you can sample cuisines such as Thai, Mexican, Chinese, French and Japanese to name a few. The holiday cottages are ideal for small as well as large groups of people. These holiday cottages are well equipped with the latest amenities and they also offer ample parking space if you arrive in a car. Eating out is just one of the many things to do during your vacations in Dorset. You can also visit Dorset’s beaches, museums, art galleries, adventure theme parks, castles and forts. Here are some fantastic restaurants to visit during your Dorset holidays.

The La Fourchette Brasserie

You will be able to sample cuisines as exotic as French during your stay in Dorset. Visit the famous La Fourchette Brasserie to enjoy a fine dining meal during your Dorset holidays. This restaurant is located along Totnes, just a short drive away from the upscale holiday cottages. All of the meals served here are cooked to perfection. It’s no wonder then that this restaurant is always packed to the hilt. Thus, it’s a great idea to make an advance reservation for your group of friends or your family. It is also a wonderful place for a romantic date with your spouse. Some of the must-try dishes include the Tuna Steak and Nicoise Salad.

The Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant

Visit the Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant during your holidays in Dorset to feast on some authentic Thai food. Visit this restaurant with your family, your group of friends or even your spouse to enjoy a fine meal out on the town. The best part is that this restaurant is located near the holiday cottages in Bournemouth. When visiting the Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant, be sure to pair yummy starter with the restaurant’s famous Green Curry and rice. Starters are available in pork, beef, chicken and seafood. All of them are highly aromatic as is the Green Curry, which not only smells appetizing, but also looks and tastes really good. You are sure to appreciate the traditional, warm and friendly hospitality of the staff at this restaurant. The atmosphere is very relaxed, while the décor has a rich Thai feel. If you aren’t much of a spice eater, you can always inform the staff to tone down the spice factor in your meal. A visit to the Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant will leave you satisfied, but will definitely draw you back for more.

Enjoy Dorset’s Historical Attractions

Dorset holidays always offer a good amount of fun, relaxation as well as an educational experience. One also gets the chance to go back in time as they can visit so many historically rich attractions and sites in Dorset. During your Dorset holidays you can spend time visiting enchanting castles, lush gardens, beautiful beaches, ancient forts and manors, as well as royal mansions. Thus, you will get to enjoy yourself as well as learn much about the culture and history of this county. Choose to stay at one of the holiday cottages if you wish to enjoy a clean, comfortable, convenient and luxurious stay during your holidays with your family or group of friends. These holiday cottages are ideal for a small as well as a large number of people. You will be able to cook using the cottages’ self-catering facilities and other amenities. The holiday cottages also offer ample parking space for your car. You will be able to easily reach most of Dorset’s attractions by car from the cottages. Here are some superb historical attractions to visit during your Dorset holidays.

Corfe Castle

Visit the Corfe Castle if you wish to experience one of England’s historical gems during your Dorset holidays. Although the Corfe Castle lies in ruins today, it is one of the most popular historical attractions in Dorset. This is because this castle was a part of many historical events and wars. In fact, the Corfe Castle acted as a fortress for the arm of William the Conqueror. Later on during the Civil War, it was Lady Bankes who defended the castle from getting destroyed. However, the Corfe Castle finally succumbed to ruins due to the betrayal of one its owners. You and your family or your group of friends will leave with a whole new idea about Dorset’s historical past. There are a good number of special programs available at the Corfe Castle. Thus, it’s best to ring in advance from the comfort of the holiday cottages to inquire about the same.

The Tank Museum

Visit the popular Tank Museum to have a look at different war tanks and vehicles sourced from different parts of the world. You should not miss out on this rare chance during your Dorset holidays. Spend the entire day here with your family or your group of friends as your explore the Tank Museum. Not only will it be an educational experience but also a fun-filled one. The children are also sure to love this museum. The Tank Museum houses approximately 200 vehicles from around the world. You will also get a glimpse of different trenches that were used in the 1st World War. Another exciting part of this museum is the explosive displays. Head back to the comfort of the holiday cottages after a long day at this museum.

Guide to Local Transports in Dorset

If you will spend holidays in Dorset for the first time, you would be enchanted by the beautiful county in the south west of England. Stunning coastline, picturesque villages and countryside, serene gardens and parks, and historic sites can be found here. Make a list of everything you want to experience during your holidays in Dorset to have unforgettable memories with family and friends. Have family picnics at nature trails and beaches or watch various games at county clubs. You can enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities at theme parks and recreational centres. Indulge in delightful feasts or retail therapy at dining establishments and shopping complexes.

For your lodging, you should choose the Dorset holiday cottages for maximum luxury and comfort. It is your home away from home because of its excellent self-catering facilities, complete amenities, pet-friendly environment, and ample parking spaces. Choose any Dorset holiday cottage that has traditional or modern interiors, depending on your preferences. Major transport stations are also easily accessible from the Dorset holiday cottages. Here are your popular options for travelling during your holidays in Dorset.

Bus

Buses are top choices for holidaymakers in Dorset. It is a good thing that most bus stations are a short distance away from the Dorset holiday cottages. Choose from South Coast Travel or Wilts and Dorset. Check online so you can know its scheduled trips, fares, travel rules, and promos. If you are with your family and friends, you might want to hire a mini bus, complete with a chauffeur. It is very convenient especially if you already planned your itineraries for the day. Enjoy the scenic views during the trip and feel safe because of the excellent service. You can also save on your fare if you choose buses during your holidays in Dorset.

Train

Aside from buses, trains are also practical options during your holidays in Dorset. If you plan to visit towns and villages, you can enjoy your travel experience by train. Most train services have great packages for families and groups so you can cut down on your expenses. The seating area is clean and comfortable while the facilities have high standards. Visit the website of Swanage Railway while at the Dorset holiday cottages to find out its fees and destinations.

Taxis

Sometimes you want to explore every nook and cranny of Dorset which is hard to do if you are riding the bus or train. Just hail a taxi and head out to your choice of destination. The drivers are polite and accommodating; you do not have to worry about getting lost and wasting your time. Moreover, it is easy to just ride a taxi after enjoying a night out at nightclubs, pubs, and bars. You can go back to the Dorset holiday cottages any time you want. It is quite expensive but you will feel safe and secured during your holidays in Dorset.

Awesome Festivals in the Isle of Wight

The IOW is a fantastic vacation paradise that you can visit with your family. You can stay in one of the Isle of Wight cottages to ensure that you have a secure and lavish place to stay during your Isle of Wight holidays. The county offers hundreds of appealing activities to local and foreign tourists. The coastline harbours countless great beaches too that you can visit. Your choice will depend upon your preferences. If you want some quiet time, you can visit the museums and garden parks that are sprinkled in the area. Your Isle of Wight holidays would be well spent in one of these places. There are also incomparable festivals that would prove pleasurable.

The Isle of Wight Festival

From your Isle of Wight cottages, you can quickly reach the place. Internationally known as a music festival, this famous event attracts more than 50,000 visitors during the month of June. It would be a “must-attend” event during your Isle of Wight holidays. This festival is done at the Seaclose Park. If you want to stay overnight at the venue, you can take your camping paraphernalia from your Isle of Wight cottages and be one with the crowd as they would gamely spend 2 to 3 days and nights listening to well-known musicians and singers. You may want to invite the whole family including your children for a unique musical escapade, which they would treasure forever. Not so much for the music but more for the valuable time you will be spending with them during the Isle of Wight holidays.

The Bestival

From the Isle of Wight cottages, you can participate in the Bestival for another music treat. It is also a 3 day event at the Robin Hill Country Adventure Park & Gardens. This also lasts for 3 days and is celebrated every September. The singers included in the past were Dizzee Rascal, Roxy Music and many more popular artists. You can admire your surroundings too while watching the open-air festival. Three fun-filled days and nights of your Isle of Wight holidays can be spent in this world-renowned festival by which IOW is proud of. The rest of your vacation can be spent in the nature-rich terrain or in the sparkling waters of the sea. It is best to do both because this would make your holiday complete and more meaningful. Spending quality time with your family is the most outstanding gift you can give them. You may want to book one of the Isle of Wight cottages so you can avoid the holiday rush. The important thing is to ensure that you interact meaningfully with your family and strengthen your bonds with your loved ones.

Ways to Enjoy Nights Out in Dorset

If you plan to spend your holidays in Dorset with your group of friends, you are sure to have a superb time. During the daytime, you can spend hours shopping and visiting Dorset’s castles, forts, gardens, adventure theme parks, nature trails, beaches and restaurants. Once the sunsets, you can visit Dorset’s trendy nightclubs, theatres, lively bars and fantastic restaurants during your holidays in Dorset. The best part about opting for the Dorset holiday cottages is that they are all conveniently located near Dorset’s popular attractions. The Dorset holiday cottages are self-catering units that offer a clean, comfortable and luxurious stay. The comfortable Dorset holiday cottages can accommodate a small or large group of people. Here are some fun things to do at night during your holidays in Dorset.

Bliss

Bliss is one of the most popular nightclubs in Dorset and is a must-visit attraction during your holidays in Dorset. Located in Bournemouth, this nightclub is just a short taxi ride away from the upscale Dorset holiday cottages. The entire nightclub is spread out over two floors. You can enjoy some fantastic drinks at the nightclub’s bar. The bartenders whip up some mean cocktails too. However, the drinks don’t come cheap here, as this is a premium nightclub. You will be able to spend the night dancing away to the wee hours of the morning. Bliss always has some great DJs and performers that liven up the night. The décor is plush, with some sections that offer comfortable and fancy lounge chairs to rest after dancing to the DJ’s superb beats. On the weekends, Bliss hosts special nights such as 50% Off Fridays and Saturdays @ Bliss, which offers free entry to couples.

O2 Academy

Yet another great way to spend a fabulous night out during your holidays in Dorset is by visiting the O2 Academy. This live show venue hosts club nights as well as concerts. The O2 Academy is located on Christchurch Road in Bournemouth, just a short drive away from the comfortable Dorset holiday cottages. It was originally established in 1895 as the Grand Pavilion Theatre when it was used as a circus venue. Over the years, it was used as a dance hall and then later in the 1970s, it was one of the most popular discos. Today, it has been renamed as the Opera House, complete with a grand auditorium with three levels of seating. Thus, a visit to the iconic O2 Academy is a must during your holidays in Dorset. You are guaranteed to love the O2 Academy’s richly decorated interior, which has an art- deco theme. Visit the O2 Academy to attend popular live acts by famous musicians. However, it is highly important to book tickets for these shows in advance.

Interesting Places to Visit During Your Isle of Wight Holidays

There are numerous noteworthy places that you can visit during your Isle of Wight holidays. This small island offers hundreds of thrilling explorations and events that visitors will not be spending a day of boredom or inaction. Staying for a week at the Isle of Wight cottages would ensure that you will be able to tour some major tourists’ attractions in the island. Whether you are fond of the wild, of Mother Nature or of the glitzy glamour of the night life, you will find adventure and all the titillating activities that go with it in this island get-away. Going with a group is a blast, because you can then engage in challenges like, kayaking and sailing, that requires group effort and cooperation. The Isle of Wight holidays provide a perfect time to spend with loved ones. The whole adventure would be one in a lifetime experience you would always remember.

Classic Boat Museum

The Classic Boat Museum is a unique museum that merits a day of your Isle of Wight holidays. Classic items like powerboats, artefacts, photographs, sailing paraphernalia, films, books and many more items related to the island’s maritime history are displayed for everyone to admire. You can stay at the Isle of Wight cottages while touring the local tourists’ points of interest. The Redwing and Coweslip and the Flying Fifteen are two of the prominent displays of boats in the museum. You can learn about the maritime history of the Isle of Wight from these stunning actual collections of maritime related objects. You can go as often as you can because it is readily accessible from the Isle of Wight cottages. The cottages are near the major tourists’ attractions but private transportation is preferred because you can go anywhere you would like to.

The Bricksfields Horsecountry

Getting to the Bricksfields Horsecountry is not difficult if you are staying at one of the spacious Isle of Wight cottages. This is a “farm” which is a notable place to visit during your Isle of Wight holidays. The extraordinary place has different breeds of horses, ponies, pigs, donkeys, ducks, goats, chickens, goose and other farm animals. If you have children, you can take them to Bricksfields and let them spend an exciting day riding the ponies. You can cook in the Isle of Wight cottages and have a pleasurable picnic with your family. Your children can also sign up or riding lessons and participate in feeding the animals or in the jumping competitions created for visitors. If you are single, then you can have a wholesome trip with them. The Isle of Wight holidays would be an entirely unique experience for them. Relax, give yourself a break, and get away from the rigors of work and the hurly-burly of daily life.