Family Friendly Dining

For a traditional rural pub with an impressive kids play area, head to The Chequers Inn in Rookley. The family run pub boasts a huge outdoor play area with far reaching countryside views, as well as a tasty menu for all the family. You'll find a great variety of children's choices from traditional chicken nuggets to delicious fisherman's pie or stop by on a Sunday for a carvery - kids portions included too.

The ultimate family dining experience with younger children in mind, The Caulkheads is a landmark family pub five minutes from Sandown Beach. Open year round this family fave offers an indoor soft play area and a silent cinema, as well as an outdoor play area, bouncy castle and family fun days. The kid’s menu is extensive and as an extra special treat, the unlimited Ice Cream factory is open for pudding! Kids eat for just £2 with an adult meal. 

For fun in the sun head to The Fighting Cocks, an award-winning family friendly pub in Arreton. Alongside a great selection of child and toddler menu options, The Fighting Cocks offers a large outside play area, complete with climbing frames, swings, see-saw and during the summer (weather dependant), there is a huge inflatable go-kart track and bouncy castles too! 

Bronze Best Pub & Best Restaurant – Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022

The Horse & Groom is especially fun for kids during the summer months with their fun outdoor play area and bouncy castle (select days). ‘The Paddock’ is a gated play area just for the kids, so parents can take 5. With impressive climbing frames to explore, the tasty menu will be the only thing to pull your little monkeys away. Choose from family favourites such as beef burgers, pasta bolognaise and fish fingers. 

The Wight Mouse Inn is not only a great family-friendly place to eat, but the views are incredible – guaranteed to take your breath away. Relax in the large pub garden on warm sunny days (there are plenty of tables to choose from) and let the kids play. Enjoy a meal with a view, overlooking the countryside and out to sea. Serving up pub classics, the children’s menu is loaded with classic choices such as Macaroni cheese, sausages & chips or steak pie! 

This pub is a local favourite, winning multiple awards and it’s easy to see why! Stunning sunsets colour the rolling countryside pink of evening, with an outside seating area offering the best seat in the house. Keep the kids entertained with the Blacksmiths play area, while the grownups enjoy premium pub grub stunning views. The children’s menu has some great options using locally sourced produce, including some seriously mouth-watering dessert options -  double chocolate and Oreo brownie? Uh yes please! 

Silver Best Pub & Bronze Best Burger - Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022

Close to Carisbrooke Castle and Newport town centre, The Eight Bells is a popular choice for family dining. With an indoor soft play and outdoor play areas, you can relax while the little ones play. There’s tons of outdoor eating space in the summer and the children’s menu caters for toddlers right up to 10yrs. All ages will want a taste of the Sweet Shop Sundae option for afters! 

Heads up … Lukely brook runs adjacent to the bottom of the garden area, so watch out for curious wanderers.

The Dairyman’s Daughter is the quintessential ‘locals Island pub’, renowned for fantastic food, friendly service, and a traditional atmosphere. Nestled within the quaint crafters' village of Arreton Barns, it's the perfect place to fill up after perusing the local retail offerings. The pub takes pride in showcasing local produce, producing delicious home-cooked classic pub dishes or seasonal specials, as well as an extensive children's menu - perfect for picky eaters!

Gold Best Pub - Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2024

Ideally situated within the grounds of firm family favourite Tapnell Farm Park, this aptly-named restaurant shine at what they do best - perfect, juicy burgers. Working closely with Island-based butchers, The Cow use the highest quality meat along with their own irresistible blend of spices, before pressing every patty by hand. Served up in brioche buns with rosemary skin-on fries, varieties include 'Big Smoke', 'Moo Blue' and 'The Matador', with veggie and vegan alternatives available, as well as dairy and gluten free options. Other mains are available, including a whopping 32oz Tomahawk steak, in addition to a Calves Menu for ages 8 and under.

Gold Best Burger - Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2023 & 2024

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