With its burping pig bins, Cowboy Town and Crooked House, Blackgang Chine is a core childhood memory for many. One of the oldest attractions on the Island and the oldest theme park in the UK, Blackgang Chine was established in the 18th century after the carcass of a washed-up whale went on display for curious Victorians. Over the decades it was transformed into ‘a land of imagination’ and today offers an exciting day out with rides and various ‘lands’ to suit every interest and age group. Those revisiting as an adult will remember the giant smuggler guarding the entrance, the maze, Snakes and Ladders and Fairyland from childhood, while kids experiencing Blackgang Chine for the first time can explore an interactive Restricted Area 5 dinosaur land, nail-biting rides, a water slide and more.

Many remember a school trip to Carisbrooke Castle, particularly the donkeys powering the treadwheel to bring up water from the well – yes, the donkeys are still there, and they are very well cared for. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle has a long history as a fortress and as a prison for Charles I ahead of his execution. Providing a fascinating glimpse into the Island’s history, a walk round the castle’s towering walls is a must, taking the many steps up to the Keep for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding countryside.  There’s a museum on site with original artifacts and information on the castle’s history for those who want to learn more, and a green space to picnic alongside the dry moat, overlooking the castle’s ramparts and cannons.

Creating your own sand sculpture from the coloured cliffs at Alum Bay is a rite of passage as an Isle of Wight holidaymaker, as is riding the vintage chairlift down the very same cliffs to the pebble beach below. With new activities added to keep families entertained in recent years, The Needles Landmark Attraction still offers these core holiday experiences for visitors today – the chance to make your own iconic Island souvenir, peer through a telescope at The Needles and float down from the cliff top on the chairlift. It’s the perfect place for reliving your Island holiday memories and creating new ones with your loved ones.

Sandown has been a popular place to visit and holiday since the Victorian times, a pastime that continued into the 20th century with holidaymakers still flocking to the yellow sandy beaches and warm waters of the bay today. A traditional British beach offering sandcastles, calm swimming waters, ice cream and fish and chips, the Sandown beach experience remains much unchanged. Popular attractions that you may remember are Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, formerly known as ‘Sandown’ or ‘Isle of Wight Zoo and Browns Golf Course, both as good today as they were back then. More recent additions to the seafront are Dinosaur Isle and Sandham Gardens complete with Skynets, go-karts and more. And who can forget Sandown Pier! For generations families have whiled away the hours come rain or shine on the 2p machines, grabbers and slots on this traditional British amusement pier. A walk to the end with a bag of candy floss and views of the bay is a great way to end the day.

See the Island in miniature at the Model Village, a popular Island attraction first opened in 1952. As popular a place to visit today as it ever was, stroll through the carefully curated towns and villages in miniature, complete with quaint scenes featuring perfectly manicured grass and topiary. Over the years, the model village has expanded, adding additional gardens and moving elements – including a steam train. The detail and intricacy of the model buildings and landmarks are without fault and the craftmanship is second to none. A fun and family-friendly way to spend an afternoon, children will delight in feeling like a giant through the towns and villages they’ve recently visited, while adults can enjoy the charming and often humorous detail added to each scene. Godshill Model Village is also dog-friendly, making for an amazing ‘dogzilla’ photo opportunity!

A street in the village of Shalfleet, Winkle Street has long attracted visitors to gaze upon its idyllic beauty. Though there is nothing “to do” in Winkle Street, this row of chocolate box thatched cottages is famous for its quintessential English country village aesthetic, a chance to jump straight into a postcard. For generations, people have visited Winkle Street just to soak up its olde-worlde charm and to take a photo – the perfect spot for recreating your childhood holiday snaps with your own family. Once dwellings for local tradesmen and fishermen, the street gets its name from the winkles once harvested on the nearby shores.

At the heart of Shanklin Old Village, famous for its thatched cottages and tea rooms, there is Shanklin Chine. A popular attraction since the early 19th century, many will have visited Shanklin Chine during their childhood Island holiday. A natural gorge, complete with lush vegetation and a cascading waterfall, Shanklin Chine is a totally unique and natural wonder – turned into an attraction by the Victorians. Today the chine remains largely unchanged, offering meandering paths through the ravine and across streams, which are lit up at night for an even more magical experience.