Family fun day out on a budget
For under £10...
We asked Robbie Lane from Isle of Wight Guru for his favourite days out on a budget, for a family of four spending under £10.
There are loads of days out that will cost you next-to-nothing but I would focus on one part of the Island, otherwise you’ll blow your budget on petrol or bus fares.
IOW Donkey Sanctuary
Start off with a trip to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, which is free to visit and a winner at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2024. You might donate your £10 budget to the big-eared residents, but there’s no obligation and you won’t be given a hard sell by the volunteers.
Appuldurcombe House
A couple of minutes away is one of the Isle of Wight’s historic oddities, Appuldurcombe House. Half-ruin, half-stately home, Appuldurcombe is ideal for hide and seek. Grown-ups can giggle their way through the information boards, which tell the story of its saucy history that caught the attention of George Washington.
Ventnor
The hilly seaside resort of Ventnor is next up on our ‘tour-for-a-tenner’. Splash about in the Isle of Wight shaped paddling pool (filled May to Sept) on the esplanade and try to pretend you aren’t irritated when rogue children fire water pistols at you.
Next up it’s a trip to Ventnor’s mostly-sandy beach, which is a gorgeous place to get in the water or soak up the sun (subject to availability).
If the thought of sand between your toes doesn’t appeal, take the Time Travel Ventnor trail around the town, or follow the coastal path to Steephill Cove before returning to Ventnor. Both are good, but my favourite is the coastal path.
ice cream
There are plenty of ice cream opportunities at this point, budget allowing. Crave is popular enough to generate a queue in summer thanks to its home-made flavours. Alternatively, pop into a supermarket in the high street and eat your way through 12 choc ices for a pound.