What is the Great British springtime without a bit of rain? Although we certainly get more of our fair share of sunshine here on the Island, our unique microclimate also creates changeable weather. Thankfully, being a holiday destination for decades now, we are fully geared up for when the skies turn and the rain pours.
Take a look at our expert guide to things to do on a rainy day. Grab your mac, pull on your wellies and get on out there…
A spot of culture
Dimbola, once the home of celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, is now a museum and gallery dedicated to her work, as well as showcasing contemporary exhibitions from photographers from around the world. Inside you will find beautifully preserved features including Gothic carvings, William Morris wallpaper, the original design stairway and a recreation of her bedroom. As well as her own photographs of famous Victorian visitors and Island locals, the modern-day exhibitions always prove popular. ‘Iconic Bowie’ by Terry O’Neill is currently in situ, whilst the ‘Solo Isle of Wight Festival Gallery’ showcases the third and final one of the original Isle of Wight Festivals, held at Afton, Freshwater in 1970.
You can’t fail to notice the Island’s very own Mermaid Gin, currently taking the world by storm. Certainly, in every local pub and restaurant, you will find at least one of the iconic bottles behind the bar. A trip to the Isle of Wight Distillery makes for a great day out. Here you can sample the collection (five and counting), watch the stills in action and learn all about the local roots of this fast-growing spirit. Situated on the outskirts of Ryde in picturesque countryside, enjoy a Mermaid and tonic in comfort by the log fire. Or, if the sun makes an appearance, on the large terrace.
Step back in time
One of the finest Roman sites in the UK, Brading Roman Villa hosts an award-winning visitor centre and museum. A visit here offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain. Built around AD300, you can marvel at the beautifully preserved mosaic floors and discover the myth of the Medusa plus explore the extensive collection of Roman artefacts.
Osborne, the former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, is the perfect place to while away the hours when the weather is inclement. Take in the opulent staterooms including the drawing room, famed for its yellow satin and the Durbar Room. Designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father, Lockwood Kipling, and master carver Bhai Ram Singh, this unique room is detailed with intricate Indian-style plasterwork, reflecting Queen Victoria’s status as the Empress of India. A walk around the preserved family rooms will also give you a peek into the private life of the royal couple and their nine children. See the Queen’s personal bathtub in her dressing room, and, next door, the bedroom where she died on 22 January 1901.
Family fun
One of the Island’s fastest-growing and most diverse attractions, Tapnell Farm Park knows a few things about keeping the kids happy when it’s raining. Burn off their excess energy in the Straw Bale Adventure Barn with indoor zip wires, go-karts and a roller-skating rink! Afterwards, get up close to the farm animals in the farm barn including sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs and mice! If you still need something to do after all that, let the kids loose in the Play Barn whilst you have a well-deserved cuppa in the café.
A seaside holiday isn’t complete without a rainy day spent at a traditional pleasure pier. Head to Sandown Pier for exactly that. There’s the ’Lost World’ indoor golf adventure, complete with 11 holes and some special lighting and surprising sound effects; Superbowl tenpin bowling and Magic Island Play Area with ball pits, slides and a swing slide. You will also find a whole host of amusement arcade machines, guaranteed fun for the whole family
(best have your 2ps at the ready).
At Amazon World Zoo Park, have an encounter with some very exotic animals including anteaters, sloths and meerkats, as well as flamingos, toucans and the poison dart frog. Once you have walked around the zoo park (a good deal of it is inside, so perfect for when it’s raining), head over to Monkey Madness, Amazon World’s fun park for children. This themed soft play area is great for children aged one to 14 years old, with an exclusive area for the under-fives, plus a café for a moment’s peace.
A bit different
It might not be the first place that springs to mind when the rain is pouring, but a trip to see Jurassic Jim in his shop in Shanklin will certainly keep you entertained. Jim has been fossil hunting on the Island since he was just eight (we are not sure how old he is, maybe Jurassic as the name suggests) and now sells his fossils to museums all over the world. Much of his latest finds are on display in his shop, alongside crystals, shark teeth and tribal art. The real draw is Jurassic Jim himself – a true storyteller, he can tell you fascinating facts about everything in his shop and really bring to life the story behind each find, so much so, that as soon as the rain clears up, you will be heading to the nearest beach to find your very own!
Isle of Wight Pearl sits on an enviable clifftop location off the Military Road. Home to a dazzling array of pearl jewellery, the largest in the UK, you can take a pearl masterclass or, better yet, ‘pick your own pearl’ where you can pick an oyster from the small pool and watch as it is opened and the cultured pearl inside is revealed. You can take the pearl as is, or get it placed in a setting of your choice while you wait. Inside, you will also see a replica of the famous pearl dress worn by Princess Diana. The replica of the dress and the jacket are embroidered with numerous pearls which would have taken around six months to sew on!
