There is always something to see and do on the Isle of Wight no matter the time of year. With half term fast approaching, finding something to do with the little ones when the weather is often a factor can be tricky. Here are our top things to do this half term on the Isle of Wight;
Spirit of the Orient, Robin Hill
Celebrating Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger, Robin Hill once again transforms with all the vibrancy and colours of this wonderful event from 18th – 26th February. There will be stunning light displays, crafts for the kids, amazing live shows and of course delicious chinese style food that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The park’s climbing frames will be open for little ones to burn off some energy, it’s great for big kids too. We recommend wearing sensible shoes and packing a mac as the event is outside throughout the park and we all know what the great British weather can be like.
Talk to the Animals, Tapnell Farm
Brand new for 2022, from 19th – 22nd February, this interactive, live show is sure to be a huge hit and a regular in the Tapnell Farm calendar of events. So if you’ve ever wondered what a wallaby says or fancied a chat with a rat then this event is for you. Engage children in the animal kingdom with animal madness and have them learning by stealth this half term.
Half Term Explorer Quest
Get out and explore a little piece of Island history this half term with Osborne’s new for 2022 Explorer Quest. Between 19th – 27th February follow the clues and solve the puzzles in this family friendly trail through the estates gardens in the glorious fresh air. Entry for English Heritage members is free otherwise standard admission prices apply.
Animal attractions
The Island is naturally home to an array of fascinating species from red squirrels to white-tailed eagles, but within the four corners of the diamond isle there are a host of animal attractions to appeal to your wild side. Whether you want a big cat encounter, to become a climbing frame for a lemur or take a relaxing walk with alpacas, our vibrant island will get you closer to wildlife than you could have ever imagined.
Known formerly as the Isle of Wight Zoo, The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown is a safe haven for tigers, lions, primates and lemurs to name a few. When visiting you can feel a sense of pride that you are doing your bit for conservation projects as The Wildheart Trust provides funding for programmes in India, Madagascar and even towards projects in the UK.
During Spring 2022 the team are planning to open their pioneering Primate Rescue Centre, a new sustainably built walk-through that will be the first design of its kind in Europe. Want to get involved and support this Island institution? You can volunteer, become a member or donate to one of the many projects.
With the majority of the site being undercover, Amazon World, near Arreton, is great for escaping the rain. Wander through the rainforest with birds flying overhead or scampering through the undergrowth. As you make your way to the nocturnal section, catch a glimpse of armadillos, loris and sloths – it’s a unique look into the life of animals at night. There’s more outside to discover including an elusive ocelot and the ever-popular wallaby walk and lemur encounter.
The zoo takes its role within conservation seriously, contributing to breeding programmes to safeguard species for the future. Sign up for an animal experience where you can tickle a tapir or meet the meerkats. Your little monkeys will also love the huge indoor play area, giving you five minutes to enjoy a cuppa.
The Isle of Wight is a safe home for many of us and Monkey Haven primate rescue centre has extended that generosity to a barrel full of monkeys. All the primates there have been rescued for reasons including; ostracized by their peers, saved from the illegal pet trade or unsuitable for breeding programmes – everyone is loved here. As you wander around the centre the air is filled with monkey chatter and the unmistakable song of the gibbons can be heard all around. Feel like you’re taking a piece of the Haven home and leave your mark by adopting an animal.
If you want to go walking with alpacas (or llamas) head to West Wight Alpacas. Home to around 60 alpacas and 13 llamas the attraction allows you to book a slot where you, or a family group, can each lead one of these magnificent mammals around the fields. While away an afternoon and visit the other residents such as goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Take timeout at the onsite restaurant with either a light lunch or one of the renowned stone-baked pizzas. You can literally take a piece of alpaca home with you by visiting the shop where many of the items are made using alpaca wool, the feel and quality is like nothing else.
If tea, cake and a little wander are what you are looking for, the Donkey Sanctuary and Quarr Abbey are only a short car journey from Wightlink’s Fishbourne ferry port. Both attractions are free to enter (donations are welcomed though) and offer a relaxing hour or so. The Donkey Sanctuary is home to 113 donkeys, one mule and 22 ponies, all have either been rescued or abandoned. Set in 55 acres you can explore the paddocks before taking a five minutes rest in the café.
Quarr Abbey, a working monastery and home to Benedictine Monks, is known island-wide for its pigs. As you enter the Abbey from the car park, the various pig pens are usually full of perfectly pink piglets with their mothers. The monks farm the pigs as well as grow their very own fruit and vegetables and any surplus can be purchased at the farm shop alongside other local favourites including the Abbey’s very own beer.
So when thinking ‘what to do today’ during this half term pay a visit to one of the Island’s amazing attractions.
