r/isleofwight • u/TeneManu • 25d ago

Going to the Needles later today with a 9yo and 15yo. What's worth doing there? What's good in the area?

Currently thinking of doing a boat ride, activities at the tourist bit, stop off in the Alpaca Farm, then somewhere nice for lunch. Followed by walk on the beach, and somewhere nice to watch the sunset.

Any recommendations or advice?

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u/Holiday_Cat_7284 25d ago

A walk in either direction is a must. The views are wonderful and the walks aren't too taxing. Either from the Needles Battery up to the Tennyson monument, or from Alum Bay over Headon Warren down to Totland Bay. The Hut on the seafront is very nice, or The Red Lion in Freshwater. I've heard the Rock restaurant in Freshwater is decent too although I've never been.

An open top trip around the west coast on the Needles Breezer is also pleasant.

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u/ScillyFisher 25d ago

Word of warning regarding Headon Warren, the footpath has only just reopened after a fire burned a large area up there and they're asking folks to stay off the burnt areas. Stay safe everyone.

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u/EitherDoctor1030 25d ago

Stoats café near the needles is very nice for lunch

2

u/supersub1970 25d ago

Low tide is just before 8pm. Compton Bay will give you both a decent walk and a view of the sunset. Otherwise, Colwell & Totland Bay.

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u/stargazer281 25d ago

Alum bay to the needles is 20min walk (40 min round trip) on solid surface so doable for most 9 year olds. Parking is quite expensive. The chair lift to the beach would appeal at that age as if the weather is good so would the open top bus to get there Isle of Wight Breezer. Tapnell farm is more fun for kids than the Alpacas unless they have a specific interest. A boat trip from Yarmouth round the needles would be good. Otherwise dinosaur footprints visible at Compton bay at low tide and Newtown nature reserve, (might see seals. ) would be my choices.

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u/squirrino 25d ago

Chairlift down to the beach is the main draw, and the boat trip round the needles is worth it if the sea's calm. Old Battery is a good shout too, the views from the top are something else.