top tips when visiting Woodside
- activities
- family-friendly
- food and drink
- holidays
Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat and Woodside Coastal Retreat are the perfect place to relax and unwind but also make a great base to explore the Isle of Wight.
Whether you want to relax on one of the many beaches on the island or find the perfect adventure filled activity you can do it all whilst on holiday on the Isle of Wight. But of course, it can be hard to narrow down exactly what you want to do and how far away from the resorts it is. Which is why we have put together this blog full of everything you need to know from the closest shops to what we recommend doing before checking into your holiday. Have a read and see what tips and ideas you think will be useful whilst at our Woodside resorts. If you have any questions pop over to our Woodside FAQ page.
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what to do before checking in?
The check in time for both resorts is from 4pm but if you fancy getting the ferry across early and spending the whole day on the Isle of Wight, we’ve got a great idea for you. There are two main ferry ports you could get off at on the island for the Woodside resorts either Fishbourne or Cowes. Either one of them are just a short drive to Osborne, an Italian-inspired mansion with incredible gardens and was Queen Victoria’s family home and is now part of the English Heritage. It’s a great family day out where you can explore the house and see all sorts of incredible artwork and furnishings from the Royal Collection. Osborne is open 10am – 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays and is worth the visit. Then you can make your way to the Woodside resorts as it is under a 15-minute drive.
what are the top things in the area?
The Isle of Wight is easily explored by car, and you can get from one end of the island to the other in about an hour. So, as you can imagine there are so many amazing things to do in under an hour drive away from our Woodside resorts. But with there being so many options we have put together this list with the top things in the area to suit families, friends, and couples.
1. Amazon World Zoo
18 min drive from resort
Although this zoo isn’t the largest it still makes a great day out with so much to see and do. They have so many exotic animals and are the largest of its kind on the Isle of Wight. At Amazon World Zoo you will be able to see animals like Capybara, meerkats, sloths, armadillo, monkeys and more. There are also meet the animal experiences which are only £30 per person and are available to book on the day.
2. The Needles Landmark Attraction
41 min drive from resort
The Needles is known for the world-famous Marconi Monument that marks where Guglielmo Marconi undertook his pioneering work at the end of the 19th century. Now it is an impressive landmark attraction with various things to do whilst your there from chair lifts, boat trips and viewpoints to awe at the impressive Needles formation.
3. Isle of Wight Steam Railway
12 min drive from resort
If you are interested in exploring the island in a fun and unique way the Isle of Wight Steam Railway will be perfect. It creates a special day out where you can see all the stunning countryside on the island. Standard-class tickets start from £19.50 for adults, £8.25 for children from 5-17 years and free for under 4’s.
4. Blackgang Chine Land of Adventure
30 min drive from resort
The oldest theme park in the UK! Blackgang Chine is the perfect day out for families with young children. There are various rides and attractions from a rollercoaster to a waterslide, pirate barrels and snakes and ladders. Along with cafés and a restaurant offering plenty of amazing meals and sweet treats for all.
5. Devil’s Chimney
31 min drive from resort
The Devil’s Chimney is a unique walk that takes you on an adventure down a narrow, steep path that is set in a rocky cliff face. The history behind Devil’s Chimney is that it was once used by smugglers to give them quick access to the bay below. Enjoy exploring the caves and various hideouts and then enjoy some food and drink at the Smuggler’s Haven Tea Gardens.
closest shops for essentials?
Both the Woodside resorts have self-catering lodges which are equipped with fully fitted kitchens which means you can enjoy cooking delicious meals as a family in the evening on holiday. It’s important to know where you can go to get the basics or the full food shop before your stay. Below is a list of various shops that are under 20 minutes away from the resorts.
- Tesco Express – 5 min drive from resort
- Waitrose & Partners East Cowes – 14 min drive from resort
- Lidl – 14 min drive from resort
- Sainsbury’s – 15 min drive from resort
- Co-op Food – Ryde – 18 min drive from resort
where to eat out?
All the lodges at our Woodside resorts are self-catering so you can cook all your meals in the comfort of your lodge. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a meal out whilst you’re on your holiday to give you a break away from cooking. So, we’ve put together a list of five different places to eat out across the island.
1. The Sloop Inn
5 min drive from resort
Enjoy all the classics at this family-friendly pub. The Sloop Inn is perfect for breakfast, roasts, lunch, and dinner. Throughout the week they also have regular quiz nights so make sure to check those out if you fancy going here one evening.
2. The Fishbourne
8 min drive from resort
With a tranquil setting, The Fishbourne offers wonderful sea views and delicious food for all. Whether you are after their delicious handmade pizzas which are available to eat in and take away, or you are after a classic fish and chips you will find something to suit everyone here.
3. Prego
14 min drive from resort
Prego is in East Cowes and is an amazing Italian restaurant where you can eat in and takeaway. They offer a selection of pasta, pizza, salads, and paninis along with side dishes like garlic bread and palline (dough balls). There is also a kid’s menu with plenty of choice for if you are with little ones.
4. The Bargeman’s Rest
16 min drive from resort
Just a 16-minute drive away from the resorts and famed for its home cooked food and amazing beer, The Bargeman’s Rest is the perfect stop for a meal out. Whether you fancy a sandwich or rustic baguette, a classic burger or fish and chips there is plenty on offer on this menu along with a selection of delicious desserts.
5. The Waterfront Bar & Restaurant
42 min drive from resort
This British & Mediterranean restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a meal out surrounded by stunning views. No matter what you fancy you will be able to find some delicious options here from rump steak to fish and chips, vegan Bolognese, and even various sandwiches. They also have plenty of dessert options and a kid’s menu.
best beaches in the area?
Since the Isle of Wight is an island, it has plenty of beaches to explore, but which are the best in the area? We’ve done some research and found two amazing beaches just a short drive away from the resorts.
Ryde Beach
20 min drive from resort
Ryde is known for being a seaside town and you will find the sandy beaches make a perfect beach day during the spring and summer months. It’s known for its incredibly low tide and the beach goes out over half a mile which is almost to the end of the pier, so you won’t have a problem finding space to set up camp for the day. There’s plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops just a short walk away from the beach too so you can enjoy a full day out here.
Ventnor Beach
33 min drive from resort
A red shingle and golden sand beach lines with vintage beach huts, Ventnor Beach is nestled in the bay beneath the Victorian town of Ventnor and is definitely worth a visit. Along with the beach there are plenty of places for food and drink in the town and even a park, paddling pool, maze and more. The beach is fairly large, and people often swim in this part of the sea but just be careful it is advised to swim from the middle of the beach as that area is free of rocks.