MUST SEE: No trip to the Isle of Wight would be compete without seeing the famous needles
Whitecliff Bay comes pretty close to fitting the bill, though. The Away Resorts holiday park in Bembridge on the eastern coast of the Isle of Wight has most things perfectly figured out.
We stayed in a Superior Caravan, which was refreshingly modern and had ample space including three bedrooms, a decent sized kitchen area and a large lounge.
Just as importantly there was a sizeable balcony outside to which we could banish the kids if the weather was dry. There’s plenty to do at Whitecliff come rain or shine, with lots of free activities.
And for a small fee you can also try archery, target paintball and pool kayaking. Plus there is swimming in the indoor or outdoor pools.
PERFECT: The Whitecliff Bay holiday park has plenty to see and do
What makes the resort really stand out though are events such as Movies In The Moonlight – screenings under the stars of films such as Monsters Inc and Frozen – and a summer stage school run by tutors from the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts.
The two older boys, Vinny, 12, and Marley, eight, wanted to have a go at everything. With the site so easy to navigate we could send them off to various activities while we spent time in the soft play area with my youngest daughter Olivia, five, and mischievous Ron, two.
Later we would meet up to learn, for example, that Vinny was archery champion for the day. He announced his achievement with a beaming smile, proudly showing off his prizes.
There are plenty of eating options on site including the Beach Café for light bites, the Culver Diner for burgers, pizzas and hot dogs, the Nab Bar for pub classics and a well stocked shop if you prefer self-catering.
VILLAGE LIFE: Ventnor is fantastic for craft and vintage shops
As the older boys once again rushed off to show off their shots on the pool table or spend their pocket money in the amusement arcade, we settled down to watch the kids’ show. The entertainment team were terrific at getting everyone – including the most reluctant parents – involved with games and dancing.
Later the youngsters enjoyed the Bear In The Woods show, featuring songs and stories. And afterwards myself, wife Liz and eldest daughter Jemma were able to relax and watch the live cabaret show, tribute band or vocalist, satisfied we had completed our parental duties for the day.
On the Isle of Wight there are plenty of attractions to visit within a short drive. No trip would be complete without seeing the famous Needles, with a chairlift running up the side of the cliffs from which the celebrated coloured sands originate.
PARADISE : Shanklin, another family beach resort, is just down the coast
Just along the coast is Shanklin, another family beach resort and a crazy golfer’s paradise. It’s also home to the Shanklin Chine. Start at the top of the cliff and wind your way down the leafy gorge with waterfalls, trees and more than 150 varieties of plant.
Then reward yourself at the bottom with a pint at the beachfront Fisherman’s Cottage. Ventnor, my wife's favourite, is fantastic for craft and vintage shops while the kids loved splashing about in the paddling pool on The Esplanade, set around a model of the island.
We gave in to the waft of fish and chips from the Ventnor Haven Fishery and tucked into freshly fried plaice and chunky chips while sitting in the sun at a picnic table. There’s also a smugglers’ pub, The Spyglass Inn, at the end of the beach overlooking the bay, serving fresh seafood.
Sitting on its terrace, picking through a jug of prawns while watching boats in the Channel, is what island life is all about.
Source: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/travel/family/496076/Family-Holiday-Isle-of-White-Whitecliff-Bay
