With half term just around the corner, there are a number of events running during the week at a variety of the island’s attractions, providing fun times for all of the family.
Here are some of the events on offer:
- Isle of Wight Story Festival: Based at Quay Arts in Newport, the festival includes a wide range of activities between 20th and 22nd – workshops, performances, storytelling, creative writing, crafts, author talks and more! With 30 different events (some free and others starting from just £4), there is too much to put here, so check out their website at iwstoryfestival.com.
- Myths and Legends Week at Brading Roman Villa: Running from 15th to 22nd, you can see the Myths and Legends exhibition in collaboration with artists Lucy Bell and Kirstie Hayler. On 18th to 20th, you can also take part in craft sessions to make a clay Medusa and design a mosaic coaster, with storytelling also on 18th. Pricing and full details are on bradingromanvilla.org.uk.
- Bouncy Barn at Tapnell Farm: Fancy a bounce? Pop into the barn for some all weather fun, with bouncy castles, slides, helter skelter and drop slides available. You can either visit the barn only for a small fee or get free entry as part of a ticket for the wider Tapnell Farm. Running from 17th to 21st, all the details are on tapnellfarm.com.
- Make Your Own Pop Up Museum @ Museum of Island History: Get creative this half term and build your own pop up version of the Museum of Island History, adding artefacts of your choice. There is also a trail available to explore the museum. Entry and events are just £1 each. Events run on 18th and 20th with more details on iow.gov.uk.
- Family Activity Day at Newport Roman Villa: Step back in time and live like a roman during one of the family activity days at Newport Roman Villa. Gets hands on and complete activities like making a mosaic, reconstructing a pot, building a block tower, visit the replica Roman kitchen and of course, dressing like a Roman! There is also a Roman picture hunt on too. Entry and events are also just £1 each. Events run on 19th and 21st with more details on iow.gov.uk.
- Love Is In The Air Trail at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary: Tying up with Valentine’s, the sanctuary is celebrating love with a special trail during half term, where you can learn how the animals show love to each other, as well as a wordsearch and find the sanctuary’s cupid. More details at wildheartanimalsanctuary.org.
- Build A Bird Box at Ventnor Botanic Gardens: As part of National Birdbox Week, build your own bird box with your children, aided by the garden’s skilled team. Running on 19th February, more details are at botanic.co.uk.
- Love Week at Monkey Haven: Running from 14th to 23rd, celebrate love at Monkey Haven by finding out about the love stories behind their animals – romances, bromances and best friends – in the daily talks, as well as take in the free love heart treat trail to get yourself a sweet treat! All of the details on their Facebook page.
- Ventnor Bay Treasure Hunt: Jump onboard with Ventnor Bay Charters and enjoy a swashbuckling treasure hunt between Ventnor and St Catherine’s, complete with your own pirate on the boat! Sailings will set off daily between 15th and 22nd with tickets from £20. All the details are on their Facebook page.
- Winter Gala and Dark Ales Festival at Isle of Wight Steam Railway: Running from 20th to 23rd, this new event is being launched as part of various railway celebrations – the 200th anniversary of the UK railway, 150th of the steam railway’s line and 100th of the flagship Calbourne locomotive. Featuring special appearances of some of the fleet and the new dark ales festival, more details are on iwsteamrailway.co.uk.
Alongside this, there are a selection of attractions and restaurants open during the week too. Check out our autumn and winter guide for our top picks for what to do and where to go.
If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, check out our latest newsletter for our availability here.
We hope you have an enjoyable half term!