May Half Term on the Wight
The Isle of Wight is set to come alive this May half term (24th – 31st May 2025) with a vibrant mix of family-friendly events, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a local or visiting, here’s a curated guide to help you make the most of the holiday week.
Heritage & History
Fun and games at Osborne House
Get ready for a fun-filled outdoor adventure at Osborne House with hands-on activities this May half term. Challenge your family and friends to giant Jenga, test your skills on the balance board or outsmart your opponent in a game of giant connect 4. Enjoy fun and games in the fresh air! Fun for the whole family.
Go exploring at Carisbrooke Castle
Get set for an action-packed outdoor adventure at Carisbrooke Castle this May half term! Take on family and friends in a game of giant Jenga, try your hand at boules, or put your balance to the test. It’s all about fresh air, fun, and making great memories together.
Roman Fun at Newport Roman Villa on Wednesday 28th May
Explore everything to do with Romans!
- Build your own working catapult and learn about the mighty Roman army!
- Take part in a picture hunt around the villa ruins
- Explore the whole site, including the historic Roman ruins, museum displays, and garden.
Don’t miss The Needles Landmark Attraction
A true must-see. Voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the UK, the Needles is an iconic spot that offers spectacular views from the famous chairlift, gliding down the cliffside to the stunning shoreline below. After the ride, get creative at the sand shop and craft your very own Alum Bay sand souvenir, with layers of naturally coloured sand that are unique to you.
Animal Encounters & Outdoor Fun
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Meet lions, tigers, lemurs, and more at this sanctuary dedicated to conservation. The Sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing exotic animals from harm and rehabilitating them in their forever home on the Isle of Wight. The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a perfect family day out including a gift shop and a cafe.
Compton Bay Fossil Walks
Join National Trust-guided walks along Compton Bay to hunt for Cretaceous fossils, including dinosaur bones and flint. These relaxed tours are perfect for families.
Join Monkey Haven this May Half Term (23rd-26th) as they celebrate Endangered Species Day!
Monkey Haven are hosting a special awareness event to shine a spotlight on one of the most urgent conservation issues of our time; the devastating impact of unsustainable palm oil on endangered species, in particular they want to help educate visitors about the plight of the gibbon, who are among the most iconic and threatened primates in Southeast Asia.
- Enjoy colouring & activity sheets
- Get hands-on with gibbon crafts
- Follow the gibbon trail with prizes to be won!
- Visit the education lodge for a Palm Oil-free bake sale – complete with recipe printouts
Creative & Cultural Activities
Newport Museum of Island History
Explore the new ‘Landscape Pictures’ display and engage in a time-travel-themed photo hunt. Open on Tuesday 28th and Thursday 30th May, with activities priced at £1 for adults and 50p for children.
Emerald Energy Gong & Sound Bath at Quay Arts
On Sunday 25th May, immerse yourself in a revitalising sound bath experience featuring gongs, bowls, and chimes in the incredible theatre space at Quay Arts in Newport.
Scenic Adventures
Island Line – UK’s Only Floating Train
Experience the UK’s only floating train line, the Island Line, which has reopened after renovations. This scenic route connects Ryde Esplanade to Ryde Pier Head, offering stunning coastal views.
Island Beaches
The Isle of Wight has an incredible range of stunning beaches, from wide sandy shorelines to rolling cliffs and awe inspiring coastal views. We cram a lot in too! The Island is only 25 miles by 14 miles and you’re never more than nine miles from one of our renowned seascapes.
There really is something for everyone. The Isle of Wight has 57 miles of coastline and contains some of the best beaches in the UK. Sandown, Shanklin and Ryde offer miles of golden sand, with Freshwater Bay, Totland Bay, Colwell Bay and Steephill Cove offering great days out.
Life is better by the sea – whether that’s on a traditional seafront with vintage beach huts, or taking in watersports, a swim or finding fossilised dinosaur footprints.
Attractions
Wild West Week at Blackgang Chine
Blackgang Chine have a Rootin’ Tootin’ treat for y’all! From 24th to 31st May, step into Cowboy Town for thrilling shows, gunfights, and a new action-packed cowboy performance at this iconic theme park.
Robin Hill
NOW OPEN! A true treasure on the Isle of Wight which is a family-friendly country park offering 88 acres of stunning woodland, adventure rides, outdoor play, and immersive seasonal events perfect for all ages. Find your inner-child and discover something new at Robin Hill, with their newly opened Heron Restaurant.
Dive into farmyard fun at with Shaun the Sheep: Farmathlon Live! at Tapnell Farm Park
Expect a Heptathlon like no other at Tapnell Farm Park this half term! From bouncing sheep races to cabbage shot-put and green bean javelin throws, there are 7 incredible family activities waiting for you to conquer!
Plus, get your camera ready for meet and greets with Shaun the Sheep at peak times throughout the day too!
Budget-Friendly Options
Many local attractions and events offer free or low-cost entry, making it easy to enjoy the island without breaking the bank. For instance, the Isle of Wight libraries host free family activities during half term, including storytelling sessions and craft workshops.
Sport
Half Term fun at West Wight Sports and Community Centre
Have you booked your child’s places for our Half Term activities at West Wight Sports and Community Centre? If not you better be quick as spaces are filling up fast!
They have intensive swimming lessons, soft archery, diving, pickleball, snorkelling, climbing, mermaid swimming, youth Olympics, rookie lifesaving, pre-sailing skills plus fun hours and open swims. Pop in to pick up a leaflet today or visit their website to see the full programme.
