Staff Favourite Places on the Isle of Wight

Why not include some of our staff’s recommended places to visit on the Isle of Wight on your next visit to Luccombe Hall Hotel?

Don’t forget to drop us a note over on Facebook to let us know which ones you tried and what you thought of it….

Clare, Garden Isle Hotels Director, Recommends…..

Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight

“…My favourite place to go is Robin Hill Country Park. I have 3 young, energetic boys and there is such a lot to do there. It’s mostly outside so is best when the weather is pleasant. I always look out for the special events they put on, too. During the summer, they are open late on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays when they have their show “Jungle Fever” on which features life-sized African animal puppets, live music and jungle themed performances…”

Steven, Garden Isle Hotels Director, Recommends…..

Crave Ice Cream Parlour, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

“… Just a short drive away in Ventnor (or about an hours walk to the South along the coastal path) you can find Crave – an ice cream parlour with the most amazing flavours on offer.  Not just traditional ice cream made on site by the lovely owners, but they also do Vegan and Dairy Free.  For the latest flavours on offer, check out their facebook page.  Me and my littlest one Ruben love the place!”

Julie, Hotel Manager at Luccombe Manor Country House just loves Carisbrooke Castle………

Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, Isle of Wight (English Heritage)

“… Carisbrooke Castle is my favourite place to visit on the island, I do try and go at least once a year. Not only does it have spectacular views but the history that surrounds the building is amazing. You can walk around the entire castle, if you have young children with you it’s fun to run up and down the moat, there are replica cannons that you can even sit on and have a picture with the castle behind you. If you are into history then this is a must see.

I am completely fascinated by how the soldiers managed to get to the top of the keep in all of their armour. They even have some chainmail that you can try on and you can see just how heavy they were. You get to watch an old tradition of the donkeys pulling up water from the well, you can also go around and see the other donkeys that they have rescued and pet them…”

Osborne House is a must see for Kelly, Reservations Manager at Garden Isle Hotels…….

Osborne House, East Cowes, Isle of Wight (English Heritage)

“… One of my favourite places to visit on the Isle of Wight is Osborne House, the seaside home of Queen Victoria. There is so much to see that you can spend all day exploring. I love to take a picnic with me and enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings but there is also a café and Terrace Restaurant which you can eat at.  Visitors can look around inside the house at the State rooms, explore the gardens and grounds, visit Swiss Cottage where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s children played and visit the private beach which has beautiful views of the Solent. Osborne House is suitable for all ages, there is even two playgrounds for children meaning the whole family can enjoy their visit. Osborne House was also recently featured in the film Victoria & Abdul starring Dame Judi Dench…”

Cathy, Reception Luccombe Hall just loves the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary………

The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown

“…For any new (or returning) visitors to the Island, I would thoroughly recommend the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for a great family day out.

The establishment is now no longer a zoo, but a sanctuary for big cats that have been rescued from zoos and circuses in Europe, sometimes taking up to two or three years to get these beautiful animals to a safe and comfortable ‘retirement home’.

The sanctuary is also home to a few Lemurs and Meercats which are very popular with the younger children, and if that isn’t enough to keep the little ones happy, there is always a lovely play area and a cafe too.

The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary also has the advantage of being situated in Sandown, which is only a ten minute drive from Shanklin, although on a nice day, a slow walk along the seafront makes a pleasant day out even more pleasurable!…”