If choruses of “I'm hungry” are sending you mad, why not make the most of the Island’s excellent foodie scene? There are plenty of places to suit whatever you are looking for, whether that’s making the most of a sunny day to enjoy a spot of outdoor dining with the kids, burning off some energy at restaurants with play areas or making sure you have family-friendly food options for fussy eaters, you can enjoy delicious meals suitable for all ages while exploring the Island's culinary offerings.
Read on to discover the best family-friendly places to eat here on the Isle of Wight.
The Chequers Inn
This traditional country pub has been in the Holmes family for almost 30 years and with a background in farming, they know the value of using the finest produce and ensuring the food is delicious. Tuck into the Sunday all-day carvery and kids will be sure to check out the games room and large outdoor play area.
The Griffin
This welcoming pub is a firm family favourite in the heart of Godshill. Traditional dishes are cooked with a variety of options for children and smaller portions for small appetites. The Sunday carvery is always a wow, as is the outdoor children’s play area and pub garden maze. Find your way out if you can!
The Fighting Cocks
Situated in Arreton Valley, The Fighting Cocks has grown a reputation for irresistible pies made with melt-in-the-mouth pastry, plus a menu bursting with pub classics. There are also smaller portions for dinky appetites, Sunday roasts, dog-friendly, a large outdoor kids’ play area with climbing frames, swings, a slide, a see-saw, and the Island’s largest jumping pillow!
The Caulkheads
Just a hop, skip and a jump from the golden sands of Sandown Bay, this family-favourite pub serves up a traditional fayre as well as tempting homemade stone-baked pizzas. Kids will work up an appetite in the ballpark, pirate ship and on the bouncy castle. There’s also an indoor play area, ice-cream factory and silent cinema too!
The Wight Mouse
Situated on the south coast of the Island, The Wight Mouse Inn is where you soak up the stunning views across the countryside to the English Channel. You’ll enjoy freshly cooked dishes and the pub boasts a well-deserved reputation for giant stack burgers. All diets are catered for, and the kids will be occupied with the all-weather play area.
The Blacksmiths
This 400-year-old pub has a high reputation for truly scrumptious local food. The views from the dining room and the garden are spectacular (especially the sunsets) and the children’s play area will keep the little ones busy while the grown-ups sit back and relax for five minutes.
The Horse & Groom
As well as a tasty menu, real ales and rural charm, The Horse and Groom will keep the kids entertained thanks to the children’s play area known as “The Paddock” as well as football, crazy golf, noughts and crosses, tyre trails and loads more.
The Eight Bells
In the heart of the historic village of Carisbrooke, The Eight Bell has been attracting families for decades. It’s easy to see why with a large menu, outdoor play area and pretty stream with ducks to feed. Kids will love the dessert menu and we recommend trying one of the famous ice cream sundaes.
The Cow
Head west to The Cow at Tapnell Farm for a relaxed, family-friendly eatery serving delicious home-cooked, award-winning burgers and perfectly cooked steaks. You can choose whether to eat in (booking essential) or outdoor dining on the terrace. The views across the Isle of Wight from the mezzanine level and terrace are hard to beat.
The Garlic Farm
Free to visit, The Garlic Farm setting is perfect for kids. Run wild in the wildflower meadow, take a farm tractor ride in the holidays, meet the chickens, peacocks, goats and cattle and spot a red squirrel. In the restaurant, there’s special family entertainment for children throughout the school holidays too.
Snacks and Ladders
When the weather takes a turn, why not head to the Island’s only board game cafe in Newport? You’ll find a huge array of board games to pass the time with, suitable for the smallest to the biggest kids. Pay a small surcharge to access the games, and then order whatever you fancy from the menu.
Quarr Abbey Tea Rooms
A destination in its own right, Quarr Abbey Tea Rooms is situated in the heart of the stunning abbey grounds and serves up local produce combined with items that have been carefully grown on-site by the resident Benedictine monks. Choose from hearty lunches to tasty cakes and make sure to visit the pigs (and piglets if you are lucky) and say hello to the chickens wandering around the tea room gardens.