Rusty Meadow

As well as its eateries and play park, Godshill (15 minutes’ walk) has a retro attraction at the Model Village, with scale replicas of Isle of Wight towns and a mini-train chugging around the topiary gardens. There’s also a quality gift shop at The Old Smithy and Gardens, as well as a kitschy fairy-themed trail through the grounds. Have fun with the kids while supporting a good cause at the Isle Of Wight Donkey Sanctuary (five minutes’ drive), or meet kangaroos and meerkats at Amazon World Zoo (10 minutes). To stretch your legs and hopefully spot some local wildlife, follow the Red Squirrel Trail from Wroxall (also 10 minutes) for sightings of (you guessed it) red squirrels as well as deer and woodpeckers. The site is just a short drive from south-coast beaches, including Shanklin and Ventnor (both 15 minutes), and Compton Bay (25 minutes). Hit a rainy day? Climb aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet (20 minutes) and enjoy island views from a classic train carriage.