- Isle of Wight
- (8)
-
United Kingdom
This small restaurant, serving Thai food, is a great pick. The menu offers a wide choice of dishes and having tried a few different ones, I have to say they are all equally delicious.
The food is always perfectly cooked and offers exceptional value for money. The atmosphere is very friendly and the staff are delightful. An absolute must for those who enjoy Thai food. It is best to book ahead however, as they do get very busy.
Black Cat
83 High Street
Shanklin, PO37 6NR
These people teach recreational tree climbing - It's a great way to spend a morning - hanging in a harness off a rope, 30 ft above the ground. It made me feel like a kid again! Can't recommend it highly enough, it's so much more fun that you might imagine.
www.goodleaf.co.uk
01983 563573
The Tiffin Room is a bit of an anomaly - a classy Indian restaurant in the land of cream teas and ice-creams, otherwise known as the Isle of Wight.
It's attached to Bonchurch Manor, a B&B housed in a smart Victorian house with sea views but you don't have to be a guest to eat there. The food is delicious - the masala dosa was the best I've tasted and sea bass cooked in coconut, tamarind and coriander was fantastic.
Standard curry house fare is often too rich and heavy but this food - cooked by B&B owner Shuba Rao - is light and delicately spiced.
The wine list - chosen by Shuba's husband Mark - impressive too and amazingly good value.
Seafood and steak restaurant in a simply stunning location, right on the waters edge at the eastern end of the Solent. We visited for lunch in midsummer and moored up just off the beach on one of their mooring buoys (free of charge!) Had moules mariniere followed by local lobster, crab and seabass - all washed down with an extremely agreeable bottle of wine. Wow! such fabulous food and impeccable service in a perfect location! Indeed so nice was it that we stayed overnight and went back for full English breakfast. Highly recommended - insanely popular.
The Waterfront, St Helens, Isle of Wight 01983 873259
From the moment you set eyes on the giant smuggler standing boldly astride the entrance you know you are in for a jolly good time. Situated on the crumbly south coast of the Isle of Wight, Blackgang Chine has been amusing families for generations with its eccentric mix of fibreglass models, themed areas and good clean family fun.
Get a taste of the Wild West in Frontierland, sit astride a stegosaurus or get lost in the maze on your way to Nursery Rhyme Land. Hilarious photo opportunities ensue, but if that sounds a bit too tame for the youth of today, there is also a rollercoaster and watersplash ride to provide a bit of adrenalin.
Blackgang Chine, Nr Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Open Monday 27th March to Sunday 29th October - Daily from 10 a.m.
www.blackgangchine.com
OK, so it’s an adult free zone, but it’s great summer fun for kids aged 7-16. Parents can relax knowing the kids are in safe hands and leave them for a week or two in this beautiful site where they have loads of sports and activities to keep them busy. They also have other residential camps by the sea in north Norfolk, close to Cromer, and day camps all around London.
Bembridge, Isle of Wight;
www.campbeaumont.co.uk
An excellent fish and steak restaurant on the beach at St Helens. When I went I had fantastic mussels. I recommend cycling there if you can.
Duver Road, St. Helens, Isle of Wight;
tel: 01983 873 259
The last and best festival of the summer. Highlights from last year included the world's largest fancy dress party and a proper cocktail bar.
September 8-10, 2006, Isle of Wight;
www.bestival.net
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Your tips about Isle of Wight