Isle of Wight: Easter treats

At Luxury Boltholes we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of Easter. Whatever the weather, it’s the time for emerging from winter’s comforting cocoon and rediscovering the great outdoors, and where better than the Isle of Wight – England’s very own ‘Garden Isle’.

With the children on holiday, and the luxury of a long four-day weekend, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family.

We’ve put together a collection of fun-filled things to do on the Isle of Wight. From exciting Easter egg hunts to petting farms, they’re the bonding experiences that form precious family memories.

Easter egg hunts are one of those wholesome activities that tick all the boxes – exercise, fresh air, family fun and of course, a lovely reward at the end.

Here’s our pick of the best Easter egg hunts on the Island:

Grab your map and discover the signs of spring on this nature-inspired trail at Mottistone Gardens. Collect stamps and a delicious chocolate egg at the end.

Mottistone Gardens

Hunt for clues and challenges and take part in traditional egg rolling and egg and spoon races in this epic Easter Adventure Quest at Osborne. Be rewarded with an adventurer's certificate and a tasty chocolate treat.

Osborne House

Chocolate Detectives are summoned to the Great Railway Easter Hunt for a mystery like no other. Super sleuths must solve the clues and riddles to unearth the giant eggs hidden around the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Join the team at Carisbrooke Castle for an exciting Easter Escapade. Test your agility with a cracking egg and spoon race and lead your team to victory in a herculean tug of war. Budding blade masters can sharpen their skills in the Sword School.

Carisbrooke Castle

Need to get out and burn off some chocolate-fuelled energy? With miles of coastline and acres of leafy woodlands, there’s no shortage of family-friendly walks.

Capture their imagination with a ramble around The Isle of Wight’s ‘Dinosaur Coast’- spanning 20 miles of glorious Jurassic coastline. Explore the coastal path on an epic dinosaur safari. Discover fascinating fossils and giant foot casts from the dinosaur era.

Alternatively, pack a picnic and take a woodland walk around the tranquil grounds of Quarr Abbey. Follow a mysterious trail as its meanders through ancient woodlands. Catch a glimpse of the native red squirrel. Pick up an explorer’s kit, with binoculars, bug pot and activity cards.

Family-friendly walks

The Isle of Wight is home to a multitude of family farms, animal rescue centres, and thrilling adventure parks. Here’s a few to get you going:

Tapnell Farm Park is a former dairy farm with fun for all the family. Meet meerkats, goats, and alpacas. Bounce on giant jumping pillows and whizz round on mini go-karts.

Tapnell Farm Park

Swing along to Monkey Haven - a primate rescue centre that’s home to capuchins, squirrel monkeys and barbary macaques, and more. Mini monkeys will love clambering around the giant play area.

Monkey Haven

Gather your merry men for a thrilling escapade at Robin Hill Park. Bound high on tree-top trampolines, zoom down an exhilarating toboggan run and marvel at majestic birds of prey in the falconry – all in 88 acres of natural parkland.

Robin Hill

If you feel like retreating with the family, then why not unwind with a spot of Easter baking and crafting.

Chef and multi-award-winning food writer Emily Leary has collated a collection of divine Easter recipes.

Create a show-stopping no-bake Easter cheesecake or build chocolate birds’ nests. Your budding bakers might even be inspired to design their own masterpiece.

Emily Leary's Easter recipes

We also love this compilation of easy Easter crafts from Country Living, designed for the whole family to create together.

From Easter party hats, to pom pom bunny wreaths, there's plenty of crafty ideas to capture the imagination.

Country Living easy Easter crafts

The Isle of Wight is a much-loved family destination thanks to its myriad of fun-filled adventure parks, legendary castles, and mysterious museums. The icing on the cake is nature's glorious playground – miles of gilded beaches, leafy forest trails and nature reserves, all ripe for discovery.

Explore all the treasures this magical isle has to offer with a stay at The Manor House - a 17th century manor that’s the epitome of elegant living.

Set within 55 acres of exquisite private grounds, on the outskirts of Newtown, this grade II house has everything you need for a gorgeous Easter retreat.

Challenge the family to a game of tennis on the all-weather tennis court or roam around the tranquil garden.

Retreat indoors to the beautiful farmhouse kitchen where you can indulge in a spot of baking or Easter crafts. Maybe you just want to unwind – there’s plenty of space to cosy up by the open fireplace in the stately living room, with board games and books galore.

If you want to venture out and explore the local area, there is a wealth of discoveries to be made.

The Manor House is nestled in the tiny hamlet of Shalfleet, in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ on the northwest side of the island.

Sandwiched between Yarmouth and Newport, there miles of coastline to explore on your doorstep. Head to Tennyson Down and across the Needles for fresh air and unbeatable views or go butterfly hunting in the nearby Newtown National Nature Reserve.

The family-friendly Manor House comfortably sleeps 14, with six sumptuous bedrooms, two ensuites, and two family-sized bathrooms.