Nine of the best family-friendly pubs on the Isle of Wight

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Looking for somewhere to enjoy a meal with the whole family on the Isle of Wight?

The Island has no shortage of welcoming pubs combining good food and drink with plenty to keep the kids entertained.

From seaside spots and countryside inns to pubs with sprawling gardens and play areas, here are our picks for nine of the best family-friendly pubs on the Island.


The Eight Bells – Carisbrooke

The Eight Bells in CarisbrookeThe Eight Bells in Carisbrooke (Image: The Eight Bells)

This pub, in the shadow of Carisbrooke Castle, is a beautiful location for a family day out.

It offers affordable prices for a spot of lunch having visited the castle, as well as a beautiful garden, with a play area to keep the kids busy whilst the adults enjoy a drink.


The Chequers Inn – Rookley

The Chequers Inn in RookleyThe Chequers Inn in Rookley (Image: The Chequers Inn)

This beautiful inn is located in the middle of the Island countryside, offering a welcome break to those looking for refreshment.

The Chequers Inn prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and offering traditional ales.

There is a fantastic playground area to keep children occupied.

The play area (Image: IWCP)

It also offers accommodation for nightly stopovers.


The Caulkheads – Sandown

The Caulkheads in SandownThe Caulkheads in Sandown (Image: The Caulkheads)

Located just a five-minute walk away from Sandown Beach, The Caulkheads offers the perfect end to a day of seaside fun.

(Image: IWCP)

With a range of menus, discounted meals for kids and a play area in the back garden if the beach hasn’t depleted their energy, this is the perfect spot for a laid-back family meal.


The Fighting Cocks – Hale Common

The Fighting Cocks in Hale CommonThe Fighting Cocks in Hale Common (Image: The Fighting Cocks)

Another beautiful country pub, this one is perfect for a day out with the kids in mind.

The huge garden has an extensive play area, with the scope for go-karting and bouncy castles for special events.

The bouncy pillow at the Fighting Cocks (Image: Fighting Cocks)

And if you fancy a grandiose entrance, you can fly in on a helicopter!


The Prince of Wales – East Cowes

The Prince of Wales in East CowesThe Prince of Wales in East Cowes (Image: The Prince of Wales)

This spot is located, fittingly, opposite Osborne House, so is perfectly placed to offer a drink and a bite to eat after a day of history.

With a great range of drinks on tap, a spacious garden area and a bouncy castle for the kids, what’s not to love?

(Image: IWCP)

I was in there this week having a drink, and I can thoroughly recommend it!


The Wight Mouse Inn – Chale

The Wight Mouse Inn in ChaleThe Wight Mouse Inn in Chale (Image: The Wight Mouse Inn)

It’s a requirement that pubs on the Island should have incredible gardens, and the Wight Mouse is no exception.

This inn comes with an expansive garden that overlooks the sea, and provides a perfect setting for a solo drink or a family meal.

There is a large area for children to play in.


The Crown Inn – Shorwell

The Crown Inn in ShorwellThe Crown Inn in Shorwell (Image: The Crown Inn)

Tucked away amongst houses on a country road, this inconspicuous inn is well worth a visit.

A great range of food, from pub classics to pizzas, offers something to everyone.

The Crown Inn's trout stream (Image: The Crown Inn, Shorwell)

A stream running through the garden gives this picturesque spot even more charm.


The Griffin – Godshill

The Griffin in GodshillThe Griffin in Godshill (Image: The Griffin)

The Griffin was built in 1850 for the Earl of Yarborough as a rest house and horse changing point during his journeys across the Island.

Today, it offers voluminous Sunday roasts and a secluded setting to get away from the world for an hour or two - this pub is a must-visit.

There is even a maze in the garden.

With dogs welcome, too, why wouldn’t you?


The Blacksmiths – Calbourne

The Blacksmiths in CalbourneThe Blacksmiths in Calbourne (Image: isleofwight.com)

Formally known as the Blacksmiths Arms, this family-owned business is the last but by no means the least on this list.

A 400-year-old pub that has won Red Funnel’s Best Pub and Best Roast awards for consecutive years, it won’t disappoint.

Spectacular views of the Island’s fields are a perfect backdrop to a relaxing dinner with all the family.

(Image: The Blacksmiths)

There is a big play area for children.

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