Location: Sandown
Top Things to do in Sandown
Top 9 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Sandown, England
Sandown is a seaside resort town and civil parish on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight, England, which neighbours the town of Shanklin to the south, with the village of Lake in between the two settlements. Sandown Bay is the name of the bay off the English Channel which both towns share, and it is notable for its long stretch of easily accessible golden sandy beach. It is the site of the lost Sandown Castle. Whilst undergoing construction, this was attacked by a French force which had fought its way over Culver Down from Whitecliff Bay, resulting in the French being repulsed. It was built too far into the sea and constantly suffered erosion, until now reduced to a pile of rocks. Later forts in the town include the Diamond Fort (named after its plan), built inshore to replace the castle and which fought off a minor attack from privateers (probably French) in 1788, and the present "Granite Fort" at Yaverland, which is now the zoo. Together with Shanklin, Sandown forms a built up area of 21,374 inhabitants.
Restaurants in Sandown
1. The Holistic Emporium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
We specialise in raw, polished and tumbled gemstones, crystals and fossils; each with their own unique healing and guidance properties. We are a popular new age shop based on the Isle of Wight and we also sell many items such as bags, candles, incense, books, angel/tarot and oracle cards, original new age art, and lots of wild and wacky Steampunk creations.
2. Kaleidoscope
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Established in 2000 Sandown's original gemstone shop selling gemstone jewellery, gemstone carvings, crystals, fossils, rough and tumbled stones, and dream catchers. Our opening times are as follows: Monday, Tuesday , Friday : CLOSED Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 11.00 - 13.00; 15.00 - 17.00 SUMMER HOLIDAYS from end of July to end of August open daily 10.30 - 17.00 and evenings 20.00 - 21.30
Reviewed By 952yvettep
The gentleman that served us, I believe he and his wife own the shop and he was such a lovely gentleman to talk too. He knew what allot about what he sells and was so helpful to my young daughter with her choice of rocks.
3. The Garlic Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,311 reviews
The Garlic Farm is all about garlic...We've been growing garlic on the Isle of Wight for over 30 years now and are the UK's largest specialist garlic grower. We are proud of our exceptional quality garlic which is renowned for its flavour, keeping quality and beauty. We also travel the world to find the best quality garlic varieties to offer our customers. We sell our garlic through our farm shop, farmers' markets, our website and through specialist food retailers across the UK including farm shops and delicatessens. We welcome visitors to our beautiful farm in the Arreton Valley. We offer free entry, free tastings, farm shop, garlic restaurant, education room, farm walks, farm animals, children's play area and access to farm land. We aim to educate our customers all about garlic, amazing flavours and a natural, rural farm experience for adults and children.
Reviewed By H8807AXrichardb
great walk around the farm, shop in nice and big and there is a tasting room (try before you buy) and theres a educational area as well, worth a visit
4. Glory Art Glass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
An independent glassblowing studio / gallery in Sandown, Isle of Wight. A family run business now in it's 20th year making beautiful hand sculpted art glass inspired by the natural surroundings of the island. Witness the magic of this ancient craft with their free glass blowing demonstrations which happen throughout the day (in season) Not only is every piece a stunning work of art, much of gallery itself was designed and hand built by the family, giving it a truly memorable touch. Their vibrant and unique glass makes perfect souvenirs and gifts for all occasions. The Evans family look forward to meeting and introducing you to the world of glass! School and large group bookings are available on request.
Reviewed By chucksf2020
Caught A Glimpse of Mind blowing gallery overflowing with Colourful glass Artifacts coupled with live Magical glass making viewing. Undeniably Quite an Amazing Beauty of Discovery ! Defo would recomend to all
5. The Castle Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Allain151 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Called in for a Sunday lunchtime pint or two. Warm friendly welcome from the bar staff, and the locals seemed welcoming too. The decor is definitely unique and different! Good selection of real ales, at prices consistent with other pubs on the IOW. Would definitely do a return visit if back in Sandown.
6. Amazon World Zoo Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,484 reviews
This all-weather recreation of the Amazon rainforest houses over 200 species of animals and birds.
Reviewed By 527josied
Fantastic place, so many lovely unusual animals to see, they have armadillos, badgers, sloths, wallaby that you can walk up to and feed, turtles and tortoises, wild birds and parrots, meerkats and many more. It was an amazing experience as its not animals you see everyday. We enjoyed sitting and having some lunch at the cafe there and had fun looking around the shop at the end. I would highly recommend amazon World.
7. Dinosaur Isle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 955 reviews
In a spectacular pterosaur shaped building watching over Sandown’s blue flag beach is Britain’s first purpose built dinosaur museum. Walk back through fossilised time to the period of the dinosaurs where you will find amongst the fossils many interactive displays. On a recreated landscape enhanced by sights, smells and sounds you will meet life sized dinosaurs including our animatronic Neovenator. Guided fossil hunts (which must be pre-booked) have proved to be a popular addition to a visit.
Reviewed By KalieM
This was our 2nd visit to Dinosaur Isle and this year we also went on a guided fossil walk with them. So interesting, found some amazing stuff and learnt loads even with a 4 year old in tow!! The museum itself is small but packed full of great stuff, lots of hands on stuff for the kids and some great exhibits. When we visited last year the conservancy was opened up and we got to handle some amazing bones and had a great conversation with the guys there. The staff are all really helpful and friendly and would highly recommend a visit!!
8. Islejump
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 79 reviews
Islejump brings fun and excitement at the level you choose. Islejumps normal bounce sessions are suitable for children over 5 (please call or check website as certain bounce sessions can include little ones under 5), adults or groups and our facilities allow you to tailor a bounce to suit you. Interconnected floor and wall trampolines, basketball hoops, dodgeball and a huge air bag should leave every single jumper with a smile on their face and our cafe will give you time to relax during your visit.
9. Sandown Pier
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 1,431 reviews
Reviewed By Debslovestravel
We visit this beautiful Pier every year without fail while down visiting family, as per usual the place was as lovely as always great rides for kids and plenty of machines for the adults too endless fun, crazy golf was as suggested crazy it’s amazing how they fit such a large course into such a small space on it stretches many levels and is always good fun. Stopped to have fresh hot donuts on the end and look out to sea weather was beautiful and so were the donuts, cafe has been refurbished and looks wonderful, we were delighted to find out it’s still run by the same family after 35 years!! (Great photo of owner back in 1984 on the wall) Lovely mother and daughter working told us all the good places to visit on the island and had plenty of time to chat to us even tho the cafe was busy. Rides at the end of the pier were also great for our children they loved the teacups.The men working on the end were also cheerful, Great to find out you can also fish from the end of the pier too!!
