Easter on the Isle of Wight is filled with egg hunts, family trails, animal encounters and outdoor adventures, and with events running across different dates, planning can make all the difference.
From The Royal Hotel in Ventnor, you’re perfectly placed to explore the island at your own pace, with exclusive guest benefits:
10% off at Ventnor Botanic Gardens
10% off at Blackgang Chine
20% off First Class tickets and Hamper Experiences at Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Below is your complete, date-by-date Easter guide, helping you plan exactly what to do, whenever you visit.
Start the Easter holidays with something a little different at Brading Roman Villa, where the Isle of Wight Spring Dog Show brings a lively atmosphere to one of the island’s most fascinating historic sites. It makes a lovely first day out for families because there is plenty to see and do without feeling too intense after a journey. Enjoy the event atmosphere, explore the villa, and discover Roman history in a setting that feels open, welcoming and easy to explore.
- A fun and friendly dog show
- Demonstrations from amazing dog training groups and charities
- A variety of animal-themed stalls
- Arts and crafts
- Doggie paw-print station
- Photography station
- Children’s activities
- Have-a-go agility
- Scentwork and heelwork to music
- Raffles with fantastic prizes
This is a great choice for families or couples who want an outing that combines history with something fun and local, and it works especially well as an arrival-day activity if you are looking for a gentler start to your Easter break.
Few Easter outings feel quite as special as a day at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, and the Great Railway Easter Egg Hunt is a real highlight of the school holidays. Children can hunt for clues, take part in the seasonal fun and then enjoy the magic of a heritage railway journey through the island countryside.
It is the kind of day that feels like a proper Easter memory in the making: exciting for children, nostalgic for grown-ups, and beautifully easy to turn into a full family day out. Do remember that Royal Hotel guests receive 20% off First Class tickets and Hamper Experiences*, which makes this a particularly lovely outing to include in your stay.
- Kids become “Chocolate Detectives”, following a treasure map to find giant hidden eggs
- A fun, interactive Easter egg hunt across the entire railway site
- Solve clues and receive a chocolate reward at the end
- A brilliant family-friendly activity suitable for all ages
- Runs daily throughout the Easter holidays
- Take part in the Easter Bonnet Parade
- Judging takes place at 13:30 over the Easter weekend
- Kids go free – up to 3 children per full paying adult
- Advance booking recommended for best value
*Advanced booking is essential.
A trip to Carisbrooke Castle is always a family favourite, and the Easter Quest makes it even more enjoyable for children. This is a day for exploring towers, walls and open grounds while following the themed Easter activity along the way. It is exactly the sort of outing that lets children feel as though they are on an adventure rather than simply visiting an attraction.
There is plenty here to turn the visit into a full day: history, views, open space, and the sense of discovery that makes castles so appealing for families. It is a particularly good option if your children enjoy exploring independently and letting their imagination take over.
The quest runs every day throughout the school holidays and is just £2 per child for both members and non-members. This is in addition to your admission ticket. There's no need to book in advance – simply pay and join the quest when you arrive.
This is a brilliant pairing for families. Begin at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for Easter Egg-ploration, where the Easter activity adds an extra layer of fun to a visit filled with memorable animal encounters. It is a wonderful option for children who love animals and interactive days out, and the sanctuary setting gives the day a warm, meaningful feel as well.
- Take part in a brand new Easter Activity Trail around the Sanctuary
- Explore as you go and complete the trail while discovering the animals
- Face painting available on selected dates (11am – 2pm)
- Meet a variety of rescued animals and learn their unique stories
- Attend daily Animal Talks led by expert Animal Carers
- Visit the Adventure Playground for active outdoor fun
- Let younger children explore the Mud Kitchen
Afterwards, head to Sandham Gardens to keep the day playful and relaxed, including Sandham Skynets: The Big Bounce, Sandham Karts and Dino Islands: A Golf Adventure. You can also enjoy refreshments from the Ice Cream Shack, as well as free entry to the rainbow playground and skate park.
That combination makes this one of the most rounded family days on the calendar: wildlife, Easter fun, room to run around, and a classic seaside atmosphere nearby if you want to stretch the day further.
This is a wonderfully varied family day. Start at Amazon World, where children can enjoy the excitement of seeing all kinds of animals in a setting that works well whatever the spring weather decides to do. It is a lively, engaging stop that gives families plenty to talk about and keeps younger visitors interested throughout the morning.
Later, head to The Garlic Farm for the Easter Trail. The trail gives children a seasonal activity to enjoy. Altogether, this makes for a really good-value Easter outing: animals, an Easter activity, good food and an easy family atmosphere all in one day.
For families looking for a slightly slower-paced day, this is a lovely one. Begin at Mottistone Gardens for the Easter Fayre, where the gardens feel especially enjoyable in spring and the seasonal event adds a sense of occasion. It is a great choice if you want space, fresh air and something that feels distinctly Easter without being too hectic. Discover a host of charming wildlife characters ready to guide you on an unforgettable adventure! Take part in Harry the Hare’s Hoopla, enjoy Sneak the Egg with Cookie the Cuckoo and help Bertie the Badger get his sett tidy for spring.
Pair that with a visit to Isle of Wight Pearl for Easter Holiday Art & Planting Fun, which gives children something hands-on and creative to enjoy. At the Pearl Café, with every food item ordered, children will receive a free spring planting kit and Easter activity sheet to enjoy in the café or at home.
Each kit includes:
- A compostable plant pot and a sachet of spring meadow seeds to plant at home
- An Easter activity sheet featuring colouring, a plant pot sleeve to decorate, a spot the difference and a wordsearch
- Two mini chocolate eggs
Together, these two stops create a very balanced day: gardens, crafts, seasonal activities and a gentler pace that works beautifully in the middle of a holiday.
This is one of the best days on the calendar for guests staying at The Royal Hotel, because it starts right here in Ventnor. Begin at Ventnor Botanic Gardens (Britain's Hottest Garden) for the Easter Egg Hunt & Tunnel Trail, a wonderful mix of seasonal fun, garden exploration and adventure for children. The subtropical gardens are especially enjoyable in spring, and of course Royal Hotel guests receive 10% discount here.
Then make the most of your location by heading out with Ventnor Bay Charters for the St Catherine’s Lighthouse boating adventure. Depart from Ventnor Haven and travel West, passing Steephill Cove, Woody Bay, Spindles Folly, and onto the picturesque St.Catherines Lighthouse.
That combination makes this day feel really special: Easter fun in the morning, then a coastal adventure out on the water later on. It is a fantastic showcase of what makes Ventnor such a lovely base for a family Easter break.
Tapnell Farm is made for family days out, and the Easter Weekend Egg Hunt & Farm Trail gives you every excuse to make a full day of it. Children can enjoy the Easter activity while also making the most of everything else the farm offers, which is why this works so well for families with different ages and energy levels.
It is one of those days where everyone tends to find their own favourite moment, whether that is the trail itself, the atmosphere of the farm, or simply the freedom to spend a whole day in a place designed around family fun.
- Easter Farm Trail
- Animal activities - Wallaby Feeding, Guinea Pig Fishing & more
- Easter Farm Crafts - Get creative with our Easter themed crafts!
- Pottery painting
- Plus…A special Easter Weekend Egg Hunt, which will run daily Good Friday to Easter Monday 11 – 11.30am
If you are looking for a high-energy Easter Sunday, Robin Hill and its Easter Egg Dash is the perfect answer. This is a day for families who want action, excitement and lots to keep children engaged from start to finish. The event gives the day a real sense of momentum, while the wider attraction means there is plenty more to enjoy around it.
It is a strong choice for children who love adventure and for parents who want a day that feels properly festive and active.
Be at the starting line by 12:00 noon - don’t miss out on the fun!
Attractions & Things to Do
- Woodland adventure park with wide open space to explore
- Falconry displays featuring birds of prey
- Adventure play areas for all ages
- Toboggan run – a family favourite ride
- Electric boat safari through peaceful woodland scenery
- Jungle Heights & net bridges for climbing and exploring
- Zip wires and slides for active fun
- Nature trails and beautiful countryside walks
- Seasonal events and Easter activities (including Easter Egg Dash)
For a family day with a slightly more intimate feel, head to Monkey Haven for Cracking Easter Fun. This is a lovely contrast to some of the larger attractions on the island, because it feels personal, manageable and easy to enjoy without rushing. Children can have close-up animal experiences while also taking part in the Easter-themed activities.
It is the sort of day that feels special without being overwhelming, and a very good option if you are travelling with younger children or simply want something a little gentler after a busy Easter weekend.
- Easter egg hunts running throughout the holidays
- Easter crafts in the Lodge for hands-on creativity
- Daily keeper talks & animal feeds
- Meet over 19 species of primates, including lively gibbons
- See reptiles, birds of prey and meerkats
- Opportunity to handle a snake (on selected sessions)
- Owl talks featuring Ketch the Eagle Owl and Oakley the Barn Owl
A day at Blackgang Chine is all about classic family fun and imagination. While your calendar does not list a named Easter event here, it is still an excellent school-holiday day out and deserves its place in the Easter itinerary. This is the day to embrace adventure, let children explore, and enjoy one of the island’s best-loved family attractions.
It works particularly well as a mid-holiday choice because it brings a different feel from the more trail-led Easter events earlier in the break.
Attractions & Things to Do
- Extinction – Life-sized moving dinosaurs in an immersive prehistoric world
- Restricted Area 5 – Alien encounters and space-themed adventure
- Pirate Cove – Ships, treasure hunts and swashbuckling fun
- Cowboy Town – Step into the Wild West with interactive play areas
- Fairyland – Enchanted walkthrough with magical characters and scenes
- Underwater Kingdom – Discover sea creatures in a fantasy setting
- Snakes & Ladders (giant slide) – A family favourite for big thrills
- Cliffhanger Rollercoaster – A small but exciting ride with coastal views
- Waterforce Ride – A splash-filled boat ride (great for warmer days)
- Hall of Mirrors – Classic fun with optical illusions
- Rumpus Mansion – A quirky, upside-down style house experience
This is one of the strongest all-round family days in the whole calendar. At Osborne House, the Easter Quest gives children a seasonal trail to follow, while The Big Brick Build adds a hands-on element that makes the visit feel even more family-friendly.
The result is a day that combines royal history, beautiful grounds and practical activities that keep children engaged. It is ideal for families who like heritage attractions but want something more interactive than a traditional stately home visit.
Follow the Easter trail, hunt for eggs and answer questions along the way to earn a delicious chocolate reward.
The quest runs every day throughout the school holidays and is just £2 per child for both members and non-members. This is in addition to your admission ticket.
The Wroxall Donkey Sanctuary is always a heartwarming family visit, and the Easter Egg Trail gives children an extra reason to explore. This is one of the gentlest days on the calendar, making it particularly good if you want to slow the pace a little while still giving children a proper Easter activity to enjoy.
It is a lovely outing for animal-loving families and has that easy, wholesome feel that suits Easter so well.
- Free guided tours – Go behind the scenes and learn about the donkeys (book in the shop)
- Springtime walks – Enjoy peaceful meadow walks and picnic spots
- Donkey Experience – Feed, groom, walk and care for the donkeys (book online)
- Café & treats – Relax with lunch or enjoy a special Afternoon Tea
- Easter Egg Trail (18–21 April) – Follow the trail and collect a sweet treat
- Live music (20 April) – Easter Sunday performances in the courtyard
- Easter shopping – Gifts, souvenirs and Donkey Sanctuary merchandise
This day is perfect for families who want a classic Isle of Wight outing. Shanklin Seafront & Model Village may not have a named Easter event in your calendar, but together they make a charming and very family-friendly day.
Shanklin Beach is one of the island’s most popular seaside spots, with a wide stretch of golden sand and a gently shelving shoreline that makes it ideal for paddling, swimming and relaxed family days by the sea. Backed by a lively esplanade with cafés, amusements and ice cream stops, it’s easy to spend the whole day here. For those wanting to get out on the water, kayaks and paddleboards are available to hire, while Clock Tower Beach offers everything you need for comfort, including sun loungers, deck chairs and windbreakers, making it a very easy and enjoyable place to settle in and unwind.
Nearby Godshill Model Village adds something unique and memorable for children and adults alike.
Between Good Friday to Easter Monday. Mini eggs will be hidden around the Model Village. You will need to look high & low, at buildings, people and trains! You can see them all from the path. Count of how many you see and tell us your total in the shop, to claim your miniature prize. Normal admission applies. It is fun for all the family!
It is a particularly good option if you want a day that feels flexible and relaxed, with plenty of room to take things at your own pace.
No family Easter holiday on the Isle of Wight feels complete without a visit to The Needles. While your calendar does not list a named Easter event here, it remains one of the island’s most iconic family outings and a brilliant day for views, atmosphere and memorable moments.
This is a very good late-holiday choice because it gives your stay a big, scenic day out that feels like a true Isle of Wight classic.
There’s plenty more to keep families entertained:
Traditional amusements and rides for younger visitors
Glass-blowing demonstrations, where you can watch skilled artisans at work
Sand shops, where you can create your own layered sand souvenirs
Cafés and kiosks for a relaxed break
Gift shops with locally inspired souvenirs
For those wanting to explore further, boat trips from Alum Bay offer a different perspective of the Needles from the water, a memorable add-on if the weather is kind.
End the holidays on a calmer note with a visit to Quarr Abbey. This is a lovely final-day choice, especially for families who want something peaceful, scenic and easy to enjoy before heading home. The abbey setting offers space to stroll, unwind and reflect on the week, and it makes a gentle contrast to some of the busier Easter attractions earlier in the break.
It is a very elegant way to round off a family Easter stay, where you may get to see Spring piglets and chicks, followed by a relaxed cup of tea.
Alongside the day-by-day highlights, your calendar also includes several attractions with events or activities running across multiple dates during the Easter holidays:
Tapnell Farm — 3rd–6th April
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary — 28th March–12th April
Monkey Haven — 3rd–6th April
Robin Hill — 5th–6th April
Osborne House — 3rd–12th April
Carisbrooke Castle — 28th March–19th April
Isle of Wight Steam Railway — 29th March–12th April
The Garlic Farm — 1st & 9th April (evening)
Ventnor Botanic Gardens — 3rd–5th April, with Tunnel Trail on 3rd April
Mottistone Gardens — 2nd–6th April
Isle of Wight Pearl — 28th March–12th April
Donkey Sanctuary — 28th March–12th April
Brading Roman Villa — 28th March & 4th April
That means families can either follow the itinerary day by day or use it as inspiration when choosing dates for a shorter stay.
After a day of island adventures, The Royal Hotel offers the perfect place to return to: elegant surroundings, excellent food, outdoor pool open, and a peaceful, subtropical Ventnor setting that makes family stays feel both relaxed and special.
With so much happening across the island between 28 March and 12 April 2026, Easter is a wonderful time to plan a family escape, and The Royal Hotel is perfectly placed to help you enjoy every moment.
We are experiencing an unprecedented demand for bookings at the current time.
When booking rooms online, please be advised that if our Dinner, Bed and Breakfast or Ferry Inclusive Packages are not available, our restaurant is fully booked for your chosen dates.
