Bottom Barn Plantation

Thick canopy overhead blocks most of the light filtering down to the forest floor, creating that proper woodland atmosphere you rarely find on the Isle of Wight. Bottom Barn Plantation sits between Newport and the island's western coast, offering a decent stretch of mixed woodland that's particularly good for getting the kids away from screens for an hour or two.

Families staying at nearby parks like Tapnell Farm or The Orchards will find this a useful backup plan when the beach gets too windy. The paths aren't too challenging - suitable for pushchairs on the main routes though it does get a bit muddy after rain. Dog walkers seem to have claimed it as their own, which isn't surprising given how few proper wooded areas the island actually has.

Expect to spend about 45 minutes to an hour here unless you're really into woodland photography. It's free to wander around, and there's usually decent parking nearby. The plantation lacks the dramatic coastal views that draw most visitors to the island, but that's rather the point. Sometimes you just want proper trees and the sound of birds rather than another clifftop vista.

Best combined with a trip to nearby Camp Wight or Grange Farm Camping if you're making a day of exploring this part of the island. Nothing spectacular, but a solid woodland walk when you need one.