Cowes Library

Rain-soaked afternoons on the Isle of Wight call for indoor refuges, and this modest library in the heart of Cowes does the job nicely. Housed in a Victorian building just off the high street, it's the sort of proper local library that's become increasingly rare - complete with helpful staff who actually know their patch.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Waverley Park Holiday Centre or Comforts Farm will find it handy for entertainment on drizzly days. The children's section is well-stocked with picture books and activity packs, though don't expect anything fancy. What you get is a quiet space to escape the crowds, free WiFi that actually works, and local history sections that reveal fascinating bits about Cowes' maritime heritage.

Opening hours are a bit patchy - closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, which seems odd for a tourist area. Saturday afternoons are your best bet for a proper browse. The library also runs occasional events and story times, though you'd need to check their website for current offerings.

It's perfectly adequate for an hour's shelter, especially if you're camping at one of the basic sites like Sunnycott Caravan Park and need somewhere civilized to retreat. Not exactly a destination in itself, but libraries rarely are these days.