Niton Library

Three sessions a week might not sound like much, but Niton's community library punches well above its weight for such a small operation. Tucked into this southernmost village on the Isle of Wight, just a few miles from Ventnor, it operates as the Edward Edwards Community Library and serves locals with a surprisingly decent selection of books and friendly volunteers.

Families staying at nearby parks like Appuldurcombe Gardens or Warren Hill Camp will find it particularly useful on rainy days - there's a proper children's section and the volunteers are genuinely welcoming to visitors. The limited opening hours (Monday afternoons, Wednesday and Saturday mornings) mean you'll need to plan ahead, but it's free and makes for a pleasant 20-minute browse.

Don't expect anything grand - this is community volunteering at its best rather than a tourist attraction. But if you're camping at Sibbecks Farm Glamping or one of the other sites dotted around the southern tip of the island, it's a lovely way to escape the tent for half an hour and maybe pick up a holiday read. The building itself is modest but well-maintained, and there's usually someone happy to chat about local walks or point you towards the best ice cream in Ventnor.