Reptilarium

Snakes, lizards and creepy crawlies take centre stage at this specialist reptile collection near Freshwater on the Isle of Wight. The Reptilarium houses dozens of species from around the world, from tiny geckos to impressive pythons and monitor lizards. Kids absolutely love getting up close to creatures they'd normally only see on nature documentaries.

Families with children aged five and up will get the most from a visit here. The indoor enclosures mean it's a proper wet weather option when the beach loses its appeal. Many of the displays are at child height, and the staff are genuinely enthusiastic about their scaly charges.

Expect to spend about an hour wandering through the various exhibits. The collection includes both venomous and non-venomous snakes, plus tortoises that often draw crowds during feeding times. It's not huge - this isn't London Zoo - but there's enough variety to keep reptile enthusiasts engaged.

Location-wise, it sits well with a stay at one of the nearby holiday parks like Tapnell Farm or Compton Farm. You're only a few miles from Alum Bay and the Needles, so it makes a good morning activity before heading to the coast. The western end of the island has plenty to keep families busy for a long weekend.