Westridge Golf Centre

The driving range and 9-hole course at Westridge sits just outside Ryde, making it handy if you've got a golf itch to scratch during a week on the Isle of Wight. It's not championship-level stuff - this is a straightforward local operation where you can hit balls and play a quick round without the pomposity of a full 18-hole club. The range is the main draw for casual visitors, which means you can turn up, rent some clubs if needed, and get going without booking weeks ahead.

For families staying at St Helens Coastal Resort or Old Mill Holiday Park nearby, it's worth knowing that golf centres like this are rarely gripping for young children - a half-hour on the range might amuse them, but you'll likely want to plan something else as well. Adults who actually play golf will find it useful as a break from the beach, and anyone learning the game can get some practice in without commitment. The 9-hole course is quick, probably doable in 90 minutes, so it fits neatly into an afternoon.

Check the website for current rates and whether you need to book. The Isle of Wight's holiday parks cluster around Ryde and the north coast, so Westridge slots in as a bonus activity rather than a headline draw - useful to know about, but don't plan your whole trip around it.