May Bank Holiday fun for the whole family

For families looking for a short break with endless places to explore and entertain the kids this May, the Isle of Wight has it all. There are Llama treks, a Teddy Bears picnic, a fancy-dress Bug Hunt, a once-a-year opportunity to explore a National Trust property, plus the Big Green Picnic, a fun day out exploring the Isle of Wight Council's vision of becoming the first Eco Island.

TEDDY BEAR'S SPRING PICNIC

A fun day out for all teddies and their owners with special games and activities, prizes galore and traditional tea-time menus.
Where: Blackgang Chine, Nr Ventnor, PO38 2HN
When: 5 May
How much: £9.50 - Saver Ticket £35 (4 persons) - note admission ticket entitles you to a return visit within seven days.
Contact: blackgangchine.com

NATIONAL TRUST EVENTS

Bug Hunt
Use the Discovery Packs provided to investigate bugs and other wildlife lurking on the seashore.
Where: St Helens Duver, near Ryde (SZ 637 892).
When: 5 May, starts at 1.30pm
Cost: £5 per pack to borrow - must be booked in advance (all children must be accompanied).
Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight

Henry VIII and his Falconers
Costumed falconry displays at Appuldurcombe House recreating the visit of Henry VIII and his Falcons in 1538.
Where: Wroxall off the B3327 to Ventnor. Follow the brown tourist signs to Appuldurcombe House.
When: 24-29 May
Cost: Adult £7.25, Children £5.25, Family ticket 2adults and up to 3 children £22
Contact: appuldurcombe.co.uk

Mottistone Manor House Open day
A rare opportunity for National Trust members to see inside Mottistone Manor which dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, only open one day a year (26 May). The delightful gardens are open to the public as usual.
Where: Mottistone Manor, Isle of Wight PO30 4EA.
When: 26 May
Cost: Adult £3.70 & Child £1.90 in addition to garden admission price
Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk

MARVELLOUS MINIBEASTS

Whether you are a fanatic or just a curious visitor, come and marvel at the world of minibeasts at the home of the rare White Tiger. Become a bug detective and join the zoo's mini-beast hunt. Visit the creepy crawly Discovery Table and be amazed by the secret micro world of invertebrates. Free face painting and reduced entry for children in bug-themed fancy dress.
Where: Isle of Wight Zoo, Yaverland seafront, Sandown, PO30 8QB.
When: 26-30 May
Cost: Adults £5.95 & Children (5-16yrs) £4.95, Family ticket (2+2) £19.75.
Contact: isleofwightzoo.com

BIKE THE WIGHT

Did you know that 20 miles of cycling a week can halve your heart attack risk? This May, you can kick-start the habit at the Big Wight Festival Mountain Bike Festival - a combination of superb riding events to suit the whole family with on-site camping, catering and entertainment.
Where: Ninham Country Holidays, Shanklin (main site) races Islandwide.
When: 23-26 May
How much: Prices vary, please see website.
Contact: trailbreak.co.uk/bigwight

Or for the superfit, try the Isle of Wight Randonnee, a 100km cycle ride clockwise around the Island, or the mini-Randonee - a mere 55km!
Where: Island wide check points - please see website for details.
When: 4 May
How much: Free - donations welcome.
Contact: cycleisland.co.uk for checkpoints and route.

THE BIG GREEN PICNIC

As part of the Isle of Wight Council's vision to turn the Island into the first Eco-Island, there will be a Big Green Picnic for locals and visitors alike. Expect lots of local food, arts & crafts and live music as well as the latest info on saving the planet.
Where: Quay Street, Newport.
When: 24 and 25 May, from 10am to 7pm each day.
How much: Free
Contact: iwight.com

WIGHT LLAMA TREKS

People are often amazed when you tell them that they can go trekking with llamas on the Island and what perfect way to keep the kids happy while walking through the beautiful West Wight countryside. The family trek lasts around one and half hours and is suitable for children over 5 - accompanied by llamas trained to walk on a rein.
Where Walks start at Mottistone Down and Compton Down -- call for details.
When: Anytime
How much: 2 adults and 2 children (children sharing adults' llamas) £60.00
Contact: wightllamatreks.co.uk

The regular ferry, bus and train links make it easy to travel around the Island without a car and with approx. 350 ferry crossings a day from Portsmouth, Southampton, Southsea and Lymington, it's simple to get here.

To book your Isle of Wight self-catering or serviced accommodation visit the Island's official website - Islandbreaks.co.uk.