Overview

Escape to the stunning rural setting of Tapnell Farm and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views and beautiful sunsets in the South. A perfect place to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Nestled in acres of unspoiled countryside, Tapnell Farm offers a unique range of accommodations, all designed to offer families comfort and relaxation.

Activities

During their stay, families at Tapnell Farm are welcome to explore the farm and try their hand at making pizza in one of the outdoor, wood-fired ovens. The Farm Park Shop is stocked with holiday essentials and tasty local produce, including fresh eggs laid by the farm’s chickens.

The Farm Park, located at Tapnell Farm, offers something for any age. Visitors can meet the farmyard animals, including sheep, miniature donkeys, pigs, and alpacas. Or, head to the Wallaby Walkabout section to get up close and personal with the wallabies and meerkats. The Meet the Animals area also provides families with the opportunity to learn more about the animals through regular talks by the Farm Park keepers.

For those looking for some fun, the play barn is equipped with a soft play area, zip wires, trampolines, and giant jumping pillows. All ages can enjoy the various activities available including the pedal karts, mini-golf, and football shoot-out area.

Football Golf is a new activity now available at Tapnell Farm. Players kick a ball to score in the hole using the same rules as golf. It’s inclusive for all ages but under 14’s need adult supervision. Allow two hours for the game.

Tapnell Farm offers all-weather target sports such as Archery and Axe Throwing. The sessions are conducted in purpose-built covered ranges, providing a safe and comfortable outdoor environment regardless of the weather. Each session is led by experienced and trained staff, ensuring quality coaching. Each range has a seating area where visitors can relax. Well-behaved, supervised, and leashed dogs are welcome, but owners must pick up after them. Archery and Axe-throwing sessions are run independently and alternate throughout the day. However, visitors who wish to try both activities can book back-to-back sessions if availability permits.

The newest attraction offers a thrilling experience for those seeking bouncy and watery fun. With over 20 obstacles to tackle, including giant free-fall slides and challenging elements, visitors are sure to have a blast. This attraction is suitable for confident swimmers aged 7 and over who are at least 110 cm tall. All sessions must be booked online in advance to ensure availability. Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided, and visitors receive a safety briefing from one of the fully qualified team members before starting. Whether visitors are experienced thrill-seekers or just looking for a fun day out, the slip-and-slide action of this epic course is sure to leave unforgettable memories.

The accommodation now provides bike hire services to staying families through Wight Cycle Hire. The guests can also hire helmets and maps of cycling routes. Booking a bike is a hassle-free experience telephoning 01983 761800 to receive a code to unlock one of the bikes in the cycle hire store. In case the guests require a different bike, Wight Cycle Hire will deliver it to them. The cycle hire store has detailed instructions and pricing information available.

The Tapnell Trail is a beloved 6-mile circular walking path that passes through the heart of Tapnell Farm and can be conveniently accessed from Tom’s Eco Lodge. The trail takes you up to the downs, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival site, as well as the south coast of the Island.

Food

Located at the heart of Tapnell Farm, The Cow is a popular family and dog-friendly bar and restaurant that is situated in a converted Swiss barn. The restaurant is renowned for serving locally sourced and home-grown produce and is particularly famous for its award-winning burgers, which also include gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Customers have the option to dine either inside or outside on the terrace, with the mezzanine level and terrace offering breathtaking views of the Isle of Wight, especially during sunsets. The Cow prides itself on providing excellent service and a warm welcome to all its guests, and its unique dining experience has made it one of the most sought-after places to eat on the island.

The restaurant is pet-friendly and welcomes well-behaved dogs, but visitors should keep in mind that dogs are not permitted in the Farm Park attraction.

The converted barn at the farm is surrounded by life-size model cows that reflect the Isle of Wight’s local events, businesses, and people. Known as the Wight Herd, these cows are painted in colourful and creative designs, making it the first-ever “art herd” in the area. When visitors come for lunch, they are encouraged to take a walk around outside and explore the herd of cows. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate the diversity and creativity that makes the Isle of Wight a unique place. They can try to guess the ideas behind the designs before reading them underneath.

At Off The Rails, in Yarmouth, visitors can enjoy a full English breakfast while bird-watching across the wetlands. The restaurant also offers a delicious vegetarian breakfast. After the meal, guests can take a walk back to Tapnell Farm while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Interested in having a traditional English breakfast before taking the ferry from Yarmouth? Gossip’s café is located at the beginning of the pier and serves a delicious fry-up to prepare guests ready for their journey back home. The café boasts stunning views of the Solent.

The George Hotel and Restaurant in Yarmouth boasts a family-friendly brasserie-style restaurant with a light, airy interior and uninterrupted views of the Solent. Breakfasts are created and cooked using ingredients from the exceptional natural Isle of Wight larder.

The Rainbow Fish and Chip Shop in the nearby village of Freshwater offers locally caught fish. Open for lunch and dinner with collection only. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Also in Freshwater, Double Dragon is a great option for Chinese food. This family-run business offers free delivery on orders over £12. This is closed on Tuesdays.

Accommodation

Poachers Lodge is a comfortable family retreat that offers a large open-plan kitchen diner with double doors that lead out to a spacious patio area, a snug with a log burner, and a bright and spacious sitting room. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms with three doubles, one of them with an en-suite, a twin/king room, and a family bathroom. The house also offers free Wi-Fi. The property boasts an extensive garden with a generous BBQ patio area and plenty of outdoor seating making it perfect for entertaining and watching the sun go down. Located on the outskirts of the farm and accessed from the main road, the property offers private parking for 3-4 cars.

The Dairyman’s Cottage is a stunning retreat located on the Isle of Wight. It is surrounded by several beautifully renovated barns. The cottage features four bedrooms, including three double bedrooms with en-suite facilities that can be easily converted into twin rooms. Additionally, there is a twin room and a wet room with disabled access. The ground floor comprises an open-plan kitchen, dining area, and sitting room. The outdoor area includes a lovely patio with a BBQ, a spacious garden, and parking facilities.

Poachers Perch is a newly renovated family cabin at Tapnell Farm. It has an older style but is fully insulated and heated, making it an ideal family getaway for a relaxing holiday. The Perch can accommodate up to 6 guests and is available for short or long breaks throughout the year. It is equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay, including an oven with hob, a microwave, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and free Wi-Fi throughout the cabin. Additionally, the cabin features a sun deck at the front with views up to Tennyson Down and a shared garden area.

The Lookout is an ‘upside down’ house that features an open-plan living area on the upper floor, including a kitchen, dining area, and lounge. This unique design enables guests to enjoy the breathtaking views of the countryside and Tennyson Downs. The ground floor comprises two lovely en-suite bedrooms, one double and one twin that can be converted into a king-size bed, and a separate cloakroom toilet. The house is equipped with Wifi for your convenience. The property also boasts a large garden with a patio, BBQ, and outdoor seating, providing ample space for outdoor relaxation. Additionally, there is parking available for up to three cars.

Tapnell Manor has recently undergone a significant renovation that has brought its interior into the 21st century, while still maintaining the rustic charm of an old farmhouse. The farmhouse features numerous rooms where guests can relax, including a games room for those who are more active, and plenty of open fires for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. With 10 bedrooms, Tapnell Manor can accommodate a large group of guests. There are six double rooms, one triple room, one twin room, one family room with a double and twin, and one nursery with a cot and single bed. In addition, there are four sofa beds available: one in the lounge, one in a double room, one on the second-floor landing, and one in a downstairs walkway next to the wet room. The house also features a welcoming kitchen with an Aga and a relaxed eating area, a conservatory with breathtaking views, and a beautiful beamed dining room. Outside, the enchanting garden offers plenty of room to roam, with ponds, ornaments, and a wide variety of flora and fauna to entertain the greenest of fingers.

Nearby

Steephill Cove is an idyllic fishing cove that remains unspoiled and boasts of a safe, sandy beach. The Cove has only a handful of quaint cottages, beach huts, lobster pots, and an old donkey.  Visitors won’t find any slot machines, cars, or burgers in sight, making it a perfect spot to unwind. The Cove is surrounded by breathtaking coastal walks and caves. Or, visitors can go west to the Botanical Gardens or east to Ventnor.

The view from the walk down to St. Catherine’s Lighthouse in Niton is simply breathtaking. Imagine dramatic cliffs, tumbling landslips, and the lighthouse perched on the edge. Take a tour of the lighthouse at a very reasonable price, but the best part is enjoying the unspoiled surroundings.

The Duver was once a golf course during the Victorian era, but it is now taken care of by the National Trust. The dunes of the area are situated next to Bembridge Harbour on the south and the Solent on the north. Visitors can have a look at the ruins of St. Helens Old Church and the sea wall. Additionally, they can enjoy the brightly coloured beach huts and a fantastic beach cafe.

From Tapnell Farm, guests can quickly reach Colwell and Totland Bays. At these bays, there is a beautiful seafront that blends into a shallow area of water stretching far out into the ocean. Families will have lots of fun paddling out hundreds of meters and still being able to stand in the shallow waters. After enjoying the water, head to The Hut for a burger or seafood platter!

Compton Bay is a beautiful two-mile stretch of beach, located on the Island. It is known for its golden and dark sands, which are framed by multi-coloured sandstone cliffs. for those not a fan of sand, then relax on the grassy knolls that overlook the beach. Alternatively, climb on a board and surf some waves. Compton Bay is just a short drive away from Tapnell.

The Ryde promenade extends from the hovercraft terminal towards the Seaview in the east. The primary pleasure beach runs from Appley to Puckpool. This beautiful sandy beach has multiple entrances from the promenade and offers facilities such as deckchairs, sun loungers, windbreaks, and more which can be hired on the beach. Watersports are popular towards the eastern end of the beach, particularly kitesurfing.

Freshwater Bay is only a short distance away from Tapnell Farm, and it offers a beautiful combination of cliffs and a long beach. The beach also provides shelter from the wind and has a great swimming depth. However, please be cautious when bringing children here as there can be sudden dips followed by strong tides. For those feeling hungry after a paddle, keep an eye out for the Wightwood pizza van, which sells delicious, handmade pizzas every nice Friday between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm throughout the summer.

Experience a magical family day out at the UK’s oldest family theme park and create unforgettable memories at Blackgang Chine, near Ventnor. Step into the Land of Imagination and let the creativity soar as families embark on an Isle of Wight adventure.

With its wild and wonderful charm, Blackgang Chine is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day out for both kids and adults. Enjoy thrilling rides, including the exciting Extinction ride, and explore the park’s many attractions. Don’t miss out on the chance to create magical family memories at this oldest and most exciting theme park in the UK!

Monkey Haven, located in Newport, is an award-winning sanctuary for monkeys, birds, and reptiles. The animals at the sanctuary include eagle-owls, gibbons, and lemurs. Visitors can enjoy keeper talks and marmoset encounters.

Summary

Tapnell Farm is a picturesque destination boasting unparalleled coast and countryside views. It is home to various award-winning facilities, including accommodations, a Farm Park attraction, a restaurant, Target Sports, the Island’s only Aqua Park, and a Football Golf course!

Whether you are looking to explore the activities and attractions for a day, indulge in a delicious meal at The Cow Restaurant and Bar, or settle in for a stay in one of the unique accommodations then Tapnell Farm caters to all your needs. You can choose the pace of your time here and enjoy the serene surroundings.