The best itinerary for 5 days on the Isle of Wight, UK

Day 2 – Donkeys and Shanklin

Donkey Sanctuary

For day 2 of the best itinerary for 5 days on the Isle of Wight, start your day with a visit to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. It’s free parking and free entry, but donations are welcome. There are over 100 rescued donkeys here. You can walk past the fields and barns and meet the donkeys, and stroke them as well. There are some cute Shetland ponies here too. It’s a lovely place to spend half an hour or so in the morning.

Shanklin

After visiting the donkey sanctuary, head to nearby Shanklin for a classic British day at the seaside. Park in the Hope Road long stay car park, which is right next to the beach. I enjoyed the views over to Small Hope beach, with its pretty coloured beach huts. 

In the other direction, Shanklin beach has beautiful golden sand and lots of fun activities. Enjoy relaxing on the beach in the sun, and paddle in the sea as well. 

Fish and chips is the classic lunch when you’re at the seaside. The takeaway shop just behind Shanklin beach sells delicious food, and you can take your food to eat on the beach.

Shanklin Town is worth a wander around after lunch. It’s a steep walk up the cliff, or there’s a lift that’s worth the £1.60 return. The town has a good selection of independent shops.

Back down by the beach, there are more fun seaside activities. Of course there are the classic seaside arcade games. See what prizes you can win with the claw games, 2p machines, air hockey, and throwing games.

I also really enjoyed the mini golf courses. There’s a dinosaur themed 18-hole mini golf course, with some easy and some challenging holes. They give you a score card as well, so you can compete with your friends/family and see who is doing the best!

The other golf course is pirate themed. I preferred this one, as I found the course and decorations more interesting. It was a really fun way to spend the afternoon. 

I was really lucky to visit Shanklin on a sunny day, so I decided to stay on the beach into the evening. I love the evening light on a beach, with the long shadows. It was a really lovely end to my second day on the Isle of Wight.