Arreton Barns

Several historic farm buildings clustered just outside Newport have been converted into a proper shopping village that's become something of an Isle of Wight institution. Arreton Barns houses independent shops selling everything from local pottery to vintage clothing, plus cafes and craft workshops spread across the old agricultural buildings.

Families with teenagers will find plenty to browse through here - the shops aren't your typical tourist tat but actual interesting finds. The pottery studio is particularly good, and you can often watch the craftspeople at work. There's a decent cafe too, which is handy if you're making a day of it with the kids.

It's the sort of place that works well as a rainy day option when you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Parkdean Resorts Landguard Holiday Park or Fairway Holiday Park. Give yourself a good two hours to have a proper look around all the workshops and grab some lunch.

The barns themselves are lovely old flint buildings that give the place real character - much more atmospheric than your average retail park. Parking's free and straightforward, which is always a bonus. Not exactly a must-see attraction, but if you're in the Newport area anyway, it's well worth the detour for a browse and a coffee.