Bembridge Library

Two mornings a week, this small community library opens its doors to locals and holidaymakers alike on the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight. Bembridge Library operates a refreshingly simple schedule - Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to noon - making it perfect for a quick browse when the weather turns or the kids need a quieter activity.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Nodes Point or St Helens Coastal Resort will find it a proper lifesaver on rainy mornings. The library stocks local history books about the island alongside children's picture books and holiday reads. It's particularly handy if you're running low on entertainment for younger ones who've had enough beach time.

Don't expect a grand county library experience - this is community-focused and compact. But that's precisely its appeal. The staff know their patch well and can point you towards local walking routes or recommend which beaches work best with the tides. Located just a short drive from Ryde, it fits nicely into a morning exploring Bembridge village before heading to the coast.

Really, it's about having options when you're staying nearby. Sometimes a quiet half-hour with a book beats another trip to the amusements.