I was in IoW that week with the kids. We had saved the Needles to the end as a special treat. Kids were really upset when the lift and even the cliff were closed. Still they had good fun making a sand filled animal in the shop and watching how sweets are made. We will be going back next year. If...
There is not a lot in Calais to fill a day. Though they have a train station and a fairly decent bus service so maybe look at going somewhere from there. From what I recall when I was looking their websites have an English option to.