THERE’S more to togetherness than being logged on to Facebook at the same time. It’s about sharing experiences, but that isn’t always easy to arrange.
If it’s a proper escape you need, not any old staycation, that takes planning. Well, not necessarily.
Step forward, the Isle of Wight. A doddle to get to from London and the South, it’s a destination that knows what a real holiday is all about.
WIGHT STRIPES
Staycations on the isle famed for sailing, the Needles, fossil hunting, stargazing – and it’s dog-friendly, too
Holiday spirit ... surfing and bodyboarding are popular activities on the Isle of Wight
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You can just pack your bags and go, no passport required: couples, families – whoever you can fit in the car – even the dog’s included, as the island is great for walkies.
In the time it can take to get to an airport departure gate, you could be stretched out on a beach or enjoying a fresh seafood lunch with spectacular views.
One of the UK’s sunniest spots, the Isle of Wight is Britain’s best mood-enhancer – just the thought of it turns a frown upside down.
And thanks to the fast, reliable Wightlink ferry service, it’s easy to get there. With three services to choose from, including car ferries from Portsmouth and Lymington – there are plenty of easy, budget-friendly options.
If you’re going by train, it takes under two hours to get there from London via Wightlink’s Portsmouth to Ryde FastCat crossing (foot passengers only), which takes just 22 minutes.
With so little fuss and travelling in such comfort, you’ll feel that your holiday’s started before you’ve landed – and the island will take very good care of your holiday needs when you do.
Here are some not-to-be-missed experiences…
WE ARE SAILING
The town of Cowes – home of the famous Cowes Week sailing regatta – and yachts go together like a wink and a smile.
So, why not join in the fun – you could hire a boat or learn to sail, or simply slip on some deck shoes, take a stroll around one of the plush marinas and just enjoy the sounds of the halyards slapping on the masts while you soak up the atmosphere.
On the water ... set sail and explore the Solent and coastline from Cowes
Enjoy the escape and make connections that matter on the Isle of Wight with wightlink.co.uk
The high streets of Cowes, Ventnor and Ryde are abuzz with independent retailers selling everything from homeware to clothes.
If you’re after something to take home, Arreton Barns – a few miles south east of Newport – is the largest arts and crafts centre on the island, with a good selection of art glass, ceramics, jewellery and leather goods.
RETAIL THERAPY
Nature‘s finest ... farm-fresh vegetables are available across the island
From fine dining to pub lunches, the island has got you covered. Thanks to the quality of its meat, Sunday roasts here are legendary, while freshly caught seafood – especially crab – is another speciality.
The best home-grown produce is found in farm shops dotted around the island, so whatever your budget, you’ll eat like a king. Those who like a tipple are also not short of options, thanks to five breweries and the Isle of Wight Distillery – home of Mermaid Gin.
ALL IN GOOD TASTE
Time together ... Alum Bay is best known for its cliffs of multicoloured sand
The island is a looker. So gorgeous, in fact, that half of it has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
See for yourself at Tennyson Down, a grassy ridge with a brilliant view of the bright white chalk stacks of the Needles, or at the fabulously coloured cliffs of Alum Bay. The kids will love putting together a traditional multicoloured souvenir of the sand.
PRETTY AS A POSTCARD
Animal attraction ... rescued animals, including lar gibbons, get a second chance at Monkey Haven
Monkey Haven, in Newport, is an award-winning rescue centre for 13 species of primate, from tiny marmosets to lar gibbons, as well as reptiles and several kinds of bird of prey, including owls.
Their enclosures are spacious, the staff obviously devoted and the animals are happy – it’s a trip the whole family will enjoy and remember, plus any donations go directly towards the animals’ upkeep.
FUNKY GIBBONS
Unique finds ... lots of treasures can be found in the independent shops on the Isle of Wight
The 11-mile stretch of southern coastline between Compton Bay and Sandown regularly yields dinosaur bones and fossils. You can spend a fun and free afternoon on the beach hunting prehistoric finds.
The Dinosaur Isle Museum, a fascinating attraction mixing wonder and science in Sandown, tells the story of how the island came to be known as the “dinosaur capital of Britain”.
Close encounter ... a trip to the Dinosaur Isle Museum is a perfect activity for a rainy day
JURASSIC ISLE
Tapnell Farm Park, close to Yarmouth, has loads to keep kids and adults entertained.
There are – deep breath – falconry shows and wallaby walkabouts; a soft play zone and pets’ corner; an assault course and zipwires; an aqua park; archery, axe-throwing and football golf; go-karting; plus a cafe for much-needed sustenance.
Wild and free ... there are plenty of adventures to be had at Tapnell Farm Park
A LOT OF WHAT YOU FANCY
Eleven of the island’s 14 beaches have been given the highest rating for water quality.
These include Steephill Cove, a hidden gem on the south coast studded with rock pools and only reachable on foot, and Ventnor, whose beach huts have a Victorian charm. Surfers head for Compton Bay and Freshwater Bay in the west.
Surf‘s up ... catch a wave at Compton Bay
Beach belles
Charles I was imprisoned in Carisbrooke Castle for a year in 1647 before his trial (which led to his execution), and visitors can now stay in a holiday cottage in its grounds.
Book and you’ll get free entry to English Heritage’s other properties on the island, Yarmouth Castle and Osborne – Queen Victoria’s beloved residence.
ROYAL RESIDENCE
Walk through history ... Carisbrooke Castle makes for a great day out
With light pollution kept to a minimum, the island is a great spot for stargazing.
Fort Victoria Country Park in Yarmouth is a Dark Sky Discovery site and has its own planetarium, while the Vectis Astronomical Society in Newchurch opens the Isle of Wight Observatory to the public every Thursday evening.
Stars in your eyes ... Victoria Country Park is the perfect place for stargazing
STARRY, STARRY NIGHT
Wightlink and its forerunners have been ferrying visitors across the Solent for almost 200 years, although things have changed a bit since those early steam crossings.
These days car ferries run between Lymington and Yarmouth (40 minutes), and Portsmouth and Fishbourne (45 minutes), and the passenger-only catamaran goes between Portsmouth and Ryde (22 minutes).
You may be fortunate enough to ride on the pride of the fleet: England’s first hybrid energy ferry, the Victoria of Wight – named after the monarch who spent so much time here, at Osborne. The sustainable vessel was introduced in 2018 and uses advanced electric battery technology to minimise emissions.
Way TO GO
THE WIGHT STUFF
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Enjoy a staycation and make connections that matter on the
Isle of Wight with wightlink.co.uk