Isle of Wight ferry offers and free family summer events
Free entrance for kids at selected National Trust properties, free family entertainment at an exciting range of events and festivals, plus some great deals from cross-Solent ferry operators Wightlink and Red Funnel – the Isle of Wight is doing its bit to help you keep costs down this summer.
Recently named joint top in Britain for its number of quality beaches, the Island’s main resorts of Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor offer traditional delights, while rolling hills, rugged coastline and ancient forests mean visitors can bike, hike or just hang out for free this summer in the Isle of Wight’s unique natural environment.
Here are the top Isle of Wight offers and free summer events:
Kids Go Free on Wightlink ferries
Now until 31 December 2009
Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries is offering some great family ferry deals to the Isle of Wight. Visitors to southeastoffers.com can download as many vouchers as they like, allowing free ferry travel for kids under the age of 15. Two full fare paying adult foot passengers can take up to five children with them at no extra cost. The same offer is available for two full paying adults travelling by car. www.southeastoffers.com Visit www.wightlink.co.uk for more special deals included discounted tickets to the Island’s top attractions.
Arts Festival Parade & Ryde Summer Regatta
11 July, starts 1pm
Ryde Town
Over 1000 performers take part in the Island’s largest mixed arts event. This must-see parade has all the excitement and panache of a flamboyant Mardi gras carnival and marks the start of Ryde Arts Festival, an eight-day programme of fun-filled activities set at various locations throughout the town. Both events coincide with Ryde Regatta; an annual three-day fun-packed programme of family entertainment, local bands and DJ sessions staged on the seafront.
www.thecarnivallearningcentre.org
Prices: FREE
Kids Go Free at National Trust properties
Throughout August
The Needles Old Battery, Mottistone Manor Garden, Bembridge Windmill and Newtown Old Town Hall.
Free entrance for children when accompanied by a full-paying adult at selected National Trust properties: Maximum of 2 children admitted free with each paying adult. See website for more details including adult admission prices.
Tel. 01983 741020, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight
Prices: FREE
Fort Victoria Foray
30 July, 10.30am to 4.30pm
Fort Victoria, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight PO41 0RR
A chance for families and children of all ages to explore the Island’s coast and countryside with events organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Countryside section, including Rockpool Rambles, Storytelling, Fossil hunting and environmental games sessions. All other attractions at the Fort will be open: Aquarium, Model Railway, Planetarium and Underwater Archaeology Centre (entrance fee payable).
Tel. 01983 823893, www.iwight.com/countryside
Prices: FREE – plus free return mini-bus from signposted overflow car park if car parking on site at Fort Victoria is full.
Artist’s Open Studios
17-20 July – South & West Wight
24-27 July – North & West Wight
A celebration of local artisans who open their homes, studios or gardens to the public for two summer Open Studios weekends. From pottery and photography to jewellery and sculpture, this is a rare opportunity to meet Island artists, watch demonstrations of their work and purchase it, should you so wish, at studio prices.
www.isleofwightarts.com
Prices: FREE
Starry Telling – International Year of Astronomy
10 August, 2.30-3.30 pm
Freshwater Library, Isle of Wight, PO40 9AP
Celebrate the International Year of Astronomy by learning the stories of the stars as Vectis Astronomical Society joins forces with the Island Storytellers – an event suitable for both children and adults. Other Island events for the International Year of Astronomy are planned – visit www.wightastronomy.org. For a fascinating journey through time and space, visit the Isle of Wight Planetarium at Fort Victoria, Yarmouth – admission charges apply, visit www.fortvictoria.co.uk/planetarium.html for full details.
www.iow.gov.uk/living_here/libraries/Your_Local_Library/freshwat.asp
Prices: FREE
Ryde Carnival – the oldest carnival in England
19th August: Children’s Procession:
22nd August: Main Procession:
5th September: Illuminated Procession:
Reputed to be the oldest established carnival in England dating back to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee of 1887, Ryde hosts the Island’s biggest carnival of the season. Featuring over 2000 performers and dozens of colourful floats, this is a sensory feast of light, sound and movement not to be missed. Carnivals are held throughout the Island during the summer season, featuring elaborate, often illuminated costumes and decorated floats. For more information, visit www.isleofwight-arts.co.uk
www.rydecarnival.co.uk
Prices: FREE
FREE Entertainment and great summer fares from Red Funnel
From July
This summer enjoy free entertainment on Red Funnel Ferries. From July a wide variety of musical acts will be performing on selected Red Funnel sailings, and the fun doesn’t stop there! Kids can turn into tigers and come face to face with creepy crawlies with free face painting and bug encounter experiences courtesy of the Isle of Wight Zoo. Tickets to the Zoo and many other top Island attractions can be purchased in advance from Red Funnel, with many available at a discount. Day return fares start at just £32, and short break fares are available for under £10 per person for a car and up to six passengers. Visit www.redfunnel.co.uk or call 0844 844 9988 for more information.
Prices: FREE entertainment on board Red Funnel car ferries
Family Fun Days
13th, 20th and 27th August, 1pm-4pm
Isle of Wight Pearl, Brighstone, PO30 4DD.
Let the kids work off all that excess energy with races (with prizes), a bouncy castle, face painting and Martin Simpson, the Isle of Wight fossil man.
Tel. 01983 740352, www.iowpearl.co.uk
Prices: FREE
Heritage Open Days
10-13 September
Islandwide
The open days offer visitors free access to some of the Island’s most interesting historic buildings which are usually closed to the public or would normally charge an admission fee. These include the Museum of Island History (www.islandbreaks.co.uk/site/places-to-visit/museum-of-island-history-p138691) where a new exhibition showcases rare Saxon finds and Brading Roman Villa, which this summer is continuing its Big Dig following the exciting discovery of another villa on the site in 2008 (www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk).
www.iwight.com
Prices: FREE
It’s simple to get to the Isle of Wight, there are up to 350 ferry crossings a day from Portsmouth, Southampton, Lymington and Southsea.
Once you’re there it’s easy to get around, ferry routes connect directly with the Island’s road, rail and coach links.
For details on how to get to the Isle of Wight, where to stay and what to see and do, visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk or telephone 01983 813813.