\nFree 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 \u2013 the Isle of Wight is doing its bit to help you keep costs down this summer.<\/p>\n
Recently named joint top in Britain for its number of quality beaches, the Island\u2019s 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\u2019s unique natural environment.<\/p>\n
Here are the top Isle of Wight offers and free summer events:<\/p>\n
Kids Go Free on Wightlink ferries <\/strong> Fort Victoria Foray<\/strong> Starry Telling – International Year of Astronomy <\/strong> Ryde Carnival \u2013 the oldest carnival in England <\/strong> FREE Entertainment and great summer fares from Red Funnel <\/strong> Family Fun Days<\/strong> Heritage Open Days <\/strong> It\u2019s simple to get to the Isle of Wight, there are up to 350 ferry crossings a day from Portsmouth, Southampton, Lymington and Southsea.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re there it\u2019s easy to get around, ferry routes connect directly with the Island\u2019s road, rail and coach links.<\/p>\n
\nNow until 31 December 2009
\nWightlink Isle of Wight Ferries is offering some great family ferry deals to the Isle of Wight.\u00a0\u00a0 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<\/a> Visit www.wightlink.co.uk<\/a> for more special deals included discounted tickets to the Island\u2019s top attractions.
\n
\nArts Festival Parade & Ryde Summer Regatta <\/strong>
\n11 July, starts 1pm
\nRyde Town
\nOver 1000 performers take part in the Island\u2019s 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.
\nwww.thecarnivallearningcentre.org
\nPrices: FREE<\/p>\n
\nKids Go Free at National Trust properties<\/strong>
\nThroughout August
\nThe Needles Old Battery, Mottistone Manor Garden, Bembridge Windmill and Newtown Old Town Hall.
\nFree entrance for children when accompanied by a full-paying adult at selected National Trust properties:\u00a0 Maximum of 2 children admitted free with each paying adult.\u00a0 See website for more details including adult admission prices.
\nTel. 01983 741020, www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/isleofwight<\/a>
\nPrices: FREE<\/p>\n
\n30 July, 10.30am to 4.30pm
\nFort Victoria, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight PO41 0RR
\nA chance for families and children of all ages to explore the Island\u2019s coast and countryside with events organised by the Isle of Wight Council\u2019s Countryside section, including Rockpool Rambles, Storytelling, Fossil hunting and environmental games sessions.\u00a0\u00a0 All other attractions at the Fort will be open: Aquarium, Model Railway, Planetarium and Underwater Archaeology Centre (entrance fee payable).
\nTel. 01983 823893, www.iwight.com\/countryside<\/a>
\nPrices:\u00a0 FREE \u2013 plus free return mini-bus from signposted overflow car park if car parking on site at Fort Victoria is full.
\n
\nArtist\u2019s Open Studios<\/strong>
\n17-20 July \u2013 South & West Wight
\n24-27 July \u2013 North & West Wight
\nA celebration of local artisans who open their homes, studios or gardens to the public for two summer Open Studios weekends.\u00a0 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.
\nwww.isleofwightarts.com<\/a>
\nPrices: FREE<\/p>\n
\n10 August, 2.30-3.30 pm
\nFreshwater Library, Isle of Wight, PO40 9AP
\nCelebrate the International Year of Astronomy by learning the stories of the stars as Vectis Astronomical Society joins forces with the Island Storytellers \u2013 an event suitable for both children and adults.\u00a0\u00a0 Other Island events for the International Year of Astronomy are planned \u2013 visit www.wightastronomy.org.\u00a0\u00a0 For a fascinating journey through time and space, visit the Isle of Wight Planetarium at Fort Victoria, Yarmouth \u2013 admission charges apply, visit www.fortvictoria.co.uk\/planetarium.html for full details.
\nwww.iow.gov.uk\/living_here\/libraries\/Your_Local_Library\/freshwat.asp
\nPrices:\u00a0 FREE<\/p>\n
\n19th August: Children\u2019s Procession:
\n22nd August: Main Procession:
\n5th September: Illuminated Procession:
\nReputed to be the oldest established carnival in England dating back to Queen Victoria\u2019s Diamond Jubilee of 1887, Ryde hosts the Island\u2019s biggest carnival of the season.\u00a0 Featuring over 2000 performers and dozens of colourful floats, this is a sensory feast of light, sound and movement not to be missed.\u00a0\u00a0 Carnivals are held throughout the Island during the summer season, featuring elaborate, often illuminated costumes and decorated floats.\u00a0\u00a0 For more information, visit www.isleofwight-arts.co.uk
\nwww.rydecarnival.co.uk
\nPrices:\u00a0 FREE<\/p>\n
\nFrom July
\nThis 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\u2019t 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 \u00a332, and short break fares are available for under \u00a310 per person for a car and up to six passengers. Visit www.redfunnel.co.uk<\/a> or call 0844 844 9988 for more information.
\nPrices: FREE entertainment on board Red Funnel car ferries<\/p>\n
\n13th, 20th and 27th August, 1pm-4pm
\nIsle of Wight Pearl, Brighstone, PO30 4DD.
\nLet 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.
\nTel. 01983 740352, www.iowpearl.co.uk<\/a>
\nPrices: FREE<\/p>\n
\n10-13 September
\nIslandwide
\nThe open days offer visitors free access to some of the Island\u2019s most interesting historic buildings which are usually closed to the public or would normally charge an admission fee.\u00a0 These include the Museum of Island History (www.islandbreaks.co.uk\/site\/places-to-visit\/museum-of-island-history-p138691<\/a>)\u00a0 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<\/a>).
\nwww.iwight.com<\/a>
\nPrices: FREE<\/p>\n