Explore the magical Isle of Wight – and discover the kids go free* summer offer

Find your family adventures this summer on the Isle of Wight, with 10 magnificent places to explore and things to do.

Now, thanks to Wightlink, it’s easier than ever to explore, with fast crossings to make your holiday, day trip or short break start in the most relaxing way.

This year Wightlink has made it even more affordable, with a Kids Go Free* all through the school holidays deal for foot passengers.

Book today at wightlink.co.uk

*offer terms and conditions apply, visit wightlink.co.uk/terms

Step aboard, and let the holiday begin

Little kids – and plenty of big ones too – equate holiday fun with a boat trip. With easy access from Portsmouth, whether you are a motorist or a foot passenger, climb aboard for your next adventure. Crossings take from just 22 minutes, so leaving your cares behind you has never been quicker.

On your bike

Cycling together as a family is one of life’s simple pleasures, and with the adorable Isle of Wight to explore this is family heaven. Perhaps you want to pootle along a quiet seafront route, tour and indulge in all the cafes or buy an ice cream in somewhere marvellous like Shanklin or Sandown, exploring on two wheels is a real memory maker.

Or let the train take the strain

Nostalgic trips from on a historic steam train aren’t the stuff of fantasies … enjoy a 10 mile trip on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway as you roll past stunning scenery and back through 150 golden years of history.

Take to the trees

If bikes and trains sound all too mechanical for you, then climbing magnificent oak trees under a canopy of leaves will let you get back to nature, yet still have your fill of adrenalin-fuelled fun. The 15 metre high tree at Appley Beach in Ryde is fun for children and adults from the ages of eight – and the ropes and harnesses will keep you safe while you embrace the adventure.

Robbie Williams, Pulp and more

For music lovers the Isle of Wight means the festival, and this summer’s line up includes the former Take That star, George Ezra, Pulp and The Chemical Brothers. It runs from June 15-18, and booking travel, accommodation and tickets early is advisable.

Even if you don’t catch the headline acts, there are plenty of supporting stars and festival fun – introduce your kids to the joys of rock, or try taking the mic yourself (will they ever forgive you?). And it doesn’t just sound great, there’s plenty of other things to enjoy, like disco yoga and funfair rides.

Camera at the ready

The island is a photogenic masterpiece with plenty to see … head over to the The Needles for inspiration and Instagram content that will be sure to wow. Once you’ve taken shots from the cliffside, take the chairlift down to Alum Bay – a firm favourite for over 50 years – and enjoy the views as you go.

But if you don’t have a head for heights, visit the sweetie factory, take a jeep safari or explore the unique sand shop, with 21 shades of the island’s best to take home.

Go wild in the country

Explore the National Nature Reserve down at Newtown Creek and you could see waders, waterfowl, orchids and wild flowers. Up at Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve, Newtown woods, Parkhurst Forest or the Mottistone Estate you might be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel.

180 years of the UK’s oldest theme park

Blackgang Chine has been helping families make magical memories for 180 years … explore various themed lands, including cowboy adventure, the hall of mirrors, the crooked house, a dino trail and the much loved Nurseryland. If you visit during the school holidays expect daily shows and plenty of characters, as well as the amazing Blackgang rides and – not for the faint hearted – all new Extinction ride, a 360-degree swinging pendulum.

Two must see festivals

And if glorious countryside, beaches, cream teas, history and adventure aren’t enough for you, Appley Beach is hosting the South Island Sevens from 23-23 July and the Wight Wave Beach Fest from 28-30 July, offering so much more than bucket and spade fun.

Spectator sports include rugby, volleyball and soccer, with a NUKU fitness challenge, beach runs, paddle boarding, kite foiling and more.

Each festival weekend will also offer up music, food and drink, making them the family friendly summer adventures you’ve been waiting for.

Go back in time

To follow in the footsteps of legendary dinosaurs, take to Compton Bay at low tide. Actual footprints are visible for lucky adventurers, but if your little’uns want to guarantee seeing the real thing Hanover Point has huge fossilised foot casts preserved in the rocks on the beach.

What are you waiting for? Summer 2023 is ready to discover, and your dream holiday could start with the simplest of journeys.

Find out more and book today at wightlink.co.uk