5 fantastic family things to do on the Isle of Wight over February half-term

The Isle of Wight, easily reached with Wightlink, offers you a chance to really get away from it all – from just £57 for a day return with the car or travel on foot and Kids Go Free* all through the school holidays.

Book today at wightlink.co.uk/news .

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1) Family fun

From a Royal residence to a rocket testing site, from riding the waves to riding a rollercoaster, from forests to an illuminated gorge, we’ve got an attraction for every type of family.

Whether you have an hour, a day, a weekend or a week to spend on the Isle of Wight you’ll experience something you’ve never seen before.

Take the FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour railway station and you’ll be in Ryde in just 22 minutes. Or take the car and leave from Wightlink’s ferry port in Gunwharf, arriving in Fishbourne 45 minutes later.

2) Spirit of the Orient at Robin Hill

Celebrate the vibrancy, colour and flavours of the Chinese New Year! With an array of award-winning illuminations and entertainment, Spirit of the Orient will be bursting with light daily from 18-26 February 2022, celebrating the Year of the Tiger!

A vibrant fusion of sound, colour, illuminations and flavours merge to create a truly immersive experience in the evenings. Featuring impressive light exhibits, large-scale inflatable displays, an interactive dragon procession, lion dances and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

3) Enjoy quiet beaches

A trip to the seaside is scientifically proven to lift your mood and you can’t beat a winter bluster along the sand. Wrap up warm and enjoy having the beach practically to yourselves this February.

Spot colourful yachts on the Solent with a walk from Gurnard to Cowes or wander along from Ryde to Appley Beach to take in the expansive sands (at low tide it’s a long walk to the sea!) and Appley Tower.

4) Talk to the animals at Tapnell Farm Park

Have you ever wondered what the rabbits are rabbiting on about? Or would you like to chew the fat with a rat?

Then ask Tapnell Farm’s ACEs (Animal Communication Experts) in their new interactive show for 2022 – taking place daily from 19-27 February.

Expect hilarious animal interviews, amazing facts and lots of animal madness!

5) Visit Dinosaur Isle

For the ultimate prehistoric experience for families, it has to be Dinosaur Isle. A purpose-built interactive museum – designed in the shape of a giant pterodactyl – houses around 30,000 specimens and some splendid replicas.

You can also book fossil walks – there are three taking place in February half-term at Shanklin and Yaverland (booking is essential).