Half-term holiday ideas February 2025: Set sail to the Isle of Wight for a world of adventure – kids go free
Kids go free when you sail on Wightlink’s ferries as foot passengers this half-term and the adventure begins the moment you step aboard.
Once you’re there, you’ll have the chance to explore the whole island at leisure by bus, regular train, or experience the island’s impressive steam trains – it’s the best way to get closer to everything and a fun and environmentally friendly way to travel.
Sustainable travel
Public transport is one of the most carbon-friendly ways to travel, but did you know that Wightlink is also committed to making every journey more sustainable?
Wightlink has reduced its carbon footprint by 33 per cent since 2007 and its flagship Victoria of Wight runs on hybrid energy. Its eco-friendly cafes have ditched single-use plastic cutlery and the food it sells travels and average distance of just six miles from local suppliers. Wightlink invests in biodiversity initiatives around its ports and even its website is cleaner than most thanks to its use of sustainable tools!
Travel on a budget
Holidays and days out with the family don’t have to cost a fortune, there are so many things to do on the Isle of Wight which are absolutely free.
Here we’ve listed our top five ideas for fun and free activities to enjoy on the island.
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary: This great little farm near Ventnor is a refuge for these adorable animals and offers them a forever home. Children and adults alike can enjoy walking round he paddocks to get up close and personal with the donkeys. There’s a café and gift shop and charitable donations are welcome. Bus number 3 stops here.
Quarr Abbey: This quirky working 19th century monastery on the north of the island is a beautiful building to explore, and is a perfect first stop when you arrive by ferry at Fishbourne, or makes a good place to spend time before the boat home. Animal lovers will enjoy meeting the pigs here, and might be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel in the grounds. There are the ruins of an older abbey to explore, a walled garden and café as well as a lovely farm shop which stocks homemade produce (including the Abbey’s own gin). Bus numbers 4 and 9 stop here.
Brighstone Village Museum: Brighstone is a lovely village to explore and the museum is set within a pretty row of thatched cottages. Once inside you will be transported back in time, to learn what life was like here in the 19th century. Entry is free and the museum is open on certain days throughout the year so check beforehand. The number 12 bus service stops nearby.
The Garlic Farm: We might not give much thought to growing garlic, but here’s your chance to learn more about it. This unusual attraction near Newchurch is great for farm walks and there are plenty of farm animals to say hello to along the way. There’s a renowned restaurant here if you fancy a meal, or just a cuppa, and a shop selling all manner of garlic-related products and this is another place where you might glimpse a red squirrel or two.
St Catherine’s Oratory: Dubbed ‘the Pepperpot’ This ancient stone lighthouse dates from the early 1300s and can be found in West Wight. It stands sentinel at the top of the military road near Chale, which is well worth seeing in itself and affords beautiful views on a clear day. It’s a short (but steep) 10-minute climb from the road. The number 6 bus will get you here.
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