Half-term holiday inspiration on the family-friendly Isle of Wight- kids go free offers*
Most people have the same holiday checklist – on budget, hassle free travel, and packed with lots of fun, adventure and downtime.
How about a half-term trip to the Isle of Wight, via Wightlink, where beautiful coasts and beaches, stunning walks, activities and heritage all merge to make it a dream family destination, without any of the pain-points of travelling to Europe or long haul. With sailings just 22 minutes on the FastCat foot passenger route from Portsmouth Harbour railway station and Ryde, this is the holiday wish lists dream of.
And if you can pack in lots of low cost activities too, this can be the budget option you need this May.
Of course, with Wightlink, kids go free* every school holiday when you travel as foot passengers. Tickets for under-fives are always complimentary, but as a very special offer, during May half-term, two children aged 5-15 can travel for free with every adult or senior.
Keep the fun coming!
Holiday costs soon mount up, but if you want to keep your cash for fun stuff like ice cream, the team at Wightlink have put their thinking caps on and come up with ideas that deliver on fun, without costing the earth.
Dog friendly
Your family’s four-legged friend will travel for free on the ferry – think of the magical hours exploring beaches and paths, and walking through glorious countryside … the stresses of home and work will ease away with every step. There are plenty of dog friendly cafes and pubs along the way too!
Swap four feet for two wheels
Your bike also travels for free on a Wightlink ferry if you are a foot passenger – plan your adventure with this handy cycle route guide.
Instagrammable moments and eyecatching landmarks
Don’t forget to capture memories … walk along to Headon Warren for a cracking view of the world-famous Needles rocks, or visit Alum Bay and see the incredible multi-coloured cliffs.
Paddles and picnics
Everyone loves a beach, and the Isle of Wight is packed with picture postcard perfection, where warm shallow waters make for ideal days out. Visit at low tide and there’s plenty of space to run about or play games, and the amusements and playparks nearby give a handy alternative if you want to shake the sand from your feet for a while.
From donkeys to dinosaurs
A visit to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is free to enter and you are even allowed to bring your own picnic (there’s free parking too!). Meet the 100 rescue donkeys, mules and Shetland ponies and see the marvellous work being done to help these glorious creatures.
The island is home to plenty of other wildlife – how many red squirrels can you spot?
Or go back in time … book a fossil tour on ‘Dinosaur Island’ and hunt for incredible footcasts – your kids will adore it.
Heritage, heroes and cooking
Can the one place deliver for all the family? We say yes! For the foodies a visit to the garlic farm is a must. Fresh garlic grows from March to August, and you can even try some recipes in the restaurant. If you wish you can pay a small fee for farm tours.
And the island and all its visitors owe a debt of gratitude to the heroes of the sea – visit the Bembridge Lifeboat Station in this, the RNLI’s 200th year, to show your support.
And enjoy a few hours of total tranquillity at a Benedictine Monastery, set within 200 acres of land, made up of a mix of formal gardens, pastures, wooded areas and coasts … don’t forget to follow the winding walking route past the old runs and through the forest. Borrow a Quarr Abbey explorer kit to get the most from your visit.
To book your crossing to the Isle of Wight for half-term fun and adventures, visit the website