Kids go free* summer holidays on the south coast: Enjoy 10 family experiences on the Isle of Wight

There’s more reasons than ever to book a trip to the Isle of Wight this summer.

Full of wide open spaces, sandy beaches, quintessential British beauty, and its own ‘island magic’, it’s perfect for a day trip, weekend break or proper summer holiday.

Wightlink offers you a chance to really get away from it all on the Island, and Kids Go Free* all through the school holidays when travelling on foot.

Book today at wightlink.co.uk

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

Your escape starts here

There’s something special about stepping on board a Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth – be it on foot or with your car – as it signals the start of your Isle of Wight adventure. You might be staying for a few hours or a few nights, but as you wave goodbye to the mainland you can literally feel your troubles lifting from your shoulders. Crossings take from just 22 minutes.

Family bike rides

Whether you’re a family that cycles together at home or your kids are just starting out, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place for a family bike ride. From riverside pedals with stops for takeaway coffee and cake (the Medina Greenway Breeze) to a flat seafront route with plenty of opportunities for ice cream (Sandown to Shanklin), you can enjoy time as a family in the great outdoors.

Hop on a steam train

Discover the golden age of travel on an historic steam train while you take in the rolling scenery of the Isle of Wight. Relax on a 10-mile journey with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway then learn about 150 years of railway history, and an impressive collection of locomotives and carriages at the Train Story Discovery Centre.

Try tree climbing

Try a spot of recreational tree climbing in a beautiful, mature oak tree set back from the golden sands of Appley Beach in Ryde. It’s a chance to visit a unique place that very few people ever get to go – the canopy of a tree. The tree is around 15 metres high and you’ll use rope and harness to climb it – so this experience is for families with older children, aged 8 and over.

Have fun at a festival

The iconic Isle of Wight Festival takes place from 15-18 June this year, starting the summer season in style! The line-up includes Pulp, George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers and Robbie Williams.

And yes, there are some stellar headliners but there are also a dozen different areas across the site where you’ll find alternative activities, new music and unusual experiences. It’s a great festival for all the family. Give yourself to the moment and try a bit of Rockaoke (you might spot a celeb taking to the mic),, or Disco Yoga. You won’t regret it.

Marvel at the Needles

Explore the marvels of the Island’s natural coastline and discover The Needles rock formation in all its glory. These chalk rocks rise majestically from the sea and are possibly the most photographed rocks in the UK.

For breathtaking views, take the chairlift down to Alum Bay – it has been taking people down the cliff for 50 years! You’ll find it at The Needles Landmark Attraction alongside a sweet factory, a jeep safari and sand shop – where you can take home 21 shades of the sand of the bay.

Connect with nature

Go hunting for red squirrels (although shh! They can be shy and easily disturbed by noise). Try Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve near Sandown, the woodland around Newtown, the Mottistone Estate or in Parkhurst Forest. Or take a stroll around Newtown Creek, the Island’s own National Trust Reserve, looking out for visiting birds, waders and waterfowl, as well as summer orchids and wildflowers.

Visit The UK’s oldest theme park

Blackgang Chine marks a bit anniversary this year; they’re celebrating180 years of magical memory making! You can walk the dinosaur trail, search for your favourite characters in Nurseryland, enjoy a cowboy adventure, explore the Crooked House and reflect on life in the Hall of Mirrors. During the school summer holidays you’ll find daily shows and roaming characters. Blackgang has plenty of great rides too, including the NEW adrenaline-inducing Extinction, a 360-degree pendulum swing taking you to new heights.

Watch live beach sports

Appley Beach in Ryde is host to the South Island Sevens from 23-23 July and the Wight Wave Beach Fest from 28-30 July. You’ll be able to enjoy a selection of beach rugby, volleyball and soccer alongside beach runs, a NUKU fitness challenge, paddle board racing, kite foiling and more on one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. Add an eclectic mix of music, food and drink in a family friendly beach environment and you’ve got the best of the summer in one place over two weekends.

Go fossil hunting

The soaring coastline at Compton Bay can be a fossil-finders delight, with dinosaur footprints visible at low tide. Hailed as ‘the richest source of dinosaur remains in Europe’ means you automatically up your chances of getting lucky with a find. And, if your young fossil hunters don’t strike lucky, whisk them along west to Hanover Point where they can ‘discover’ huge fossilised foot casts preserved in the rocks on the beach.

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