Friends of ours went last year.
They had a good time, apart from having bad weather, for most of their stay.
Didnt hear anything about not finding enough to do.
We went last summer last minute, as we had our Pembrokeshire holiday cancelled due to bad weather, phoned Southland CC site and got in due to a cancellation, first two weeks of August. It was Cowes week and absolutely fantastic. We found lovely beaches at St Helens and Bembridge, the sea was warmer than any other British beach we could remember, the weather was fab at St Helens (a micro climate as often bad in other areas). The site had nothing on it, but our kids aged 14,14 and 11 still really enjoyed themselves. We did lots of kayaking and fishing, and sightseeing. I want to go to France next summer but all the rest of the family want to go back to Isle of Wight!
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Personally, I like the IOW. In my view, there is sure to be something to please everybody on the IOW. Check out WightLife
Some notes I made in one of my reviews of an IOW site:
".....The Isle of Wight is a very nice place to visit with vast amounts of things to see and do. We were there during the annual Steam Rally and the annual Scooter Rally. The steam rally was one of the best I’ve seen. Then, it was like the clock had been put back to 1968 on Sunday night in Ryde with 100’s of vintage Vespas and Lambrettas and a (free) Small Faces tribute band on the seafront. All good natured, perhaps because most of the Mods now have bus passes! (Like me!)
Just pick up a (free) copy of “Wight Life”; “I.O.W Pocket Guide”; “Pub Walks Pocket Guide”, and “Holiday Guide” and you will have absolutely everything listed and described.
A note on the ferries. Don’t worry if you are a little early or late for your booked crossing. The service runs every half hour, as long as you have got a ticket, they will put you on the next available crossing.
A few personal recommendations:
Warren Farm, Alum Bay (One of the best farmhouse cream teas): Marharajah, High Street Shanklin (Good, reasonably priced Indian restaurant.): Pearly Boise, High Street, Shanklin: (Ice Cream Parlour with all home made ice creams): Winter Gardens, Ventnor (Views, performances, and good value restaurant); Buddle Inn, Niton Undercliff (Food, real ale, music in ‘Smugglers Barn’): Bonchurch Inn, Bonchurch (Superb, medium priced Italian restaurant.)
Things I think you will like about the I.O.W:
Low levels of traffic. (Congestion free, except Newport at 5 0’clock!): Numerous significant festivals/rallies all year round: Numerous of visitor attractions: Numerous beaches and un-spoilt bays: Vast network of well signposted footpaths/bridlepaths/byways/cycleways: Good value family oriented eats & drinks places everywhere.
Things I think you will not like about the I.O.W:
Peak season ferry fares. (But check if the campsite can offer you an “inclusive fare”): Anywhere with a coach park. (e.G.,& with apologies to, Smithy’s Forge & Needles Park.)..."
Additionally, we found Red Funnell to be cheaper than WightLink, and Red Funnell accept Tesco vouchers.
We spent a fabulous 3 weeks on the Isle of Wight last year, we were there the last week of July and the first 2 in August, the weather was in the main good and we enjoyed every minute of our stay.
we stayed at Whitefield forest just off the main Ryde to Sandown road, we can thoroughly recommend this site, friendly owners excellent facilities, easy access, bus stop at the end of the drive and Tesco just down the road. We will certainly be returning in the future.
The island itself is a hive of activity and has something for everyone, there is definitely enough to keep you entertained.
Went to the IOW with hubby and 6yr old son in August this year. Stayed at Whitefield forest like the last reviewer and really enjoyed it! The park though, is as the name suggests, in a forest location and there isn't a clubhouse,swimming pool,games room etc. but our little boy loved playing in the forest and it was great to come home to after a long day out.
There is plenty to do on the island though (much more than i thought there would be) and the little pocket guide is brill for planning trips out. You can order brochure/maps etc. at http://www.iowbreaks.com/brochures/index.php
Our Sat Nav was fantastic for getting us through Portsmouth to the ferry terminal but was a bit out when finding the campsite. We had to cross a roundabout and follow the road a bit and the campsite drive was on the right by a woodyard.
I was a bit worried about going on the ferry too but it was really easy and we actually enjoyed it too.
Hope this helps you!!!!
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I concur that Whitefield Forest is one of the best sites I've used. Everything is very new and superbly maintained. Only minor -ve is that whilst it is set back from the road, there is a level of traffic noise.
If you want something slightly more 'old fashoned', consider Beaper Farm which is virtually next door to Whitefield. Both very good sites, but check out all the reviews for yourself.
tbh, if your kids are the same as mine (the ones roughly the same age as yours) you will not get anything to occupy them on the site alone.
if this is the case then i would highly reccomend comforts farm for a cheap, no frills base.
it is close to Cowes (1st week aug is cowes week and will be booked up anywhere near cowes) newport is within 10 minute drive and it near the main bus route to newport (every 7 mins)
stay away from the west wight, it is not the most young person friendly side lol! not much to do for them.
shanklin/sandown is where it wil be buzzing most for them, with most things to do.
nodes point is a good park resorts st helens way,
as said before, i would go for a no frills site, as there is soooo much to do outside the site.
hth
------------- tina xx
mum to 5 kids
DD-20
DS-16
DD-14
DD-9
DS-3 and a half!
and a large, daft, black dog!!
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Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Isle of Wight Next August
