We've decided to spend a week on the Isle of Wight. I'm really excited, it's the closest I've ever been to 'abroad'
I've never been on a ferry, (other than 'cross the Mersey, not quite the same I know lol) let alone towing the caravan and wondered how long it takes to load and unload?
I don't think I want to pay the extra costs for Priority Loading, but any advice would be appreciated.
You will really love IOW. I was apprehensive about the ferries but, you have no need to go with priority loading (save your money) you will be directed into position and can`t go wrong. Takes Probably 10 mins to load give or take and minutes to unload no matter what priority you are so relax and enjoy the experience.
We went from Lymington to Yarmouth with our caravan last year. It took about 30 mins to load and unload. Very easy, just make sure you don't arrive at the port too early. Coming back was great we were first on and first off.
We done the trip last year from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and it was no hassle at all,we stayed overnight on a local campsite and moved round to the port the next morning and arrived just for our loading time.
We were boarded shortly after and the crossing seemed to be over in no time at all,access on and off the ferry is no problem either.
Have a great Holiday on the Isle of Wight as I know you will love it as much as we did.
We took our van to Isle of Wight last Oct for half term week and it was absolutely fine - in fact very easy - and my husband is the biggest worrier about towing imagineable (only our 3rd trip with a caravan!)
We arrived early in Portsmouth but they just told us which numbered lane to sit in and we left the car and van in sight while we grabbed a coffee in the checking-in block.
Coming back the weather was bad so we turned up early for our ferry and managed to get on the earlier sailing (which they will do if they have room). Each time we were guided as to where to go and park on the ferry - it was really easy.
Take your tesco vouchers with you as lots of the places to visit take them!!
The IOW ferry was our first experience towing on a ferry and it was fine. On the way home I drove past the lane they wanted me to go into but they were fine about it and just waved me onto another one. It's a doddle don't bother with priority loading just make sure you get there in good time.
We did this for the first time this year with Red Funnel and it was a doddle.
We arrived early at Southampton and they put us on an earlier ferry. We went on an Easter deal via Red Funnel that was limited us to 5 nights. The site we went to (Waverley) were offerering extra nights free if we booked direct with them e.g. 14 nights for the price of 10 etc..We had to split the Easter break into 5 nights in The New Forest and 5 nights IOW.
We worked out that if we had payed for a single fare back via the ferry company then it would have been a similar price and we could have stayed for 14 nights in IOW instead of 5. Might be worth booking Ferry and Site independently.
The Waverley site was great with good views over East / West Cowes but due to the new pitch terracing they had solved one problem i.e. level pitches, but created another i.e. 4-5 ft drop over a wall (not good if you have young children!!!) unless you are lucky to book one of the first two rows of pitches.
We would definitely go back to the site again though as our children are older.
Thanks everyone, that's helped put my mind at rest.
"Might be worth booking Ferry and Site independently." Ditto to that Andy, I've not found a campsite deal that gives me an afternoon sailing any cheaper than I can get paying standard fare. Also the attraction deals that Red Funnel are offering impose restrictions that dont make the small saving worth the extra work of planning each days trip now, so we'll pay as we play!
Just hoping this lovely weather is still around when we're all off. Happy Holidays.
We have just booked our holiday to the IOW (RED FUNNEL FERRIES). We are going to elvaston steam rally then off to IOW straight after rally looking forward to the whole experiance first time to IOW .
------------- If you want something said ask a man, If you want something done ask a woman
Don't worry about anything, I live in gosport which is next to Portsmouth and have travelled to the IOW since I was a kid and still love it there. We went there again a couple of years ago for our summer holiday and still enjoyed it with the kids. It's amazing though all the time I have been there and I still discovered something new, its a model village at Godshil which is outstanding and so cheap to get in. Don't forget Blackgang chine and also go back in the evening when it's all lit up, they also do a Dinosaur fossil hunt which was fantastic. We stayed at Apuldurcombe Gardens which on first impression did not look much however this was one of those camps that grows on you. The family that run it certainly knew how to entertain familys in the evenings at the club house with some great games and competions, music etc.
ferries to the Island are a doddle. either Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Southampton to Cowes or Lymington to Yarmouth ( The latter are Red Funnel and they will normally let you swap tickets).
Crossing times are roughly same from Pompey and Soton ( 50 mins) but the lymington one is far more interesting.
I have camped all over the island but i would recommend Shanklin as the best place to stay. Lots to do. Old town is lovely. Lovely sandy beach and a good Thai restaurant to boot.
ferries to the Island are a doddle. either Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Southampton to Cowes or Lymington to Yarmouth ( The latter are Red Funnel and they will normally let you swap tickets).
Red Funnel only run the Southampton to Cowes route, the others are Wightlink. We have recently returned home from the IOW, went with 10 Ford Anglia 105E's for our club holiday, the crossing went fine, just turned a few heads to see these classic cars on the ferry! Have also taken our caravan over last summer, no problems at all.
------------- Harvey 15.8.1995 - 18.11.2010. Run free, sweet boy x
I think it will be the Red Funnel Southampton to Cowes cross, I've had a look at the different prices and they seem to be the best!
I'm soooo excited I'm going with my 2 kids and as OH isn't coming I've persuaded my Dad to join us. It's so funny when we chat on the phone, OH tells me we sound like a couple of teenagers arranging a party . Dad's obviously looking forward to 'the adventure' as he calls it, as much as I am.
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 Ferries
I'm going with my 2 kids and as OH isn't coming I've persuaded my Dad to join us. It's so funny when we chat on the phone, OH tells me we sound like a couple of teenagers arranging a party 
. Dad's obviously looking forward to 'the adventure' as he calls it, as much as I am.
