Leaving the EU a positive impact for the Isle of Wight

LEAVING the EU is having a positive impact on holiday island the Isle of Wight, according to Wight Coast Holidays who are the island's leading provider of self catering holidays.

Estimates vary but the company have seen a rise in holidays by over 20% for #IsleofWight holiday rentals in 2019 compared to 2018.

According to a spokesman from their office in Bembridge they have received multiple bookings from holidaymakers who normally visit Spain, France and Portugal worried about possible delays at airports after the UK leaves the EU - and the prospect of queueing for their flights with children in tow for hours on end has led to them considering the Isle of Wight in 2019, with some visiting for the first time in a few years.

For many in the UK the Isle of Wight ferry crossing separates them from a staycation on the mainland, and the crossing takes less than an hour with Red Funnel from Southampton and Wightlink from Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington.

While it's likely that other UK destinations will experience a holiday industry boost in Devon and Cornwall for example, the fact that to get to the Isle of Wight involves a ferry crossing for those used to going abroad could mean the island will benefit more from the uncertainty over Brexit.

Top attractions on the island include Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House but for family holidays the beaches of Bembridge, Seaview, Sandown and Shanklin could mean tourists will return again in future years with a positive impact on the tourist industry, which is a major player in the island's economy.


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Jack Up The 80's

NOW in its sixth year, this will be the retro pop festival’s second year at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde. Owing to the success of the event earlier this year which saw sell-out crowds, organisers have advised that 2018 tickets will be strictly limited. 

Jack Up The 80s will take place over the weekend of August 11-12. The highly-acclaimed event provides a family weekend of musical entertainment from chart names, food, attractions, kids arts and crafts and stalls.

Mainstream Early Bird tickets go on sale on Monday 22nd January and will be available to purchase from jackupthe80s.co.uk

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Cowes promoted as a port of call

COWES Harbour Commission is working proactively with Destination Cowes and the Island’s tourism organisation Visit Isle of Wight to promote Cowes as a unique destination port-of-call, encouraged by the rising demand in the cruise ship market, including growth in the Northern European luxury cruise market.

Cowes offers exceptional visitor appeal with cruise ship passengers able to visit world famous tourist attractions such as Queen Victoria’s magnificent Osborne House in East Cowes, the palatial royal residence used as the setting for the major feature film Victoria and Abdul.

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Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 2018

THE Isle of Wight Mardi Gras always adopts a relevant and educational theme allowing school and community groups to undertake a programme of research and learning prior to designing, producing and performing spectacular carnival costumes.

Themes in recent years have included ‘Shakespeare 400’ commemorating the anniversary of the passing of the Bard and ‘Reflections of India’ celebrating the links between the Island, Queen Victoria and India on the 70th anniversary of the country’s independence.

In 2018 the theme will be ‘Global Biospheres’ and will be produced to support the IW Area of Outstanding Beauty’s application to have the Island recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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Bed and breakfast – in a tree

GOODLEAF on the Isle of Wight will be unveiling a new tree top experience in April/May, 2018. Taking place in the grounds of historic Jacobean manor house Northcourt, in Shorwell, Goodleaf Tree Climbing will offer Tree Top Camping for the very first time on the #IsleofWight. 

Sleeping in special ‘Tree Boats’ imported from the USA, climbers will learn the ropes with recreational tree climbing experts Goodleaf, before spending the night sleeping high in the canopy of a beautiful 15 metre beech tree in this beautiful location deep in the rural heart of the Island. 

Supper can be taken at the local pub The Crown Inn in Shorwell before ascending into the canopy, relaxing and enjoying a bird’s eye view from your “bed for the night”. Breakfast will be delivered to you in your hammock by the instructor. The cost is £350 per person; £450 for two people; and £550 for three. There will be a maximum of ten overnight camps a year. 

https://www.goodleaf.co.uk

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Trail your literary heroes on the Isle of Wight

FOLLOWING on the heels of the launch of its Victoria’s Island Trail to celebrate the appearance of the Victoria & Abdul movie, Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) has now published a new Literary Heroes Trail which visitors to the Island can follow all-year-round.

One of the highlights of the Literary Heroes Trail is the newly re-opened Farringford in Freshwater, where the renowned poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson once lived. The dramatic Gothic house has been the subject of a meticulous five-year restoration project, and is decorated in a late 19th Century style that reflects Tennyson’s tastes and interests. The grounds have also been returned to their authentic Tennyson-era appearance, complete with a full walled garden.

Other key locations on the Trail include the sailing village of Seaview, where author Enid Blyton was a regular visitor; and the traditional seaside resort of Ventnor, where Charles Dickens rented Winterbourne in Bonchurch – describing it to his wife as, “The prettiest place I ever saw in my life.”

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Picture Credit: Seaviw, Isle of Wight, Pintrest

Take a break in a tiny home on the Isle of Wight

NOW open for business, Tiny Homes Holidays is a new, ethical way to take a break on the Isle of Wight.

The Tiny Homes Holiday concept is all about downsizing your space and upsizing your free time – and living simply in a smallholding environment. It has been created by the people behind Vintage Vacations, the first Airstream caravan holidays in the UK. Like Airstreams, the tiny house movement originated in the US, among people choosing to downsize and live more simply. And the same ethos applies on the Isle of Wight site.

The three architect-designed Tiny Homes – Eilidh, Hygge and Silva – are set in a smallholding environment adjacent to the Parkhurst Forest, with walking trails, cycle routes and wildlife galore, including the Isle of Wight’s famous red squirrels. Tranquil coastlines and the coastal town of Cowes are a cycle ride away.  The development incorporates many eco-friendly measures, including solar power, composting toilets, wood burning stoves and water recycling.

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Isle of Wight finalists in Family Traveller Awards

THE Isle of Wight has been announced as a finalist in this year’s annual Family Traveller Awards in the “Best UK region for Families” category.

The public will have until 20th October 2017 to vote for the Island and every vote will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a holiday for a family of four to Malta, worth £4,000. The winners for each category will be decided on by the expert judging panel and the responses from the public, with the winners being announced by a celebrity host at a glamourous celebration in London this November.

Now in its third year, The Family Traveller Awards are dedicated to finding the best of the best in family travel and celebrating brands that work hard to make family holidays special.

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As it used to be . . .

A garden terrace where Queen Victoria sat and painted watercolours at Osborne, her Isle of Wight home, will open to the public for the very first time after a major conservation project, English Heritage announced.

The terrace’s panoramic views across the Solent – compared by Prince Albert to the Bay of Naples – can now be enjoyed by the public for the first time as they would have been by the royal couple over 150 years ago.

In a project worth over £600,000, the terrace’s centrepiece Andromeda fountain, bought by Queen Victoria during the Great Exhibition in 1851, has been returned to working order and the elaborate Shell Alcove, decorated with thousands of seashells from the beach below, has been painstakingly restored to its former aqua blue and vivid red glory. The public will also be able to experience the terrace’s Victorian planting scheme and the famous royal myrtle plant, given to Victoria by Prince Albert’s grandmother, up-close.

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Culture & Quirkiness on the Isle of Wight

Number One Island 19 January, and every month afterwards
Bestival founder Rob da Bank is launching his latest creation on the Isle of Wight, as Number One Island makes its debut at The Cow Co, Tapnell Farm, on January 19th. This will be a monthly music night showcasing the musical talents on the Island – including artists, bands and producers.

Isle of Wight Pride 15 July
Taking place on the streets of Ryde this summer, this is the first time that the Isle of Wight will host a Pride. This is being planned as an inclusive day out for all the family, who will be able to enjoy a parade through the streets and help to celebrate the diversity and community of the Isle of Wight.

Sandown Carnival 30 July
Celebrate 127 years of Sandown Carnival for a fantastic day of family fun. With an extravaganza of activities, parades, competitions and more, culminating in a fantastic fireworks display, the Sandown Carnival is a great day out on the Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight Day 23 September
This day of celebration will bring together businesses, community groups, towns and villages all in a fun-filled day, which will boast a food festival in Bembridge harbour, a Grand Parade and many more family-friendly activities. This is a fantastic way to experience the very best of Island life – and will be a day out to remember.

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Festival frolics on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight Festival 8-11 June
This iconic festival is known as one of the best music festivals in the UK – and is not to be missed. Winner of the Best Family Friendly Festival in the 2016 Family Traveller Awards, it is ideal for music lovers of all ages, and with headliners this year including Arcade Fire, Rod Stewart, David Guetta and Run DMC, it is not to be missed. Plan ahead and book ferry travel soon to take advantage of Wightlink’s Early Bird Ferry Fares until 31 January 2017.

Ventnor Fringe 8 – 13 August
Originally created by a team of local students in 2010, Ventnor Fringe follows the core principles of the famous Edinburgh Fringe that inspired it, in which any artist can take part. From musicians to comedians, poets to dancers and pop-up cinemas to woodland sing-alongs, the Ventnor Fringe is an exciting place for a culture vulture. Ventnor Fringe has grown into one of the Island’s most exciting new eclectic festivals, attracting performers from all over the world.

Jack up the 80s 11 – 13 August
With the artists Jason Donovan, Alexander O’Neal, Bruce Foxton From The Jam and The Real Thing already confirmed, this 80s revisit in Ryde is sure to be a hit. Tickets will be on sale from 23 January, so make sure to grab these tickets while they’re hot – after all, they are Especially For You.

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Isle Walk

THIS popular – and free – #walking festival on the #IsleofWight will take place between April 29 and May 14 in 2017, so visitors and locals alike can experience the Island up close on trails all over the Island’s countryside and beaches.

Wightlink are encouraging visitors to Drive Less, See More, to help make the trip a true change from the hectic pace of everyday life. Book early to get the best deals, and Wightlink can whisk you across to the Island to make the most of the outdoors.

www.wightlink.co.uk

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Acoustic Isle Festival

FOR those seeking a laid-back, relaxed festival vibe, Acoustic Isle Festival is the perfect reason to visit the Isle of Wight this winter from February 24 - March 6.

Spread in venues across the Island, Acoustic Isle also enables visitors to explore and relax, as they watch live music in cosy village pubs serving the best in delicious local food and drink, and often offering accommodation as well.

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Isle of Wight goes green

THE ISLE OF WIGHT has turned a deeper shade of green thanks to the arrival of a fleet of 15 Renault Twizys, available for hire from £49 a day. 

Already promoting itself as Bicycle Island, the #IsleofWight has come-up with a range of eco-friendly and sustainable modes of transport for its ‘drive less, see more’ campaign.

The Renault Twizy is the latest of these. An electric-powered two-seater, it accelerates from 0-30mph in four-and-a-half seconds and has a range of approximately 50 miles. There are 12 charging points across the island.

The fleet is currently lined-up at the Red Jet Hi-Speed ferry terminal in Cowes. They are for hire by people who are a) over 21 and b) have a driving licence.

Don't take a large picnic basket, however. Once a passenger has settled into the back, there's just enough room for a couple of small bags and a compact camera.

www.hireatwizyisleofwight.co.uk
www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

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Island offers

WIGHTLINK FERRIES is inviting families to beat the queues and save up to 30% on entrance to the Isle of Wight’s top attractions with bundled ferry and attraction tickets.

Wightlink’s top autumn escapes for families with young children, include:

Dinosaur Isle – open year-round. Book family tickets (two adults and three children) in conjunction with Wightlink ferry travel for a 20% discount.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway – Book family tickets (two adults and two children) for a 30% discount.

Osborne House - Fully open until November 2, and has limited opening (at a reduced price) year round. Book family tickets (two adults and three children) in conjunction with ferry travel for a 20% discount.

Amazon World Zoo – Open year round. Book family tickets (two adults and two children) in conjunction with ferry travel for a 15% discount.

Wightlink’s car passenger services operate from Portsmouth and Lymington, getting families over to the #IsleofWight in just 40-45 minutes. Foot passengers board the catamaran service at Portsmouth Station (the ferry terminal is just a few steps from the platform), which takes just 22 minutes to cross the Solent and arrive at Ryde pier. Adult tickets from £12.20 return and child tickets from £8.90 return.

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Picture Credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/46781500@N00/3490920877">Cowes Week  Panorama 2</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)

Climbers tackle the chalkface

THE world’s best ice climbers will take on the challenge of ascending sheer cliffs of chalk – one of the most difficult surfaces to climb – when the second #RedBullWhiteCliffs competition returns to The Needles, #Isle of Wight (October 2-4).

Overlooking the iconic Needles, the 377ft overhanging cliff at Scratchell’s Bay will push the climbers to their limits, testing their skills ahead of the winter climbing season.

The UK is the only country where chalk cliffs can be climbed, and the unique competition format and environment will challenge the climbers’ stamina, endurance, and skill.

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Hit the road on the IoW

THE Isle of Wight #Cycling Festival (September 5-27) gives cyclists the opportunity to get #offthebeatentrack and experience the island’s unspoilt countryside. The festival includes rides with options for riders of all levels.

With its miles of dramatic and breath-taking coastline, picturesque countryside, and more than 200 miles of well-maintained and signposted cycle tracks, by-ways, bridleways, and trails.

Sponsored by Red Funnel, Wightlink, and Visit #IsleofWight, the event includes more than 80 rides, with a range of family events. Additions to the programme this year include a yoga for cyclists ride, mountain bike coaching courses at the Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre, the Around the Wight Triathlon, and the MTB Slammer – a mountain bike event taking in some of the island’s best trails.

www.isleofwightcyclingfestival.co.uk


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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50169152@N06/19931559533">Alsea Falls Trail System</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Concierge extras for self-caterers

PREMIUM #selfcatering specialist Blue Chip Holidays is launching a bespoke concierge service – Blue Chip Experience – across its UK portfolio, providing unique activities and adventures exclusively for guests. 

Experts will offer a personal consultation and tailor each holiday to suit every type of guest, handpicking the best local operators. Promising an unrivalled knowledge of the region, they aim to create bespoke experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Examples include: 

• Beach foraging for precious shells followed by a jewellery-making workshop in a Blue Chip holiday home
• A molecular gastronomy and mixology masterclass at sundown 
• Pilates at sunrise on a local beach 
• A picnic on a secluded bay reached by private yacht. 
• Llama trekking on Dartmoor 
• Fishing 
• Clay pigeon shooting 

Blue Chip Holidays’ managing director, Allan Lambert, says: ‘Self-catering holidays provide our guests with great flexibility, allowing them to explore the local area and all it has to offer without being tied to hotel schedules. It follows therefore that increasingly our guests have sought guidance on the experiences available to them, which is why we are launching a concierge service to help them make the most of their time away. We never organize off-the-shelf activities that guests might find themselves, making the experiences we offer unique.’

The company manages premium #holidayproperties Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Somerset, Sussex, Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight.

www.bluechipholidays.co.uk

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New Isle of Wight ferry service

A NEW Isle of Wight ferry service has been launched. 

Scoot Ferries’ first vessel runs between Yarmouth and Lymington with room for 12 passengers and a 25-minute crossing time.

Other routes are planned from Cowes to Portsmouth, followed by Cowes to Hamble in June next year with a larger vessel.

The start-up company plans to run services across the Solent seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Fares on the Lymington route start at £9 single and £16 return.

Scoot boats will be equipped with charging points and USB ports in every seat, with free Wi-Fi access.

The company said: ‘New boats are currently being purpose-built to add to our fleet, which will enable us to launch our new Cowes to Portsmouth and Cowes to Hamble routes, and to run two boats on some of our more high-demand routes.’

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/46781500@N00/3490919555">Cowes Week  Panorama 4</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)

IoW ferry firm in line for award

WIGHTLINK FERRIES has been shortlisted for the Best Family Ferry Operator category in the Family Traveller Awards 2015.

The awards, in association with Family and Friends Railcard, are the first of their kind and have been devised by Family Traveller magazine and familytraveller.com.

The awards are open to public votes. Voters will be entered into a prize draw to win an all-inclusive family holiday for two adults and two children below the age of 18 at a Club Med Sun Long Haul resort.

Votes can be cast at www.familytravellerawards.com

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/89918055@N05/8217038817">Lymington Yarmouth Ferry</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)