5 great reasons to visit the Isle of Wight out of season
As the frosted beauty of winter makes way for the vibrant colours of spring, there’s so much to do, see and explore on the Isle of Wight, whatever your age and interests. And if you needed any convincing as to why a trip to the Isle of Wight should be in your calendar for an out of season escape, we’ve put together a list of great reasons to visit in the coming months.
1. Half Term Adventures
Entertain your cheeky chimps with a trip to Monkey Haven, the Island’s own sanctuary for monkeys, gibbons, meerkats, owls, reptiles and more. Less than a 30 min drive from the sanctuary you’ll find the Island Riding Centre for pony mad kids, Butterfly World, Mini Tank Driving, Firestone Copse, Briddlesford Farm and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, meaning you can fit a whole bunch of activities into one great day out! Between 15th and 17th February, the Isle of Wight Story Festival comes to town, with visiting and local authors, illustrators, comic book writers, graffiti artists, creative and theatre workshops and more – perfect for younger children through to teens with a passion for reading, writing and the arts.
2. Romantic Escapes
Whether your idea of romance is a posh lunch with spectacular views or paragliding together off a cliff… the “love Island” has got you covered. Wine and dine your better half at excellent restaurants such as The Smoking Lobster, The Royal, The Terrace or The Coast. Cosy up in a country cottage or an apartment by the sea and explore over 70 miles of coastline and 500 miles of trails together. For those less about hearts and flowers and more into experiences together, brave an icy dip in the February seas hand in hand, hire a couple of kayaks and discover the Island by water, or head out on a leg burning bike ride up one of the Isle of Wight’s many hills to find spectacular views and a great spot for a picnic for two.
3. Easter Staycations
By 29th March the clocks have changed, and the evenings are getting lighter, the skies are blue, and the daffodils are popping! Making Easter a wonderful time to explore the Isle of Wight in all it’s vibrant colour. From top attractions like Tapnell Farm, Blackgang Chine and Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, to iconic Island landmarks such as The Needles, Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle – there’s so much to explore, see and do all in one place. Nowhere on the Island is more than an hour’s drive away, meaning you can pack as much, or as little, into your Easter escape as you like.
4. Walk This Way
With over 500 miles of trails to explore, the Isle of Wight is a rambler’s paradise. Whether you’re about relaxed strolls with stops for ice creams and picnics, or you’re here to cover as many miles in a day as you can – the Isle of Wight offers an abundance of walking routes with plenty of interesting landmarks, pretty towns, and spectacular views along the way. Over 50% of the Isle of Wight is classified as ‘National Landscape’, providing a beautiful backdrop for walkers of all ages and mobilities. From stretches of idyllic sandy beach and towering cliff paths with awesome sea views, to miles of rolling downs and dense ancient woodland, the Isle of Wight offers a plethora of terrains and landscape to explore. A truly unique destination best discovered on foot.
5. Paw-some Breaks
We call it the Isle of Woof for a reason…because dogs love it here! From miles of beaches for digging and swimming, to a great expanse of greenery for running and playing, the Isle of Wight is a haven for dogs and their owners. Until 1st May, dogs are welcome to explore all of the Island’s great beaches, making now a great time to visit with your pooch. We recommend Appley Beach and Yaverland Bay at low tide, offering huge stretches of sand for playing fetch and running. St Helen’s Beach and the marshlands at The Duver are great places for swimming and exploring with your pooch. And you’ll also find most places to eat, drink and visit are dog friendly too, making the Isle of Wight a holiday for every member of the family.
