Isle Of Wight

[Smowball]

Mr Smow has some time off in December and has suggest a break in - the Isle of Wight, and taking Poorly Smow and Teen Smow for a well earned rest. I don’t know the area at all so has anyone been there, is it worth going to? Anywhere in particular to visit? Or should I suggest going elsewhere?

[Arksided]

I've never been myself but after recently (a week ago) house sitting for my Mum/Brother and another Brother/SIL (Different homes I was flitting between seeing to pets etc... I digress) and other family members go there quite a lot at least every two years so must be good.

[Smowball]

Ahh ok! I have no idea what’s there lol

[retrocop]

Just got back two weeks ago.
Loads of places to visit. Amusement parks at Blackgang Chine and the Needles for the kids.
Osbourne House,Carisbrooke Castle. Loads od accomodation. We stayed at Bembridge Coast Hotel. A warners Hotel. Beautiful setting and nice grounds but only for dinosaurs. It's Gods waiting room.
Fantastic model village at somewhere Hill. Gray Hill I think. Will look up. Plent of ferry crossings on the half hour from various ports or you can go as foot passengers by hovercraft. Very narrow country lanes if driving. Excellent bus service all round the Island. Any questions will try to answer them for you. Good sandy beaches.

[retrocop]

If you like Garlic then visit the Garlic farm. It's quirky and fascinating. They have cottages and yurts for hire. Self catering but a good restaurant on site.

[MWG14]

We have been there several times, with our children when they were younger & just the two of us.

Plenty to see & do but I'm not sure that it is the right place to go in December.

[Smowball]

Retrocop - wow that’s most helpful - thankyou!

[Smowball]

I’m not sure if anywhere is ideal in December tbh it it’s the only month we have

[david small]

It’s Godshill retro. I live on the Island Smow. Apart from exorbitant ferry charges for car, though red funnel do have offers on. September is quite nice on the Island.
Most grockles have gone as the schools have resumed.
There are lots of road works going on at the moment all over the Island.Robin hill, got walkers, shanklin esplanade, and old village, Godshill for sightseeing and cake. There’s enough to keep you going.

[Fitzer]

Others have given info on the island and the exorbitant ferry prices, one tip I have is that one of the ferry companies (Wightlink I believe) accept Tesco vouchers at 3 times value, well they did 2 years ago, saved us a fortune!

[Smowball]

Ahh that’s fab David.

[Mozz71]

If you cab, a ferry from Yarmouth to Lymington on the mainland is recommended. Lovely little seaside town, and the New Forest is always worthy of a visit.

[Mozz71]

If you can..

[bednobs]

hi, having grown up in portsmouth and being made to visit relatives on the IOW regularly, it is referred to as the isle of death in my house. having said that, my 7 year old loves it. Not quite sure about teenager (or december!)

[Smowball]

Omg lol

[bednobs]

could you afford to fly to the canaries or something?

[jakep]

We love the IOW.
A walk on Tennyson Down will blow away the cobwebs.
Down the steps to the beach at Needles.
Lovely cafe at the water’s edge in Yarmouth.
Great pub for Sunday lunch in Porchfield, sorry can’t remember name but there’s only one!

[Smowball]

Money isn’t the problem, but after I had that unexplained seizure the last time I flew, mr Smow refuses to fly till I get all clear from neurologist

[retrocop]

I can't comment on car ferry prices. We travelled Whitelink but the fare was hidden in overall package of Warners bill. I found that attractions quite pricey but I suppose it's the same on the mainland. About £20 for Osbourne house. I enjoyed the Needles Battery and wifes NT membership allayed half the cost. Helps if you are English Heritage members also.

[Smowball]

All v useful everyone - Thankyou! A break is a break which is what we all need I think.

[hc4361]

Have you thought about a city break for December? The weather doesn't matter and it's a change of scene if you don't live in a city.
Bath, Chester, York are all nice.

(I must be a dinosaur - I like Warners)