Isle of Wight Summers

Before planning travel now or in the future to the Isle of Wight, please read the latest Government guidelines relating to COVID-19 to ensure you're fully informed.

Please be considerate, respect guidelines in place and put your own health and that of those around you first. 

Although we've not seen you for a while, we look forward to welcoming you back soon. 

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Unsure what to do for your summer holidays? Thing of having a UK staycation? Then look no further than the Isle of Wight which is jam packed with everything you need for a splendid summer. Where to begin? At the beginning of course, which is all of the wonderful things that you can do and see during your stay.

Blessed as the Island is with a wonderfully temperate climate, you can take yourself off into the great outdoors to experience and enjoy miles of beaches, coastal paths, Downs, cycle routes and walking trails. With its ‘Drive Less, See More’ ethos, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to do just that and you’ll be spoiled for choice whichever outdoor pursuit you fancy. Or why not just have an adventure? From paragliding to tree climbing and kayaking to bushcraft there’s plenty for you all to enjoy an Island adventure.

Festivals aplenty happen during the summer months with everything on the menu from music of all sorts, sailing and food to scooter shows, walking and cycling. The star of the sailing show is Cowes Week which attracts yachts and visitors from far and wide as well as the Panerai British Classic Race and of course Round the Island. There’s the legendary Isle of Wight Festival to enjoy with its superstar line ups, the eclectic Rhythmtree and jazz, blues and folk in between or you can take your thespian self off to Ventnor for the Ventnor Fringe. July and August are also carnival season, so get out there and channel your inner Carmen Miranda!

For kids, the summer can really be endless with attractions, animals, beach and ice cream all on the cards. Many Island attractions have special summer programmes of events and there are dinosaur prints and fossils to hunt and surfing, body boarding and sailing for the more adventurous. Have a bucket and spade holiday on the beach at Shanklin and Sandown, walk along the prom and have that all important summer ice cream or take to your bikes and cycle the Wight on paths suitable for all abilities. You can also take in some Isle of Wight heritage and follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, kings and knights of old and visit museums and galleries.

Local food plays a huge part in the Island’s summer programme, from the Garlic Festival to pubs and restaurants serving up the best of local produce and with everything from tomatoes, fish, bread, meat and veg to eat here or take home with you, your taste of the Wight will be complete. You can also enjoy a local tipple with Island produced wines, gin and beers on offer.

For older ‘children’ there are also plenty of summer activities to enjoy. Have a round of golf on courses boasting some of the most stunning views. Bring your Lambretta or Vespa over for Scooter Weekend, or don your leggings and pixie boots and take yourself back to the eighties. And of course, you’ll enjoy Isle of Wight hospitality at its very best in award winning pubs and restaurants.

And where will you stay? From traditional bed and breakfast to hotels with stunning views, holiday lets, yurts and everything in between, you won’t have any problem finding the perfect place for you and yours. Our accommodation information will set you off in the right direction.

Whatever you decide to do and however you’re travelling, it couldn’t be easier to get to the Isle of Wight via Lymington, Southampton, Southsea or Portsmouth. There are regular rail connections to the south coast via SWR.

Travelling as a foot passenger is simple due to our excellent transport links with trains, buses, foot passenger ferries and our hovercraft service.