Isle of Wight (1 Viewer)

[teddybear]

Thinking of going there early September. Any recommendations for campsite, any not to be missed places?
What is driving around like? Or should I consider hiring a car for part of the time? (Van is 6-5m A class)
Without rushing what sort of timeframe would be needed to have a good look round.
Thanks in advance

 

[FIDGET]

Whitefield forest touring park , really nice site walking distance to Tesco about half a mile , bus stop right outside the lane to the site 100yds, In my opinion one of the best on the island , situated between Ryde and Sandown
I used to live on the island .if you want to go book through the individual site as they can get ferry bookings at reduced rates so included in price.

 

[EuroTrotters]

It’s like stepping back in time

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[claude et maude]

We are going in July, went last year as well. No problem driving although parking not always easy, we are 7.1m. Taking a scooter in the garage this time.

If you go more than 5miles without finding something interesting to see/visit then you are probably not on the Isle of Wight

 

[westhamman]

Osbourne House would be a must for me. The Isle of Wight us a bit run down in places. We stayed at Heathfield, Waverley Park, Ninham and Alverstone Ponds sites over a 2 week period, this allowed walking or cycling from each site to places of interest. We will go back in a year or so. All the sites were fine with no issues but I am easily pleased

 

[GirlyVanGirly]

I have stayed at Ninham, about 3 years ago now, in a tent, in the rain! lol... but it was good and the toilet/shower facilities were very nice!

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[Spriddler]

The Isle of Wight us a bit run down in places.

I went there last July for a week and found it rather tatty too, mostly the sea front places with the exception p'raps of Yarmouth and Cowes.
Osborne House was interesting as was Carisbrooke castle. The Ventnor botanic gardens were worth a visit in just-passing-time sort of way.
Sandown Esplanade and Shanklin sea fronts were were dismal; closed and rust stained hotels, scaffolding and overrun gardens and we were put off buying any food from the grubby shops/kiosks.
Sorry, but that what all 3 of us thought.

Edit - just remembered.
We had some excellent seafood meals in pubs but one of our group was a veggie and how we laughed at a blackboard outside one pub:

Local seafood.

Daily specials.

Extensive wine list.

Cask real ales.


Dog friendly.
Vegetarians welcome.

 

[ivorantony]

I flew into Sandown last week for a day trip and walked into town, I wouldn’t have said it was tatty
Perhaps slightly run down but lots of work being done as far as I could see,
On the sea front we had one of the best fish and chips we have had in a long time sitting in the sun,
SWMBO loved it so improving the number of brownies points I have so a result, as far as I’m concerned,

 

[scottie]

I usually stay at waverley, about 600 yards from east cowes ferry point. Fantastic views over the solent, in particuliar when the shipsturn to port to head up the channel. Waitrose and bus stops 5minutes walk from the site. I use my bus pass get to newport the just catch the bus whereever. Osborne house about 15 to 20 minute walk from the site with a pub opposite. Parts look tatty, but sandown has a new premier inn which will be good for that part of the island. Lived there for 3 years. Roads generally fine.

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[2spritelyislanders]

The island has a good choice of 5 van sites to choose from, plenty of good pub stopovers and a number of larger sites. So depending on your preferences, the world's your lobster . As for driving around, the Military Road is a must to drive along, there are some nice parkups to stop and admire the view. We have a fair amount of narrow lanes, so think Devon or Cornwall and you'll be fine. As for timeframe to have a good look around, the island may be small but there's plenty to explore. We've been here 30 years and still find bits we've missed . Feel free to PM if you need anything while you're here. Enjoy your holiday.

 

[Wizzardi]

Four of us with two dogs going to Appuldurcombe site in early Sept for 10 days. £340 including ferry. We went there years ago and it is a nice camp. Book through the camp first to get the cheaper ferry. We have a 7.5m A class.

 

[Ninjabob]

Another vote for Appuldurcombe. Good location and nice walk into Godshill from the site.

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[Keep Right On]

Ferry companies do insist you get out of the vehicle during the crossing because of the Maritime law on hazardous cargo - this includes gas in a plumbers van for instance.
If you are in the lounges, the snack and coffee bars are closed and you are not allowed to consume own food and drink on board. masks must be worn once out of the vehicle and in all lifts, stairs and lounges. On top deck in the "fresh" air, it is allowed to unmask and there is a coffee kiosk.

 

[sedge]

When I was little and we used to go to Lake for a fortnight - was Godshill the place with the Model Village?

 

[claude et maude]

When I was little and we used to go to Lake for a fortnight - was Godshill the place with the Model Village?

It still is the place with the model village, we took the kids to see it last year, always worth a stroll around followed by a cream tea.

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[TDub49]

If you can afford it, hire a car. You'll see much more, have relatively stress free parking and help the people who actually live and work on the island to get around. That said, the bus service is pretty good with nearly all services passing through Newport at some stage of their route. Top deck from seat recommended if you like roller coasters. The toy train across the island isn't running at the moment but if it is by September, that's another alternative mode of transport and an interesting ride as well.

 

[marchie]

Isle of Wight Postcard c. 1960:

Cowes you can't milk
Ryde where you walk
Needles you can't thread
Freshwater you can't drink
Lake you can't swim in
Blackwater that's clear

Steve

 

[pelican]

It’s like stepping back in time

Apart from prices in the pubs

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[TCG]

the Cavan club site Southland is OK they do some deals for ferry and pitch

 

[Kit44]

Two sites on the Military Road, Chine Farm Caravan Site at Atherfield Bay and Grange Farm at Brighstone, both sites right on the cliff top overlooking the English Channel. Very windy but superb sunsets.

 

[EMS]

We have used the bus to visit the islands sites and this worked out very well. We had a ferry from Southampton and the fog was so bad we could not see either of the shores at all during the crossing. We used the special offer of Ferry and Campsite that was available in the spring, as the cost of the ferry can be high. The return trip was very good with bright sunshine.

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[teddybear]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations, have booked site and ferry deal.we are stopping a day longer than planned as no ferry available for our planned departure date. But not a problem.

 

[POH]

There now traffic is bad too many road works and diversions also Sandown Ryde Shanklin are all run down towns which is a shame as we were last here twenty years ago and they were much better .