Family Holidays on the Isle of Wight
Just one hour away by ferry, you’ll feel a million miles away once you arrive on the Isle of Wight. As a holiday destination, you can expect scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and idyllic coastline in abundance. Explore miles of walking trails and cycle paths connecting the biodiverse landscape and discover charming villages and vibrant downs wherever you go. There is a wealth of outdoor activities to try your hand at, from surfing and sailing to horse riding and tree climbing. And for those looking for a little R&R, there’s an abundance of excellent restaurants and tasty cafes to while away the hours, a good range of independent shops to browse, great local produce for a taste of the Island and over 25 beaches for relaxing with the sounds of the sea.
For families, the Island boasts many great attractions suited to all ages and interest, from animal sanctuaries and farm parks to the UK’s oldest theme park and the National Poo Museum!
To help plan your travel, choose your accommodation, and plan your activities, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to booking your Isle of Wight holiday.
Isle of Wight Holidays for Families
With over 50 amazing attractions, miles of cycle paths and plenty of beaches to explore, the Isle of Wight is a brilliant destination for families of all ages. And with nowhere more than a 40-minute drive away, you can really pack a lot into your stay and make it a holiday you’ll all remember for a lifetime. Whether you’re a family of two or three, or a large group travelling together, there are great accommodation options for families whatever your budget.
Isle of Wight Holiday Parks offer good value and a range of onsite facilities like play parks, swimming pools, woodland walks and evening entertainment – Whitecliff Bay, The Orchard’s Holiday Park, Waverly Park Holiday Centre, Cheverton Copse Holiday Park and Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park are all award-winning sites on the Isle of Wight.
For a unique stay, Tiny Home Holidays, Retro Staycations, Sibbecks Farm Glamping and Wight Classics Glamping offer stylish yet practical accommodation and all on the same site, meaning you can be together – but separate.
And for a very large group, Art Deco House sleeping up to 16 people is worth a look. Or perhaps a self-catering holiday cottage or apartment is more what you’re after.
Bring the dog too...
Affectionately nicknamed “The Isle of Woof”, the Island is probably THE most dog friendly place in the UK. There are so many exciting things to do, see, sniff and explore with your four-legged friend, from long walks in the country and swimming in the sea to dog-friendly places to stay, eat and visit. Discover a dog-friendly home from home on the Isle of Wight, a destination where no one needs to stay at home.
The ultimate dog-friendly hotel, Luccombe Manor is a must stay for those visiting with dogs. Sat atop the Shanklin clifftop just a stone’s throw for the beach, every doggie detail has been thought about at the hotel – kitted out with dog beds and blankets, towels for muddy paws, an onsite shop for doggie essentials, a pet owner welcome pack, feeding areas, a wash area and more.
The Isle of Wight offers an amazing range of cosy rural cottages and coastal cottages by the sea – and you’ll find most of these are dog friendly. Some of our favourites for getaways with your pooch are Little Pidford Farm, Bluebell & Primrose Cottages at Whitwell station, Beryl Farm Cottages, Seawood Cottage and Shepherds Cottage – to name but a few. Find these and more here.
There are plenty of dog-friendly accommodation options available, marked on our website with a paw print.
For recommendations for walks, places to eat and dog-friendly things to do, see Deku’s Dog-Friendly Guide to the Isle of Wight – a beautiful golden retriever and all-round good boy.
Camping & Touring Package
Pitch up and save with a great value Isle of Wight camping and touring holiday. Prices start from just £124 and includes ferry travel, pitch fees and electric hook-up as part of the package.
Sail over with a car and tent, motorhome, campervan or car with a trailer tent or towed caravan and choose from a 3, 5 or 10-night stay at one of four picturesque parks - Appuldurcombe Gardens, Orchards Holiday Park, Waverly Park and Whitefield Forest – each one nestled in countryside and ideally located for exploring the Island.
- 3-Night breaks start from just £124
- 5-Night breaks start from £173
- 10-Night breaks start from £311
The Camping & Touring package includes a grass pitch with electric hook-up and return vehicle ferry travel from Southampton + 4 people (and 2 dogs).
Getting to the Isle of Wight
Just a one-hour sail from Southampton, we've been carrying visitors safely to the Island for over 160 years. When you book your Isle of Wight ferry travel and accommodation together with us, you’ll save 25% on ferry travel whatever the time of year. Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly getaway, an Isle of Wight family holiday or a little touch of luxury at an Isle of Wight hotel, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Sail across with a car and up to seven passengers and enjoy plenty of leg room, panoramic sea views and unlimited luggage allowance when you take the ferry to the Isle of Wight. Dogs travel free with Red Funnel and are permitted on the outer decks and in the dedicated pet lounge on B deck.
