February Fun on the Isle of Wight

Red Funnel Ferries is supporting an array of activities this February half term, making the Isle of Wight the place to be. With a wide range of fun for the whole family packed into an area measuring 23 miles east to west and 13 miles north to south, the Isle of Wight, just a 1-hour ferry ride from Southampton, is the ultimate, convenient holiday destination earning itself the moniker “Mini-England”.

Celebrate Chinese New Year and usher in the ‘Year of the Rat’ at Robin Hill’s award-winning annual ‘Spirit of the Orient’ event located just outside Newport, and only a 15-minute drive from Red Funnel’s East Cowes terminal. This fusion of sound, colour, illuminations and oriental flavours is ready to be explored every evening (18:00 – 22:00) from 14 - 22 February. A host of shows and activities are on offer, including a 12-metre long dragon procession, birds of prey displays and Chinese lantern making workshops. Visitors attending the event can also enjoy 20% off Red Funnel vehicle ferry travel thanks to special offer featured on Red Funnel’s home page (www.redfunnel.co.uk).

Just 5 minutes away from Robin Hill, visitors to the Island should also be sure to make time for Monkey Haven. This multiple award-winning sanctuary is home to monkeys, apes, reptiles, meerkats and more. From informative keeper talks to decorating Valentine’s cards for rescued animals, plenty of activities will be on offer for all ages.  Visitors booking their ticket through Red Funnel, can also save up to 25% off gate prices, and enjoy 15% off ferry travel discount.

For holidaymakers in the market for a faster pace, a trip to Wight Karting, located on the west of the Island in Ryde, is not to be missed. Suitable for ages 8+, everyone can show off their skills and become a race car driver for the day, challenging family and friends to a day of racing.

If historical sites are of interest, visitors can step back in time at Carisbrooke Castle, located in the centre of the Island, just outside of Newport, and discover a special feature collection of Anglo-Saxon treasures. After learning what life looked like on the Island centuries ago, guests can spend hours exploring the rest of this incredible English Heritage Site. Pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning medieval grounds and be sure to wear suitable shoes to ‘walk the walls’.

Those looking for an extended stay will be greatly rewarded with more time to take in the beautiful and varied scenery of the Island, almost half of which has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, along with the entire Island being a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From unique treetop accommodations to relaxing seaside cottages, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from that are never more than a relaxed, scenic hour’s drive from any attraction. Best of all, when accommodation is booked through Red Funnel’s website holidaymakers can save 25% on their ferry travel. Feature offers available via Red Funnel Holidays include:

• Into The Woods, Lower Westwood
• Tapnell Farm, Yarmouth
• Nonsuch Cottage, Bembridge
• Tiny Homes Holidays, Cowes

Many accommodation and half-term activity venues, including the ‘Spirit of the Orient’, are also suitable for dogs, meaning furry friends needn’t be left at home and can join in on the 57 miles of coastline and over 200 miles of cycling routes that are perfect for dogs and people alike.

Tickets for all events can be purchased at any Red Funnel ticket office, by phone at 02380 019192, or online at www.redfunnel.co.uk/events.

-ends-

For further information regarding Red Funnel, please contact:

Enya Lumley or Abi Rumney at McKenna Townsend

T: 01425 472330
E: [email protected]

Editor’s note

About Red Funnel

Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry company with roots tracing back to 1820. Based in the UK port of Southampton, Red Funnel carries 2.3m passengers and over 800,000 vehicles on its ferry route between the UK port of Southampton and East Cowes and 1.1m passengers between Southampton and West Cowes on its Red Jet Hi-Speed service.  In addition to ferry travel, Red Funnel is the only cross-Solent operator to offer ferry inclusive bonded holiday accommodation, attraction tickets, festival and event tickets and activity packages. Sub-brands include ‘Red Jet’ (the Hi-Speed passenger only ferry service serving West Cowes) and two food & beverage brands, ‘Steam Coffee Company’ and ‘ReFuel’.  The Company is a founder member of Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, the Island’s not for profit destination management organisation and Red Funnel sponsors or supports most of the Island’s premier events including the IW Festival, Cowes Week, Rhythm Tree, The Great Wonderfest, Wight Proms, Cowes Classics, and Walk the Wight as well as a range of community and niche interest events. Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year, 2020 is Isle of Wight Independent Lifeboats.

For more information visit: www.redfunnel.co.uk