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#VisitIsleofWight
THE ISLE OF WIGHT
The Isle of Wight has long been a popular holiday destination. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert chose it for their holiday hideaway and built Osborne for their family to enjoy. Now open to all, you can visit the palace, grounds and even step inside Queen Victoria’s private bathing machine. Today the Isle of Wight is still recognised as a fantastic place to get away to – small enough to get around and large enough to provide respite from the hustle and bustle of mainland life. The natural beauty of the Island along with its quirky, characterfilled pubs, seaside resorts, picturesque villages, bustling towns and diverse range of attractions make it a fabulous destination any time of the year.
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YOUR LINK TO NEW ADVENTURES
We love that the Isle of Wight gives you the feeling of getting away from it all, without actually having to go that far. It’s a place where you can be as active as you want or do as little as you like.And, although it feels a million miles away, Wightlink can get you there in no time.With ferry crossing times from just 22 minutes, you can easily make the most of everything the Island has to offer – great beaches, award-winning restaurants and a packed calendar of festivals and events.
If there’s one thing the Isle of Wight isn’t short of, it’s beaches. From long sandy ones to secluded coves, discovering your favourite spot is all part of the charm.Love being active? The Island’s epic spaces are yours for the taking. From easy-to-navigate cycle routes to off-roading; if the hills don’t take your breath away, the views definitely will. Try a spot of kayaking to explore the Island’s craggy coastlines or spend the afternoon discovering the thrill of tree climbing.If it’s mouth-watering moments you’re after, the Isle of Wight is sure to please. The Island’s food scene has exploded in recent years - you’re rarely ten minutes from somewhere selling fabulous food. From fine dining amongst breath-taking scenery, to enjoying fish and chips on the beach; your next tasty moment is closer than you think.For pure relaxation there are plenty of indulgent spa hotels, grown-up hideaways and wellness retreats to help you reconnect with your mind, body and spirit.There’s a whole Island waiting to be discovered when you’re ready. Wightlink is ready to take you there from one of our three ports in Hampshire.
DISCOVER A PLACE OF UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE AND OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY AT THE NEEDLES LANDMARK ATTRACTION.
Experience our spectacular chairlift ride to the beach and catch a bird’s eye view of the multi-coloured sand cliffs of Alum Bay and the stunning turquoise waters beyond. Take things easy on the beach or delight in one of the UK’s most picturesque open top bus rides. For a dramatic trip around The Needles rocks and lighthouse, take the pleasure boat or fast rib from the jetty with panoramic views of the Alum Bay sand cliffs and iconic chairlift.Queen Victoria was mesmerised by the 21 sandstone shades of Alum Bays cliffs during a royal visit more than 180 years ago. Now you can follow in her footsteps by filling a glass or plastic shape in our very own ‘Sand Shop’.You’ll also find the world-famous Marconi Monument here at The Needles, which marks the precise location where Guglielmo Marconi, Italian inventor and electrical engineer, undertook his pioneering work at the end of the 19th century, which led to the very first radio transmission and all telecommunications as we know it today.Celebrating more than 40 years of heritage at Alum Bay Glass, you can now buy a piece of this great value handmade glassware from our retail outlet and also watch the craftsmanship during one of our many daily demonstrations.Watch in awe and wonder as our creative confectioners make sweets in front of your very eyes that you’ll find nowhere else during our daily demonstrations at our Sweet Manufactory and then get to sample the results with over 30 flavours to choose from!
Discover our latest retail experience ‘Taste of The Wight’ which offers IW produce, from authentic and locally produced food and drink to arts and crafts from accross the Island. If retail is one of your delights in life why not visit our Pier Head Shopping Emporium, a charmingly atmospheric reminder of the Victorian age, offering a wide range of quality gifts, souvenirs and memorabilia to take home with you.With a selection of handmade snacks, refreshments and delicious meals, grab a bite to eat in one of our many family friendly catering outlets or at various kiosks throughout the site. Our Marconi’s Bar and Restaurant are great locations for cold beers and alcoholic beverages and also offer plentiful outdoor patio seating, you can dine al fresco and enjoy the atmosphere of Festival Street.Discover our latest edition for 2018, our new ‘Sega Active Zone’ as well as our newly refurbished Jurassic Adventure Golf Course. Return to the Lost World is our latest dramatic Jurassic adventure showing on our 4D cinema. As if that wasn’t enough to entertain the children we also have our Vintage Cars, Traditional Italian Carousel, Tea Cup Ride and Water Walkerz.The Needles Landmark Attraction also offers special free events. Every Thursday throughout August we are open late for our Music & Magic in the Skies Special Free Events. Non-stop party of games, live music and street entertainment, with a spectacular pyrotechnic firework finale* lighting up the skies above The Needles.
*Weather permitting and for further information please visit the website.
VISITOR INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THE REGION
THE SOUTHAMPTON GUIDE
Discover the Reasons to #VisitSouthampton at www.visit-southampton. com with itineraries, reviews, news and events. Plus download a copy of The Southampton Pocket Guide, the official guide to the city with attractions to visit, places to eat and drink, discount vouchers, visitor map and events.
WINCHESTER VISITOR GUIDE
The Winchester Visitor Guide 2018 is packed full of all of the information you’ll need to help plan your time in Winchester, whether that’s a day or a week. With maps, places to eat, accommodation options, things to do and special events, there is plenty happening in the Winchester District and the Winchester Visitor Guide can tell you all.
WINCHESTER VISITOR MAP
Ideas on places to visit, walking trails and places to eat in and around Winchester including a city map, area map and special offers. Pick up your copy from the Winchester Tourist Information Centre.
For more details visit www.visitwinchester.co.uk
HAMPSHIRE MILITARY ATTRACTIONS
A guide to the historic sites and museums of the region with a map and money saving vouchers. www.hampshiremilitaryattractions.co.uk
HAMPSHIRE GARDENS GUIDE
Hampshire offers some of the most picturesque gardens you could ever hope to find. Radiating beauty throughout the year there is always something to see whichever season you’re visiting in. A guide to the gardens of hampshire when they are at their seasonal best and calendar of events. www.gardensinhampshire.co.uk
TEST VALLEY VISTOR GUIDE
Hampshire countryside at its most perfect with picturesque villages and breathtaking views. It’s a peaceful place where you can slow down and really unwind as you follow the River Test. Download the Test Valley Visitor Guide and Pocket Guide at www.testvalley.gov.uk/visitorguide
DISCOVER ISLAND HAPPINESS
The stunning Isle of Wight is the perfect choice for a day out or short break. Located just a few miles off the UK’s South Coast, the Island is easily accessed via Red Funnel’s 55-60 minute award-winning ferry crossing from SouthamptonAt just 23 miles long and 13 miles wide, it’s easy to get around the Island and you’ll be amazed at just how much there is to see and do in a small space. What’s more, the Island is one of the sunniest places in the UK, with over 50% of the Island designated as an “area of outstanding natural beauty.”Packed with endless attractions, the Island is a family friendly haven for fun and adventure. Discover a dinosaur museum, a fun-packed theme park, exotic wildlife attractions or a historic steam railway. Embark on a fossil hunting expedition, hit one of the many breath-taking beaches, have a race around a karting track, go surfing, hire a kayak, or explore one of the many cycling and walking trails – the list goes on and on. There really is something for all ages and interests. Medieval Carisbrooke Castle and Queen Victoria’s much loved Osborne House are the crown jewels in the list of historic attractions and are not to be missed. With so many incredible adventures waiting to be discovered the hardest part will be deciding what to do first.Admission tickets are available in advance from Red Funnel, with up to 25% off selected attractions. Red Funnel is the Isle of Wight specialist with over 156 years of experience and, as well as ferry travel and attraction tickets, also offers event tickets, plus accommodation via Red
RED FUNNEL
Funnel Holidays. Red Funnel’s fleet of vehicle ferries are the largest to serve the Solent, and their high-speed Red Jet fleet can take you to the Island in 25 min. Vehicle ferry day return fares start from £46 for a car and up to 7 people, whilst foot passenger returns start from £10. A trip on the vehicle ferry service offers superb views across Southampton Water and out to the Solent. When you’ve finished enjoying the view, sample a specialty coffee, choose from the tempting hot and cold food, or use the free Wi-Fi. Enjoy modern on board facilities including pet friendly lounges and sun deck. You can also upgrade to the Signature Lounge to really start your trip in style.
The Isle of Wight is also renowned for events and boasts a massive calendar packed with everything from Cowes Week, the oldest and largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world to the world famous Isle of Wight Festival, which has featured headliners including Jimmy Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Coldplay to name just a few. Foodies will love the Garlic Festival in August, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the beautiful countryside during CycleFest in September. You’ll also find a Walking Festival, Literary Festival, Comic Con event, Pride weekend, Running Festival and many more. No matter what your interests may be there is bound to be an event with your name on it.So what are you waiting for? Head across the water, leave your troubles behind, and discover your very own pure Island happiness with Red Funnel.
