Isle of wight info please

Corona
Corona Forum Participant Posts: 45
edited September 2017 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

I am thinking of having a week on the isle of Wight in June next year, which is a first for me.

I would be grateful of any tips and ideas please on ferries from where/to, I have a 7.4 Mt Van does that present any length issues and maybe some ferries do not take caravans. Being retired I can travel any time. I notice that Wightlink accept the Tesco vouchers which will dramatically reduce the cost. Prices seem to be much cheaper early morning or later at night. Is there somewhere to park up on the island or even overnight park.

Any comments much appreciated.

 

Comments

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,868 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited September 2017 #2

    We like the IOW. One thing I would suggest is to check when any of the festivals are being staged and try to avoid those times as they put a lot of pressure on the ferries. Have you thought about using Red Funnel from Southampton? Depending on what site you are staying they often have deals which reduce the ferry price. If you are using Southlands the Club might well be able to give you a good price on the ferry for the same reason. Whenever I have checked the Wightlink ferries seem to be so much more expensive that Red Funnel. The journey down through Southampton Water is quite interesting.

    David

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,152 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited September 2017 #3

    I've not found much difference in ferry prices between the two companies but the time and day does make a difference. 

    The IoW doesn't lend itself to parking a caravan and certainly not overnight. Use a site for an overnight stop. The club site, Southlands, is very reasonable if the reduced pitch fee offer is still running.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #4

    We travel to the I O W most years as my Brother live there,and we use Tesco vouchers on Wight Link and always use Southland site (before it was bought by the cc,)and stay for a couple of days at Black Knowl out and back via Lymington ,there would not be a problem there would not be a problem with your motor caravan as there are nearly always artics on the ferries,as for somewhere to stop if  useing an early ferry,it may be difficult,There is a big Tesco at Ryde with a large car park

  • anothersunrise
    anothersunrise Forum Participant Posts: 264
    edited September 2017 #5

    Even when using Tesco vouchers, you may find Wigthlink is still a lot more expensive that Red funnel. 

    We always have a few that stop overnight on the Tesco carpark, but if you are going to be staying at Southlands, that is a bit out of your way. 

  • anothersunrise
    anothersunrise Forum Participant Posts: 264
    edited September 2017 #6

    Your brother should get some discount codes for Red funnel. 

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,868 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited September 2017 #7

    I seem to recall that when we went and I did investigate using Tesco vouchers for Wight Link it did seem expensive compared to the £89 I spent on the Red Funnel return. I prefered to keep the Tesco vouchers for Eurotunnel anyway. Our last trip was 5 years ago so many things may have changed since then.

    David

  • anothersunrise
    anothersunrise Forum Participant Posts: 264
    edited September 2017 #8

    Sadly David they haven't.   Our outfit is 7.3 van and 5.3 car. Wightlink usually comes out at around £236 that's using an early morning ferry out and early evening return. Red funnel is on average £104-115.  Both of these companies are owned by investment companies. Wightlink make around 60% profit annually says it all really  

    That's the joy of living on the IW..beautiful as it is  

     

  • NickyKnix
    NickyKnix Forum Participant Posts: 70
    edited September 2017 #9

    Hi there Corona and others,

    We do offer a deal for Members when they book the ferry and Southland site at the same time.  This offer is valid if you are travelling on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and staying on site for 4 nights.

    Unfortunately there is not a mid-week discount for Southland but our Travel Team will be able to help you with all price differences when booking with The Club.

    The prices for staying at Southland have been frozen so no increase since last year.

    Depending on the time of year you travel, stays at Southland are from £17 per night with 2 adults.

    Please feel free to call one of our Travel agents on 01342 316101 and they will be more than happy to run through your options.

  • anothersunrise
    anothersunrise Forum Participant Posts: 264
    edited September 2017 #10

    I live on the IW and use Southlands,very nice site it is too. We used to use it before it was taken over by c&mc as well.  I'm just hoping it doesn't get covered in hard standings. 

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #11

    If you use the Lymington/Yarmouth ferry there is a car park close to the ferry in Yarmouth, this is for visitors to the town, sea front and local walks. We have used it with our M/H, presuming no barriers have been added since our visits it should be OK. Check it out on street view for directions, it is in view of the ferry area. 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,152 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited September 2017 #12

    We used that car park in May this year with the MH. No height barrier then and plenty of room. There are probably restrictions on overnight parking though.