Tips on IOW

Navimoye
Navimoye Forum Participant Posts: 8
edited December 2017 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

 We have booked a seasonal pitch at Southlands for 2018 and would like to hear about best ferry/Southland site/ IOW   I was last on the IOW 55years ago so things will be no doubt different. We have a 7.9 mtr caravan awning/ dogs / and on previous seasonal booking mostly stayed 2/3 week a time before home visits , we live in Northampton so will no doubt do the same again

Any tips ?

Comments

  • m0rrisman
    m0rrisman Forum Participant Posts: 75
    First Comment
    edited December 2017 #2

    Portsmouth or Southampton. Which ever is the cheepest allthough I think Portsmouth is easyer to get to but 20 miles further Fishbourne is closer to Southlands than Cowes

     

     

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #3

    Quite a few on here use one of the New Forest sites for a stop over (or longer) and take the Lymington ferry to Yarmouth. The problem with the ferries is the pricing, cheaper very early and late, not so convenient for caravan users so look out for special offers and packages. Motorhomers can park up easily and wait for sites to open.

    edit, sorry I didn't read the seasonal bit, so your van will make one journey and you will be going frequently with your car. Have a look at Wightlink for their various offers. see here

    If you prefer Red Funnel they'll have offers too. Depends which port is easier for you.

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

    As you have a seasonal pitch ,it will mean you have access to he site via your own barrier key? the cheapest way of useing the ferrys is on the late evening very early morning sailings,so access to the site should not be a problemwink

  • Back2Sorento
    Back2Sorento Forum Participant Posts: 75
    edited December 2017 #5

    When we were travelling IoW for Southlands we found Fishbourne shortest drive to site , but , tbh Cowes is an easy trip.  Cheapest journeys we found were weekday  off peak travel ! Ferry prices are fairly equal whichever route you choose . You will find some special offers available . Often we found booking through the Club to have benefit with the caravan behind. 

    Kenn

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,151 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #6

    We've used Portsmouth - Fishbourne with a caravan, Lymington - Yarmouth with a MH, and Southampton - Cowes with a car. None of them are that far from Southlands but, possibly, Cowes is more congested to pick your way through.

    I'd go for whichever port is easiest to reach from your home, Navimoye.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2017 #7

    When we travel to Southlands with the c/van on the back(brother lives on IOW)we tend to do Black Knowl for a couple of day and go via Lymington easier access to ferry than Portsmouth,although new treminal should be ready by 2018 with two deck ramps for loading,also we use Tesco Vouchers which give three times the value for the fares on Wight Link

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,868 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #8

    I would suggest from Northampton using the A34 rather than the M1/M23/M3 might not be any quicker but usually a more relaxed drive and takes you direct to the three ports. I have only used the Southampton-Cowes route (born in Southampton) as I always like the trip down Southampton Water but it is a longer crossing. Might be worth looking at Festival dates when travelling as the crossings can be very busy.

    David

  • anothersunrise
    anothersunrise Forum Participant Posts: 264
    edited December 2017 #9

    As you will visiting the Island often and if you use Red Funnel then it might be worth joining their rewards scheme too.  They quite often send out discount codes to those that use their ferries too.  

    Recommend you sigh up to the priceiswight web site, they give lots of discounts for eating out on the Island. Including the Garlic farm. 

  • catherinef
    catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
    edited December 2017 #10

     I've just booked us for a week in early July for Southlands on a Serviced Pitch.  Is there a discount code CC members can use to get a discount?

  • Navimoye
    Navimoye Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited December 2017 #11

    I think it might be bet to contact the club for a discount on the trip over when the date is known 

  • Navimoye
    Navimoye Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited January 2018 #12

    Thanks

  • magnet
    magnet Forum Participant Posts: 157
    edited January 2018 #13

    i would not use Lymington to Yarmouth as you would have to go though Newport i would use Southampton to cowes or portmouth to fishbourne. i think the Portsmouth one is best but that only because i then use the m25/ a3 from kent nice and quick

  • anothersunrise
    anothersunrise Forum Participant Posts: 264
    edited January 2018 #14

    Using the Southampton to ECowes route will give you a reasonably straight run to the site. Especially on your first trip, to set up your van.  You will avoid any towns once on the island that way. 

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