Isle of Wight ferries.

johndailey
johndailey Forum Participant Posts: 520
100 Comments
edited January 2018 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

I have been browsing the web for information regarding taking the caravan over to the I.O.W. Can anyone please advise me of the ferry company that they have/would use? Also from where? Southampton, Lymington or Portsmouth?

Thank you.

Comments

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited January 2018 #2

    We tend to use Wight link from either Portmouth or Lymingtonas they take Tesco club card vouchers which are worth  three times their value when used against the fare

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,868 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #3

    John

    Have you seen this thread? I am not a regular traveller to the IOW with the caravan or motorhome, probably twice in the last 25/30 years. The first time with the caravan and the second a few years ago with the motorhome. Both times we used Red Funnel. The first time we booked the site and the crossing together and the second time I booked Southlands and then booked the ferry via the Club at a good price. When I last checked WightLink with Tesco Club Card points I thought it was very expensive so kept my points for Eurotunnel. It's always a good idea to check with the Club as they usually have offers on both carriers. I was born in Southampton so all of the crossings I have made to the IOW have been on Red Funnel. I can't offer any advice on WightLink but Red Funnel terminal in Southampton is easy enough to get to although the parking lanes are a bit tight. Sometimes you might get on an earlier crossing but if it is busy they may turn you away and parking in the immediate area is not so easy.

    David

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #4

    I think the port used depends on your arrival direction. Lymington is handy if coming in from the west which is why we use it. However the roads can be very busy at peak times so allow plenty of time. Wightlink have offers but it is a pricey crossing, early and late are the cheapest.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,151 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #5

    John, we've used all 3 routes over the years and I guess the closest port to home wins as there's little else to choose between them. Our trip last May was by Wight Link on the Lymington-Yarmouth route.

    Prices on all routes vary greatly so I would look at their fare tables and try a few sample dates and times bearing in mind any arrival/departure times stipulated by your chosen site. Booking well ahead tends to be cheaper. 

  • johndailey
    johndailey Forum Participant Posts: 520
    100 Comments
    edited January 2018 #6

    Thanks to all for the very useful, helpful response. I will be travelling from the West so Southampton will probably be the one to use though it will be decided upon after the finances are investigated.

  • Grant705
    Grant705 Forum Participant Posts: 164
    edited January 2018 #7

    John, if you are going to go by ferry why not try France instead?

  • anothersunrise
    anothersunrise Forum Participant Posts: 264
    edited January 2018 #8

    I would recommend doing a price comparison with RedFunnel before you exchange your Tesco Voucher. Wight Link can be twice as much to start with. 

  • johndailey
    johndailey Forum Participant Posts: 520
    100 Comments
    edited January 2018 #9

    David, thanks for that. Shows how observant I am (not)! The thread could not have been any closer!

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,151 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #10

    Do French ferries stop off at the IoW en route? Come off it. wink

    Reckon you're bored today. 

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