Holidays 2025: Top tips on how to make the most of a winter trip to the Isle of Wight – book now and save 30%

Visitors to this popular summer destination are treated to an altogether different island when they take a trip during winter. The winter light, the unspoiled beaches, fantastic forests and countryside and wealth of fabulous places to stay, eat and drink all contribute to make it a trip to remember.

Because the months are traditionally quieter, visitors can find themselves enjoying many of the island’s famous highlights, without the crowds.

You could have an unspoiled beach to yourself, find yourself alone with your thoughts to recharge or relax in the spa or sauna, getting that coveted seat beside a roaring fire in a cosy pub, or cycling over the hills and far away without battling the traffic.

Not only that, but you’ll save money on short breaks and longer holidays, by booking early.

Book in January to save 30%

Wightlink, the Isle of Wight ferry company, has a Blue Monday sale to help you make the most of this underrated season. It is offering 30 per cent off short stays and long breaks with a vehicle (valid for travel between Jan 20, 2025 and March 31, 2025 when booked by January 31, 2025)*.

For more leisure time inspiration read on and for details of routes, timetables, bookings and more, visit the website here.

Get active

Whether it’s walking, cycling, running, surfing or hitting the gym there are so many ways to get active on two legs, two wheels or a waxed board! Winter surf is superb on the Isle of Wight, and with so many great cycle routes and fewer cars on the road than in the summer, it’s ideal for getting in some winter cycle training. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a serious sportsperson or just want to get into the fresh air and blow the cobwebs away, you’ll find lots of lovely places to be outdoors. And of course, fresh air and exercise is a great boost for your mental health!

Get more inspiration for beating the January blues here

Head to the beach

You might not be sunbathing, but the Isle of Wight’s famous unspoiled sandy beaches are a joy to explore in the winter. Wrap up warm and get out there. With dogs allowed on all the beaches in the winter months there is nowhere you can’t walk with all the family, including your four-legged friend. Stunning winter light, seabirds, sunsets and surf make it a photographer’s dream, whether you’re a pro or snapping for your socials.

Check out more on the beach blog here

Relax, rest and recharge

Whether a massage or beauty treatment, a spa day, a long lie-in in a comfortable hotel bed, or reading a book curled up in a cosy corner beside a roaring fire is your idea of relaxation, then a winter holiday is definitely for you! There are lots of ways to pamper yourself and recharge your batteries.

Food, glorious food

It’s British Pie Week early in March (starting 3 March 2025), but let’s face it, any time in winter is a good time for pie! And you’ll find plenty of options on the menus here. And with Shrove Tuesday in February, you won’t want to miss out on pancakes – whether they’re served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If a traditional afternoon tea is your thing – or you’re looking for Mothers’ Day treat inspiration – then there are lots of gorgeous cafes, bakeries and restaurants which will satisfy any desire for delicate sandwiches and cakes galore! Being by the sea, makes it ideal for seafood and fish dishes, and if you’re not a meat eater you’ll find plenty of vegan options when you’re eating out – and not just during Vegan-uary.

Family fun time

Known as ‘Dinosaur Island’, the Isle of Wight has the richest source of dinosaur remains in Europe. If you want to find fossils then head for Compton Bay, where over 20 different species of dinosaur have already been discovered. Here you’ll also find the giant dinosaur footprints that you can stand on. These three-toed footcasts, that measure 1-2 feet across, are a must-see that will impress the whole family. It’s a great place, and great time, for family adventures. You could be enjoying a quieter visit to the zoo, beachcombing for treasure, learning about nature and wildlife, spotting seabirds, or just enjoying the simple pleasures of getting your wellies on for a forest stroll.

Romantic getaways

Love is in the air, especially in February for St Valentine’s Day. But whether it’s a specific date or event in your calendar of love, or you just want to treat that special person in your life, a winter getaway can be truly romantic. Roaring fires, candlelit dinners, wrapping up warm for a blustery beach walk, mooching about together with no particular place to go, sharing a hot chocolate and cake in a café – just finding time for each other, says ‘I love you’ so much more than anything else.

For details of routes, timetables, bookings and more leisure time inspiration visit the website here.