Dog-friendly, foodie delights and stunning scenery – the Isle of Wight is a perfect springtime destination
Is there a more enchanting place than the Isle of Wight at this time of year? It’s a pocket of tranquillity just waiting to be discovered this springtime.
The Isle of Wight can be what you want it to be, whether you want to enjoy culture, food and drink, or explore beaches.
Or simply stroll and enjoy the perfume of spring flowers and admire green-flecked trees as they stretch and ease into new growth.
Whatever your plan, Wightlink can get you to the island from Portsmouth simply and surely - helping you to enjoy the lighter days and warmer weather with contented hearts.
Some of these experiences are a ferry-hop away!
1 - Dog-friendly
It’s only natural to want to be with your loved ones on a breakaway trip to the island. For many of us, those loved ones have four legs and a wagging indication of happiness.
Dogs travel free with Wightlink – and in good weather they can sniff around on the deck, with their well-behaved servants (the humans). If the weather isn’t sniff-worthy there are dedicated pet areas inside the ferry. Once on the island, there are some year-round dog-friendly beaches; and many attractions welcome dogs, not forgetting beer gardens!
2 – Walking, cycling and beaches
There are over 500 miles of footpaths to explore on the island. There’s even a walking festival twice a year! You may simply want to saunter and amble where your heart and mind takes you. If you prefer pedal-power then there are 200-miles of cycle routes.
And if you have the doggie, there’s even a Dinosaur Dog Walk you can enjoy together. It’s a low tide beach walk in one of Europe’s most important pre-historic sites.
3 – Gardens and families
The Blackgang Chine is the UK’s oldest theme park and has thrills and spills a-plenty for youngsters. Or they can get up close to wallabies, goats, sheep, pigs, and meerkats at Tapnell Farm Park.
If gardens are your thing, then enjoy the beauty of Ventnor Botanic Garden. It is in a lovely spot on the island, with amazing views; yet just as stunning are its 30,000 rare and subtropical plants. And who knew that many of those plants can thrive because of a sub-climate similar to the Mediterranean.
4 - Drink local, eat local
That same climate means that the island is a local feast of food and drink. Seafood is as fresh as can be, straight from the boats; and wonderful growing conditions creates the tastiest of organic fruit and vegetables.
You can enjoy the island’s natural harvest by visiting any of the amazing restaurants and pubs - or simply buy in shops and markets and serve up your own feast in one of the many self-catering options on the island.
5 - The home of royalty, and arts and crafts
The Isle of Wight has attracted the great and the good over the centuries. You can enjoy a fascinating and inspiring arts and crafts scene, by visiting galleries, studies and workshops. And perhaps in May 2025, the immersive Isle of Wight Open Studios event could be right up your street.
Or maybe an insight into the life of one of the world’s most famous monarchs could be your thing. Take in a tour of the former home of Queen Victoria and her family at Osborne. You can even visit their private beach.
Find out how to book your spring staycation at Wightlink
There is so much to enjoy on the Isle of Wight. Whatever you want from the island, Wightlink can take you to the perfect staycation this springtime.
Find out more, and book today at wightlink.co.uk