Hovertravel Offers Late-Night Flights for August Bank Holiday Weekend
Extra evening services make it easier to enjoy a night out on the Isle of Wight and travel home late
Hovertravel is giving customers even more opportunity to enjoy an evening on the Isle of Wight this August Bank Holiday weekend, with additional late-night flights providing a convenient way to travel home to Portsmouth after dinner, drinks or an evening out.
The August Bank Holiday weekend runs from Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August 2026, with the bank holiday itself falling on Monday 31 August.
With late-night services operating during the weekend, customers can make the most of an evening in Ryde before returning to the mainland, with flights from Ryde running late into the night. The latest return service is scheduled for 23:45, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer before heading home.
Residents living in PO postcodes can also take advantage of Hovertravel’s HoverBlue fares, which offer discounted travel and make an evening trip to the Isle of Wight more affordable.
Ryde is particularly well suited to an evening visit, with a selection of restaurants within easy walking distance of the Ryde Hoverport.
For those looking for modern European dining, RT Café Grill, from award-winning chef Robert Thompson, offers seasonal modern European bistro cooking on the Ryde seafront, with views across the Solent. Its summer terrace and garden bar provide an additional option for an al fresco evening.
The Duck, situated on the edge of Ryde Canoe Lake, combines an elegant, relaxed atmosphere with changing menus inspired by local produce. It is just a few minutes from the hovercraft terminals and offers both lunch and dinner.
For lovers of Italian food, Ristorante Michelangelo offers authentic Italian cuisine including pasta, pizza, seafood, meat dishes and homemade desserts, alongside a selection of Italian wines. Located at the west end of Ryde, it is within walking distance of the hovercraft terminal and serves dinner until 10pm.
The weekend also coincides with the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally, which runs from Friday 28 to Monday 31 August and brings thousands of scooter enthusiasts to Ryde. The town will be particularly lively throughout the weekend, with a packed programme of live music and entertainment.
Pubs and venues across Ryde will be hosting live music and evening entertainment for the rally, including Ryde Pavilion, the Royal Esplanade Hotel and Rocket Ronnies. Acts performing over the weekend include The Specials Ltd, The Signatures, The Small Fakers and The Hornets, alongside Northern Soul, Ska and 2-Tone entertainment. The Royal Esplanade Hotel is hosting its Rhythm & Soul Weekender from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August, while The Signatures perform at Rocket Ronnies on Saturday 29 August and The Small Fakers appear there on Sunday 30 August.
Loretta Lale, Head of Marketing at Hovertravel, said: “Every year, the August Bank Holiday weekend is the opportunity to catch the latest flights of the year, so we want people to take advantage of them. Whether you are planning a special meal, meeting friends for drinks or simply want to experience Ryde after dark, there is no need to rush home.
“Being able to leave the Isle of Wight as late as 23:45 means you can enjoy a proper evening out and still be back in Portsmouth that night. With some fantastic restaurants just a short walk from our Ryde terminal, it is a great opportunity to enjoy a taste of Island nightlife without needing to book an overnight stay. And for our PO postcode customers, HoverBlue fares makes it even easier to make the most of an evening on the Island.”
The additional services are part of Hovertravel’s programme of late flights designed to give customers greater flexibility during the summer period. Customers are advised to check the latest timetable and book in advance.