Touring and camping holidays on the Isle of Wight

I've stayed in caravans, chalets, holiday cottages and hotels on the Isle of Wight. I've even on occasions spent cold, chilly and uncomfortable nights on friends' settees. But one thing I haven't done - yet - is take a tent and spend a cheap but fulfilling weekend or few days under the stars amongst the elements.

To be honest it's a very long time since I've pitched a tent anywhere. But if camping is your thing, the Isle of Wight offers many options to enable you to get away from the noise and the pollution of the city and spend some time breathing clear air in the unspoiled countryside of this wonderful little island.

The most obvious of these options is probably Park Resorts. They have 22 coastal parks around the country, including on the Island, and prices start at just £24 per night.

What is really attractive about this is that campers have the same use of the site facilities as those staying in the caravans or the holiday homes. At Thorness Bay, where we usually stay at least once a year, we see the tent dwellers at the Regatta Bar enjoying the singing, dancing and entertainment and then during the day time one meets them at the swimming pool, or eating and drinking at the plush new restaurant/bar. The large and expanding camping pitch on the site has all the usual facilities, and I've witnessed a real community spirit developing amongst the growing number of "regulars" who return each year.

If you don't have a tent of your own it's no problem. Park Resorts hire out their own three-bedroom, ready-to-use tents at Nodes Point, nr. Ryde, from just £59 per break.

For more information about camping at Park Resorts, please just click here and see for yourself what is available for you.

Best Time To Visit The Isle Of Wight

by Robert Palmer

The best time to visit the Isle of Wight depends on what you like to do and what kind of person you are. In other words, there is a huge array of options for festivals and other experiences. There is also a lot of difference in climate from one season to the other, and that can settle an argument about the best time to visit very quickly. If you like the hotter climates and the idea of going to the beach and doing a lot of outdoor activities, the summer on the Isle of Wight is definitely for you. That's a great time for sun worshippers to go there and enjoy everything that the Isle has to offer, no matter what kinds of activities they like to enjoy. There are hikes, gardens, and camping that can be enjoyed, and there is always the beach and the beauty of the coastline.

There are also festivals and great places to eat, as well as beautiful options for places to stay. In the summer, though, the Isle is busier, rates are higher, and there are more tourists. If those types of things aren't for you, it might be better for you to visit in the winter. There is less to do outside during that time when it comes to things like enjoying the beach, but there is still plenty to enjoy. A lot of people like the rugged beauty of the wintertime coastline and the storms that blow through. They enjoy the bracing weather because they prefer to stay curled up inside near a fire with something warm to drink. Some people also like to go outside in that type of weather and see the sights, and there are fewer people there because it's the off season.

In addition to avoiding the crowds you can also get cheaper rates regarding places to stay (and sometimes places to eat and other attractions) during the winter time. The people who own and manage hotels, cottages, and campsites know that there aren't as many people during the off season and that they will have a lot of competition so they lower their prices to get people to come in and stay with them. Especially when you book in advance you can get some great winter deals on the Isle of Wight. Booking in advance can also help you to get better deals in the summer, as well, if you're set on coming to the Isle of Wight during that time.


This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Melville Hall who are a Sandown Hotel based on the Isle of Wight. It is reproduced with acknowledgements to Article Alley.