Summer days out on the Isle of Wight

School’s out for summer – well almost – and with the holidays fast approaching, parents will be searching for ways to keep the kids busy.

Fun-seeking families need look no further than the idyllic Isle of Wight which offers exciting days out for kids of all ages. Busy parents can save themselves the hassle of researching child-friendly attractions on the island as Wightlink has done the leg-work for them, selecting five great-value family days out. With prices starting from just £46.50 for a family of four, including return ferry travel and entry to the attraction/event, parents can entertain their children this summer without breaking the bank.
 
1. Become a Junior Falconer: 27 July, 3, 24 & 31 August

With excitement reaching fever pitch over the upcoming release of the final instalment of the Harry Potter film series, kids looking to develop their wizarding skills should take a trip to Isle of Wight Owl & Falconry Centre and enjoy a thrilling one-day course learning to fly an owl or a hawk. Following an introductory talk and demonstration, Junior Falconers will learn the theory and skills behind bird handling, before getting a chance to fly two trained birds. Become a Junior Falconer costs £25 per child (advance booking essential) and can be combined with the Wightlink Owl & Falconry Day Out offer, which costs just £45 for a family of four including day return car ferry travel and entry to the Owl & Falconry Centre. Junior Falconers must be aged 7-16 years and accompanied by an adult (free of charge). Total price for a family of four (including two Junior Falconers): £95.

2. Let off some steam with Thomas and friends: 23-26 July

Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine can enjoy a day out at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway this July, when the legendary steam train returns to the island for his annual holiday. Kids can take a ride aboard a steam train, meet Thomas and friends and watch Punch and Judy shows before letting off some steam on the bouncy castles and roundabout rides. Travel on foot from Portsmouth on the Wightlink catamaran, take a short electric train journey to Smallbrook Junction where a steam train waits to take passengers to meet Thomas. The special deal from the mainland costs £24.70 for adults and £12.30 for children (5-15 years) – or £74 for a family of four.

3. Meet the Carisbrooke Castle donkeys: 1–31 August

Kids can get up close and personal with Carisbrooke Castle’s furry friends on a visit to this 11th-century Saxon fortress, most famous as a royal prison to Charles I. Children who help the donkeys find all their carrots on the Donkey Quest and Carrot Trail will receive a prize. Kids will enjoy meeting donkeys like JimBob and Jigsaw, but will also return to school in the autumn with new history tales to wow their classmates! Using a Wightlink Days Out ticket, this adventure on the Isle of Wight costs just £46.50 for a family of four including day return car ferry travel and entry to Carisbrooke Castle.

4. Follow in dinosaur footsteps with a Fossil Walk: Selected days in July and August

Forget Jurassic Park and head to the Isle of Wight – Europe’s most important site for dinosaur remains! A day out at Dinosaur Isle will keep dinosaur-lovers of all ages entertained. In addition to animatronic dinosaurs, a working laboratory and life sized fleshed re-constructions, the interactive museum goes that extra mile by offering regular beach Fossil Walks. Parents looking to give their kids a memorable prehistoric day out should act fast and snap up a place on one of these in-demand excursions (booking essential). A Wightlink Days Out ticket to Dinosaur Isle, including entry and car ferry crossings costs £43.50 for a family of four. Fossil Walks are priced at £14. Total price for a family of four: £57.50.

5. Have a swashbuckling day out at Carisbrooke Castle: 2-4 August

Kids who fancy themselves as the new Jack Sparrow will love taking part in Carisbrooke Castle’s Time Travellers Go…Seafaring event. On this pirate extravaganza, kids will learn the ropes of 19th-century seafaring, trying their hand at nautical activities including sailing their own ship during a mock sea battle, practicing the art of knot tying and crafting their own navigational device to take home and show their friends. Taking place on 2-4 August, a family of four can get there using a Wightlink attraction and travel-inclusive days out ticket for £46.50 including ferry crossings from Portsmouth or Lymington. An additional £1 is charged for every child joining in the activities. Total price for a family of four (including activities for two children): £48.50.

For more information, visit: wightlink.co.uk

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