Isle of Wight in a Campervan!

 

By amandabhslater - Flickr

The Isle of Wight is England's hidden gem.  Pretty beaches, quaint towns, flourishing groves and many an interesting attraction with a 1950's feel will leave you wishing you could spend longer on the wee 384km squared isle.  6ish kilometres off the southern coast of Hampshire, jump on the ferry with your Campervan at Southampton and head on over to this popular holiday destination. Slightly warmer than the rest of the UK, and occasionally compared to the Caribbean, it is the prefect spot for a short roadtrip with the family.

 Beach huts between Sandown and Shanklin 

By ronsaunders47 - Flickr 

Spend some time in Cowes before heading east through farmland to find quaint towns nestled beside the sea.  Stroll along beachfronts or let the kids run wild on sandy beaches or have a splash in the sea. The attractive village of Seaview  further along the coast will delight, and be sure to visit the ruins of St Helen's Old Church and have a cup of tea from your campervan at St Helens Dulver.  If it's low tide, you'll be able to access Priory Bay around the corner, which is absolutely lovely.  But hey, if it's not low tide yet, the great thing about a Camper is you can hang out in there until  it is low tide.  Set up the dining table and have a sandwich, or lay back and read your book.

From there, head south around the island, passing through woods and rocky cliffs to get to the viewpoint above Blackgang Chine.  From here you can see the chalk cliffs of Freshwater and walk up to St. Catherine's Oratory- "the Pepperpot".

Up the coast at Compton Bay, experience some intriguing ancient remains - Dinosaur footprints set in the clay.  The kids will be impressed, if not yourself. 

All the site-seeing and driving may be getting you tired.  Here are a few options (of many) where you can park up the Camper and rest your eyes for the night.

•  Grange Farm at Brighstone Bay.
• Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park at Bembridge
• Waverley Park Holiday Centre - Isle of Wight Holiday Parks
• The Orchards Holiday Park - Newbridge

Alum Bay - By bortescristian - Flickr

Continuing on with the journey... If you've taken your bikes with you, the Isle is a fantastic place to cycle. Cycle around a town, sighting the handsome buildings and regal churches or on some of the 200miles of cycle paths around the isle. Skim some rocks at Alum Bay, gaze at "The Needles" and perhaps go up the cliff in a chairlift to the small amusement park.  But don't neglect inland. 

 Parkhurst forest is a lovely place for a stroll and a picnic, remember to look out for the island's red squirrel. Newchurch is home to The Garlic Farm. This is a great place to stop for a bite to eat in the scrumptious cafe or take a ride around the farm in a tractor trailer.

The isle is small enough to explore the whole thing in your campervan but big enough to have a diverse range of sights and attractions.  Find a Campervan at Campervan Hire Sale Finder and have a lovely holiday on the Isle of Wight.

Wickham Easter Folk Festival

By www.ruffrootcreative.com

Easter Folk Festival this year is expected to be better than ever and, to add to it's charm, it has moved to the picturesque and historic village, Wickham. This year the festival will have two stages in the Wickham Community centre. Workshops will take place for music, dance and song in addition to dance displays, Crafts, informal music sessions and late night concerts with a bar every night.

Wickham is home to excellent pubs, restaurants and shops but the venue will have a delicious spread of food and drink to please all festival goers.

The festival is held from Thursday 5th April to Sunday 8th April (Easter Weekend) so get in quick to secure a camp site. Being Easter weekend, Campervans may sell out quick so don't dilly dally, book one online through Campervan Hire Sale Finder. Get yourself a festival ticket before they all run out!

There is space for Campervans in the car park directly behind the main venue. And ... there is no charge for people wishing to camp out at the festival! Sleep easy in a Campervan, knowing you'll stay dry, warm and safe in the wind.

V Festival Campervans

By dearbarbie - Flickr Commons

V Festival Tickets have sold out, but it's not too late to book your Campervans! Stay at the festival in the comfort of a Campervan. Don't worry about the rain, wind or any unpredictable weather, but sleep easy. In either Weston Park or Hylands Park, arrive at the festival and drive right on in, not worrying at all about carrying a tent and all your luggage.

The much anticipated music festival is held in August (18th & 19th), simultaneously in two locations in England - Hylands Park and Weston Park.

Ensure you've been sent a campervan pitch ticket and a parking pass for your campervan. This must be displayed on the rear view mirror of your campervan.

Once you've parked your luxurious weekend accommodation, take your party and hit up the tent to exchange your weekend camping tickets for wristbands.

Unfortunately your campervan won't be able to be plugged into power, but there are toilets showers and water points.

Call See Tickets on 0844 888 9991 to get yourself a campervan ticket for either park. But please note you must already have your weekend tickets and bring your own Campervan.