For those looking for inspiration for what to do for the upcoming May Bank Holiday weekend, the Isle of Wight has plenty to offer families, friends and couples. With special events taking place and lots of activities to get involved in, the Isle of Wight is perfect for a short weekend break or even a day visit to the Island. With Wightlink, passengers can travel to the Island in just 22 minutes as foot passengers and in 40 minutes on the car ferry, making it perfect for those wanting a day trip.

For the early May Bank Holiday weekend, Wightlink has recommended some of the top activities on the Isle of Wight.

All Along The Riverbank

On Bank Holiday Monday (6th May 2019), an outdoor arts and countryside festival is taking place, with the opportunity to celebrate the great outdoors and discover more about the environment. The event is held alongside a stretch of the River Yar between Sandown and Newchurch. Visitors can choose to walk, cycle or ride the two mile long trail at their own pace and enjoy the surroundings. A range of partners are involved, including local and environmental organisations and there will be plenty of fun activities and the opportunity to learn along the route. The event is free and visitors can find out more at:  http://www.thenewcarnivalcompany.com/projects/all-along-the-riverbank/

The Isle of Wight Challenge

Taking place from 4th – 5th May, the Isle of Wight Challenge is now an annual walking event, with beautiful scenery, white cliffs, beaches and coastal paths to test those taking part. Suitable for keen walkers, marathon runners or even first timers, visitors can choose to take part in the full challenge, quarter or half challenges and discover the Island on foot. For more information visit: www.isleofwightchallenge.com.

May the Fourth Be With You

For a day of sci-fi themed fun, visitors can head to Tapnell Farm Park and celebrate this well recognised day. From Close Combat Galactic training to designing a space robot, there's plenty for children and parents to get involved in, whether they are a Star Wars super-fan or not. Tickets are £9.50 for adults and £11.50 for children. Find out more at: https://tapnellfarmpark.com/events/may-the-fourth-be-with-you

The Isle of Wight Real Ale Festival

2019 marks the 14th annual Isle of Wight Real Ale festival at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere at Havenstreet Station whilst enjoying their favourite drink and watching the trains pass by. Beers for the festival are sourced from all over the country, as well as beers brewed on the Island itself. There will also be a range of food available and admission to the festival is free, and is open from 4th – 6th May. Find out more at: https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/the-14th-annual-isle-of-wight-real-ale-festival-p1413491

Sailing at Yarmouth Sailing Club

For those wanting to try out sailing, the Yarmouth Sailing Club will be open on 4th May to welcome potential members and allow them to discover the facilities. There will be some club dinghies on the water with experienced helms, allowing those interested to get a feel for sailing on the river. Admission is free and visitors can find out more at: https://www.yarmouthsailingclub.org.uk/

With plenty to see and do over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend, visitors have the chance to take part in a range of activities across the Island and enjoy the long weekend. Wightlink provides a seamless way to travel to the Isle of Wight, with fares starting from £24.40 return as a foot passenger (based on travelling on 4th May 2019) or from £77.75 by car ferry. To find out more and book, visit www.wightlink.co.uk.

ENDS

Wightlink

Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator carrying almost 4.5 million holidaymakers and Islanders across the Solent to the Isle of Wight every year. Eight ferries on three routes complete over 45,000 sailings a year, giving Islanders an easy and frequent service to mainland Hampshire, and tourists an accessible way to enjoy a taste of Island life.

With seamless train connections to Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington directly to the Wightlink terminals, getting to the Isle of Wight could not be easier. Passengers can step off the train from London, hop on a Wightlink catamaran and be on the Island from just 22 minutes, while the car ferries take around 40 minutes from Portsmouth and Lymington. On board, passengers and drivers alike can relax in the lounges and enjoy some refreshments before arriving on the Island to enjoy the range of attractions, events and experiences that make the Isle of Wight a leading destination for tourists.

More Routes, More Ferries, More Often

Drive Less See More – www.wightlink.co.uk/dls

For more information about Wightlink Ferries, please contact:

Belinda Hallworth           020 7680 7114               belinda.hallworth@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Radhika Sharma            020 7680 7118               radhika.sharma@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Claire Nelson                 020 7680 7116               claire.nelson@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Jo Kenworthy                020 7680 7125               jo.kenworthy@flagshipconsulting.co.uk