Red Funnel recognised by National Autistic Society for onboard changes
Red Funnel, the Isle of Wight ferry company, has been recognised by the National Autistic Society for the measures it has taken on board to provide an autism-friendly service across all its ships and terminals. Changes include offering options to embark and disembark the vessels in a quieter method to avoid crowds and help passengers stay calm and enjoy their time onboard. Families and carers can also book a familiarisation visit, allowing autistic passengers to experience the ship's surroundings before they consider booking their journey. Red Funnel's website includes a journey walkthrough for those travelling from afield. This allows people to
‘No Fuss Glamping’ at Tapnell Farm Park
Tapnell Farm Park are taking camping to a new level this summer with ‘no fuss glamping’. Unplug, unwind, unzip … with a stay in their repurposed shipping containers, perfect whatever the weather. This is camping without the tent and without the hassle! Available for the summer holidays only, each container comprises a double cabin style bed, bunk bed and top bunk, with comfortable mattresses and flat sheets provided. Storage space is provided and there are two bean bags for chilling too. Outside, enjoy the views and al fresco dining with your own picnic bench. A short stroll away, you'll find a modern
Isle of Wight Steam Railway Events
Join the Steam Railway for a jam packed calendar of events. Over the next few months they’re spoiling us with a steam fair, morris minor rally, a cider and cheese festival, 1960s weekend, Autumn gala and much more heading into the colder months! Details for their events can be seen below or on their website. Island Steam Fair 25 August - 28th August 2023 Back for its 48th year, the Island Steam Fair is a popular weekend with so much to see and enjoy for the whole family. Steam engines, fair ground rides, traditional games and refreshments, historic vehicles, live music, falconry displays, steam
A day at Quarr Abbey
Blessed with rolling countryside hills and stunning sea views, something else the Isle of Wight boasts is an abundance of historical sites. One of the most prominent and charming being Quarr Abbey, a stunning monastery based not far from the seaside town of Ryde. One of our favourite ways to spend a day is in the beautiful grounds of Quarr Abbey, enjoying the gardens, cafe and of course the beautiful architecture of the Abbey itself. From the moment you arrive, it’s like stepping into a protected area of peace and tranquility. We couldn’t make a trip to Quarr Abbey without taking a
Red Funnel CEO set to welcome attendees to annual Island Highland Gathering with Aspire
Red Funnel CEO, Fran Collins is set to welcome attendees to the annual Island Highland Gathering in partnership with Aspire, which is the cross-Solent ferry company’s Charity of The Year for 2023. The community event is set to take place at Havenstreet Steam Railway from 10am on Sunday 23rd July - where the old traditional carriages and steam locomotives will be running as usual throughout the day. The days event will feature some of the best marching pipe bands and highland dancers in the region, showcasing the traditional Scottish art form. The Celtic rock band, Wight Hot Pipes will also be performing, bringing
Recipe of the Month: Chicken Breast with Baby Spinach, Rocket, Tomato, and Strawberry Salad
This is a simple recipe, and there is not much preparation required. A chicken breast flattened, pan fried or grilled on a BBQ, served with a simple salad and dressing. Perfect for summer days as a lunch or early dinner. Most of the Isle of Wight farm shops will have the chicken and IOW Tomatoes as well as local salad crops during the summer. The combination of young spinach leaves and rocket make a great tasting base to the salad, peppery and sharp. If you cannot find spinach or rocket, then use your favourite salad leaves. Sumac is a lovely spice
Summertime Bonanza at Tapnell Farm Park
From Saturday 22 July – Sunday 3 September, visitors to Tapnell Farm Park can enjoy a bonanza of summer fun with even more all-weather family entertainment than ever before! Here’s a quick summary of all the extra activities and evening entertainment you won’t want to miss! As well as the award-winning farm play (bouncy pillows, sledge slides, pedal go-karts, straw bale fun …) and animals to meet and greet (wallabies, meerkats, goats, donkeys, pigs, alpacas …) … Daily from 22 July – 3 September: Catch daily falconry displays in the events barn; marvel as these beautiful birds swoop and dive over your head,
Carisbrooke Castle in August
There is something for everyone at Carisbrooke Castle this August. Shout 'aaRRRR' like a pirate or cheer on your favourite knight in the Grand Medieval Joust and Knights' Tournament - you will never tire of the views either! Carisbrooke Castle will be alive with activity and summer fun to keep the whole family entertained this August. Find out what they have in store
Focas Fest at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
If your kids love the natural world, science or simply love the great outdoors then the new, FOCAS FEST, is definitely not to be missed! This festival provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to immerse themselves in our world of wonder. The Sanctuary together with the Wonderseekers charity (Winchester Science Museum) and a collection of over 20 interactive exhibitors will be bringing conservation and the science behind it to life in a really fun and imaginative way. This will be coupled with our fab animal talks, encounters and some exciting live demonstrations. Join them on Saturday 1st July to enjoy some of the fun
Isle of Wight Carnivals 2023
The time of year is almost upon us where surrounding communities come together and party! With thanks to Newport Carnival, we are pleased to share their guide to this years carnival dates, with the warning that this is just a guide and the possibilities of cancellations or changes to the programme may occur. Why not check with the carnival you are wishing to attend prior to the procession taking place. Carnival groups may have a Facebook page and will announce any cancellations on there. We hope this is useful and we will aim to update this page if any changes should happen. Last