Things to do this February half term!

Keep the whole family entertained this half term with some local activities on the Island and the surrounding area. Remember, kids under 5 travel free and dogs are more than welcome to join you on your journey!

• The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, is open. Find out about the animals in the daily talks and met the now infamous bears Benji and Belu. Jump on the route 8 or 24. If you are travelling over form the mainland check out the special Hover Safari offer.

   

• Visit the seaside home of Queen Victoria, Osborne is located in East Cowes. From sumptuous interiors and art collections inside, to a peaceful beach and marvellous gardens outside, a day out at Osborne has something for everyone. Explore Osborne’s vast grounds, follow the interactive tree trail and find the unusual Swiss Cottage, where the royal children played, gardened, cooked and collected unusual objects in their own private museum. Get there on routes 4 and 5.

   

• Walk the Charles Dickens Trail The walk takes you over the top of the downs between Shanklin and Ventnor, offering fine views and descending into Ventnor and Bonchurch. There is a No 3 bus stop at each end of the trail.  

• Visit the cute donkeys at The IW Donkey Sanctuary. The sanctuary rescues donkeys in need. Get there on route 2 or 3. Please note the route 2 stops around the corner and is a walk along a busy main road with no pavement. 

   

• The IW Story Festival is an exciting three-day event in February half term for children, young people and families. Held at Quay Arts, Newport, there will be authors, illustrators, comic book writers, a graffiti artist, storytellers, creative workshops and theatre performances. Receive discounted bus travel when you book your tickets. Located a short walk from Newport Bus Station.

   

• The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is opening on certain days and between the 19 - 22 February for a special event "1966 And All That" They will transport you back to 1966 with a four day event to mark the 60th anniversary of the closure of the Isle of Wight, Ryde to Cowes Line. 

   

• Enjoy the West Wight scenery and take a bus trip to The Needles Landmark Attraction on route 7. Marconi’s Cafe, Retail outlets and Alum Bay Glass Studio and shop all remain open daily from 10am.

   

• Take a stroll around Quarr Abbey. Quarr Abbey is home to a small group of Benedictine monks who strive to dedicate their lives to the glory of God, and whose day is characterised by prayer, work and community life. Enjoy the Quarr Abbey family trail which guides you around the Abbey church and grounds. Route 4 and 9 will drop you at the entrance.

   

• Fall in love at Monkey Haven this half term. Swing on by and fall in love with the rescued gibbons, monkeys, owls, meerkats and many other exotic creatures. Get there on route 9.

   

• Wrap up warm, and take a trip to Southampton with Red Funnel Ferries. Our sister service Bluestar can take you across the region. How about a trip to Winchester, Salisbury or the New Forest.

For more ideas Visit the Visit Isle of Wight Website 

Make the most of our £3 single fare this half-term by getting out and about with the family! Click here to plan your journey.