Enjoy family-friendly camping on the Isle of Wight
We love having the Isle of Wight so close to the Portsmouth coastline. The Isle of Wight is a fantastic place to escape the daily grind and enjoy some quality time with loved ones. It’s also easily accessible with one of Wighlink’s many travel options. Why not join over 1 million people in the UK who go camping on a regular basis each year with a short break to the Island.
Camping in the Isle of Wight
Living in close proximity to your family, sleeping on the ground with nature just inches from your face – this may not seem like the ideal holiday. But think again!
Camping with the family can be fun and it can also generate many happy memories. It’s a great, cheap way to holiday and once you’re organised and prepared, you can enjoy many happy times away together.
Why go camping
Camping is a great opportunity to get outside, away from the TV and other distractions, and just spend time together. There’s always plenty to explore in the outdoors.
Campsites tend to be crammed full of other children, giving your brood a host of opportunities to find new friends and entertain each other.
If your children are old enough to roam free around the campsite, the independence this gives them is priceless.
There’s no need to go full-on Bear Grylls. You can take creature comforts – pillows, favourite foods – and pitch up at a site with showers and flushing toilets.
Before you go
Don’t rush out to buy shiny new equipment. Borrow some from friends before investing.
Practice pitching your tent before you leave. After a car journey with young children, you don’t want to be fiddling around with instructions on how to pitch the tent. And what would the other campers think if you come along and don’t know your ground sheet from your guy rope?
You might even want to do a test run in your back garden, if there’s space. You’ll then have an idea of what items would be useful.
What to do when you are there
What, no mobiles or tellies? Don’t panic! Here are some ideas of what to do with your family:
Den building
Storytelling
Walking and hiking
Looking out for wildlife
Geocaching
Stargazing
Shadow puppets with torches
Best places to camp on the Isle of Wight
Finding your perfect campsite will depend upon the age of your children and your level of ruggedness. If you still yearn for the luxuries of modern life (hair straighteners, flushing toilets) then many campsites provide these. Wanting something more wild? Then there will be a campsite for you.
Nodes Point Holiday Park, St Helens, Ryde: a good family-friendly campsite close to the beach and with an indoor fun pool, adventure playground and live entertainment.
Comforts Farm, Northwood, Cowes: close to the centre of Newport, Comforts Farm is a good base for exploring the Island.
Grange Farm, Brighstone Bay: based on a working farm with pigs, alpacas, a water buffalo and a donkey, this is a great campsite for families.
Ninham Country Holidays, Shanklin: set in magnificent woodlands and rolling countryside, this is a great place to explore the countryside and beaches of the Isle of Wight.
Looking for luxury?
The Garlic Farm Yurts, Newchurch: just 10 minutes from the beach, you don’t even have to bring your own tent! Comes with its own fully equipped kitchen, plus access to a tennis court and games room. Is it really camping, though?
Travelling to the Island is made super easy with Wightlink. Routes from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Portsmouth to Ryde, and Lymington to Yarmouth provide plenty of options.
To find out more about Wighlink and to book travel check out: https://www.wightlink.co.uk/