Day return to Isle of Wight

Seaxwyn

I want to visit friends in the Isle of Wight in August. We would be a family of 6 (2 adults, 4 children) going for a day trip from Portsmouth. Can anyone advise on the cheapest way to do this? Thanks

MDE

Swim! In all seriousness the ferry fares are ridiculous right now. Are your friends on the island residents? If so, I believe thet island residents do get certain deals- it might be worth seeing if they can book on your behalf and access these deals.

Also check out Red Funnel who sail from Southampton. I know you said you were going from Portsmouth but there is one operator from Portsmouth and two in Southampton (Red Funnel and Wightlink) so by rights competition should manage prices on that route a little more.

It also makes a big difference if you are taking a car or not?

samanslow

Hi

I came back from the isle of wight on Thursday and although we travelled from portsmouth with Wightlink, Red Funnel from southampton are alot cheaper (about half the price) we got quoted 69.50 by wightlink and 32.00 by red funnel for a 4 day return - ok so going by red funnel is abit longer on the wightlink but of your little ones are like mine they loved being on the ferry as much as being on the island.


oohh just remembered i have a leaflet downstairs that they gave me on ther ferry back that i think has an offer coupon on if your interested let me know and i'll sort it out for you

wildheart_2

If you don't want to take the car, you can go by hovercraft from Southsea seafront to Ryde. They do a family day ticket which includes return hovertravel and unlimited use on the Islands bus service for £44. You may have to pay extra on top tho for one of the kids.
We go every year and definately recommend it. Bus fares are very high on the island and this saves loads of money.

http://www.hovertravel.co.uk/attractions/hover-rovers/

MDE

Perhaps better than the Hovertravel Offer above, get a Stagecoach Triplelink Ticket, this give you catamaran and possible bus/ train depending on which option you go for.
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/south/localoffers_562.html
You will need to buy a family ticket plus 1 child, but even if you don't use the bus section of it on the mainland, it still seems very good value.

You can buy these tickets on any Stagecoach bus in the Portsmouth area.