Isle of Wight

shazzer22

Hello all,

Hoping someone can help out, we're off to the IOW on Wednesday for two nights. The bf won ferry tickets in the xmas raffle, we got £19 deal at Travelodge and one evening we are going to have fish and chips, and the other maybe Pizza Express (with £10 voucher) for our Valentines day treat.

I want to go to Carisbrooke castle, which I know is unlikely for there to be any vouchers/special deals, but was wondering if anyone could suggest something to do for our other day? Knowing our luck it will snow/thunder/hail/blow a gale, but was looking for any suggestions.

Thanks in advance

shazzer22

Anyone got any ideas?

Brighstone

The only major places I can think of that will be open this time of year are Osbourne House in East Cowes and Brading Roman Villa (not likely to be any deals though). I've never been there, but Walzing Waters (http://www.waltzingwaters.co.uk/isle-of-wight/iow-home.html) is open and you can print off a discount voucher from their site.

Most other attractions are closed at this time of the year.

There are many good walks if the weather is half decent. St Boniface Down above Ventnor to the East or Headon Warren to the West near Totland and the Needles are worth visiting for the views (if the weather will allow you to see anything that is).

It will be worthwhile buying the County Press. There are (mostly lunchtime) special deals advertised at some pubs at the moment. It has discount vouchers for fish and chips this week too. There is a cheap carvery in Wooton (The Sloop - £3.50) and in Godshill (The Griffin - £3.75 I think).

There are usually magazines/booklets available on the ferry that will give you a better idea of what is open.

I hope you have a good time.

Oldernotwiser

Don't forget Newport Roman Villa, it would combine well with Carisbrooke which really doesn't need a whole day.

Brighstone

I don't think it opens until April though:(

ironed_out

Have you looked at Amazon World. http://www.amazonworld.co.uk/
Also I don't know what day you were leaving but being national fish and chip week there is a write up in the County Press and include vouchers for chippys. Definately buy a CP when you arrive to see what else is on.
(Oh and I can see Carisbrooke castle from my house Give me a wave )

vikingaero

We visit IOW on day trips with the Monsters fairly regularly. In fact looking at our booking history on www.wightlink.co.uk shows that we only ever go during the winter months when it's quiet!

Some places take Tesco Clubcard Deals tokens - Dinosaur Isle, Amazon World Zoo etc

English Heritage Stuff - Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle and Yarmouth Castle

Brading Roman Villa has erratic opening so check first - we've checked on the website, turned up and found it closed.

There's also :
The Old Smithy www.theoldsmithy.com
Arreton Barns www.arretonbarns.co.uk
Dimbola Lodge http://www.dimbola.co.uk/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1001

We also stayed in the Travelodge at Newport. It's fairly new and clean but the night we stayed was pretty dire. First we were given a key to an occupied room. Then we waited ages for extra duvets and sheets despite booking a family room. The Monsters wanted to go to sleep and some 5 hours after checking in we still had no bed linen. We visited reception about 5 times to chase up and the level of complaints by other guests was amazing. In the end we nabbed double sheets and duvets. But breakfast was all you can eat and quite nice.

The map showing the hotel on the Travelodge site shows it in the wrong place. Originally it showed it on Lugley Street between St James' Street and Holyrood Street. After we emailed and complained they've changed it but the real location isn't 100% accurate as it's diagonally south and east opposite the icon. The nearest car park is on Lugley Street and is Short Stay, but you can park overnight there. You can purchase a Tourist Parking Permit for all Council car parks on IOW. It costs £10 for 2 days and info is here: http://www.iwight.com/council/departments/parkingservices/Parking_Permits/ But I always forget to sort things out.:rolleyes: The Travelodge is one block away from the High Street so you can also shop and easily pick up anything you might need.

We've eaten at Pizza Express too. It's a clean and modern one and the staff were very good. There's a really good site from 2 locals who review IOW restaurants:

http://mattandcat.co.uk/

Have fun.

jhp

http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk/site/places-to-visit

shazzer22

Thank you all for the tips! Its chucking it down here in Southampton, but forecast for Wednesday looks a little brighter thankfully!