Isle Of Wight suggestions

[custard]

Hi
We have decided to visit the IOW in September as I visited many years ago on a family holiday and have always wanted to return. It will be just the two of us and the 2 dogs - so any suggestions need to be dog friendly. I would be grateful if anyone can recomend a nice, quieter part of the island and we prefer a small basic site. Also any tips on cheap ferry crossings? Any advice will be really appreciated.
Thanks
Max

[Cruz]

None of the ferry crossings are cheap considering the small distance. You can sail from Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth and they are all priced very similar (about £80 return)

We stayed at Grange Farm which is on the quieter south coast not far from Freshwater and the Needles.

The site was lovely and quiet and right by the sea with animals such as Donkeys, alpachas, pigs etc. The village of brighstone, and it's nice large pub, is about 10 minutes stroll away on good field paths (ask the campsite for directions). Dogs are permitted on the shingle beach and there is a path that follows the coast all the way along here.

http://www.grangefarmholidays.com/index ... mping-site" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They do camping and ferry deals too http://www.grangefarmholidays.com/photo ... prices.PDF" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A good tip for visting the Needles battery is to park near the Tennyson monument (for free, but can fill up fast) rather than have to pay ££££ to park with the hoardes at the nearby tacky Alum Bay

Drive from the site to Freshwater then follow signs for Alum Bay, then turn left by the Highdown Inn onto highdown lane and the car park is just at the end of the small track road (look on an ordnance survey map and you will see the P sign near the tennyson monument) You can easily walk over the downs to the Needles from here with great views.

Another nice nearby short walk is from the car park at Blackgang Chine up to St Catherines Oratory lighthouse on the hill. More great views

[zed]

We went last year. Cross in the early hours, we crossed for £20 either way Lymingtom - Yarmouth. first boat of the day either way

http://www.wightlink.co.uk/

landed on the island 05;30 and drove around the island to make brekky on a view point above black gang chine, then had a kip for a couple of hours before going on to the campsite. We stopped on the Caravan Club site

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/caravanclu ... csid=21980

Quiet site, dog friendly and the usual CC high standards of facilities

Places to visit as above.

[gtrbikeman]

Hi,
We went last year with Red Funnel they have a choice of four camsites. £125 for 5 nights including hook up and return ferry (going again this year) good value.

gtr bikeman

[matt brighton]

Hi

Hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did.

We too stayed at Grange Farm - and tho a good site we would plump for somewhere less "exposed" - having said that in good weather its probably the best location as you can walk to the beach. The fact they do the ferry booking made it easier too

I can highly recommend a visit to the garlic farm - it was the day I was least looking forward to but turned out to be the best !

The tractor ride round the farm is a must and so interesting

They have a stall at Borough Market --- in case anyone here is going to London soon.

Happy camping to all for 2012 !

Matt - brighton

[custard]

Thanks for all the suggestions. After a little bit of investigation we are thinking of trying "Roebeck Camping And Caravan Park" as this seems a little smaller, quieter and sort of "park where you like" location, which is the sort of site we like.
We looked at Grange Farm and looks good - if the weather is kind. We camped in a similar location, on a coastal headland, last year in Pembrokeshire but found it a little exposed/windy. Especially with the fantastic summer weather we had last year!?
Following this experience we are thinking an inland site maybe better as we intend to really try to explore the island, beaches and all.
If anyone has stopped on the site or knows someone who has please let us know what they thought before we book.
Thanks again

[rgd008]

Hi

We live on the Island and a couple of other sites we like so may be worth a look are:
http://www.ninham-holidays.co.uk/camping-touring/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (if you go here, we always ask to go in the "back" fields past the fishing ponds)
http://www.appuldurcombegardens.co.uk/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope you enjoy wherever you choose.
Perhaps even a brew or beer if our paths cross?

[rgd008]

Forgot this one too. We haven't been there ourselves but it comes recommended by friends and we intend to try it soon.
http://www.whitefieldforest.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[custard]

Thanks for the info regarding good campsites. We will definately have a look and choose the favourite. It would be good to meet up and have a beer during our visit. Will let you know a little nearer the date.
Thanks again
Phil & Max

[haydn71]

Regarding the ferry cost, we collected Tesco points and redeemed them for ferry tickets. Cost nowt worth checking on the tesco site if they're still doing it this year...if you happen to shop there.

[DiscoDave]

Red funnel usually do offers for August and sept. around £100 for ferry and 5 nights camping on a site.