Wightlife winter issue 201415

winter 2014/15

WINTER

WONDERS

Guide to what’s on this season

ARE WE

THERE YET? Step aboard and the fun starts

GET

FIRED UP Outdoor activities to keep you warm

GO.STAY.DO! Your FREE guide to visiting the Isle of Wight this winter ALSO INSIDE

ALAN TITCHMARSH... EXCLUSIVE ISLAND GIFTS... AND HEART-WARMING ISLAND ADVENTURES WHERE THERE’S... ROOM TO BREATHE.

MORE THAN JUST A PUB! SOME OF OUR LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

It's our tenth year of "TWO FOR ONE"

The Island’s original and best “Two for One” offer available at all the pubs from Monday 20th October running each night of the week from Sunday through to Thursday, three course menu (different in each pub) £19.95 per person, buy one get one FREE, pre booked tables only, menus to view online.

welcome

Optional bottle of wine for £10 reduced from £19.95 and this year a new “TWO FOR ONE” loyalty card Second year of being asked to produce platters of food using IOW produce for the “Isle of Wight Houses of Parliament Day” with Andrew Turner, Visit Wight and Taste of the Wight

THE NEW INN - IOW Dining Pub of the year for 2015 along with inclusion for the second year running in the prestigious Michelin UK pub guide.

Our INNS OF DISTINCTION Christmas Brochure for pre Christmas parties, Christmas day lunch (only a few tables left) and New Years Eve Celebrations

guide on how to make the most out of your visit to the Isle of Wight this winter.

No need to wait for Summer when an Isle of Wight Winter has endless cool stuff to

Winter

Wonders with our pick of the best places to visit and those not-to-be

missed dates for your diary. Find family freedom and all the answers to every child’s

Are we there yet? on pages 6-8. Evergreen Alan Titchmarsh tells us why ‘Wight’ blossoms for him all year round on page 9. Start planning your stress-free, quick fix winter Escape with pages 10-13. Explore surf and turf ways to Get Fired Up from November to March on pages 14-17. On page18 it’s time to Get set for 2015 favourite question

FISHBOURNE

01983 882823

Participation in local food fayres, chef cooking demonstrations and participation in local IOW schools

Another successful year of events, guides available in a handy wallet size card in each of the pubs, 2015 events to be launched soon

with Wightlink and find out why the Isle of Wight is a top UK holiday destination.

And finally, get the

Island Life look with unique and unusual Island exclusive gifts on page 19.

SHALFLEET

01983 531314

Whether you want a short break boost, some family fun or a romantic getaway,

AA DINING AWARDS IN ALL PUBS

the Isle of Wight has it all this winter.

All bedrooms having achieved a 4 star AA rating for 5 years running

First pubs on the Isle of Wight to be asked to join the “Wight Marque” local produce accreditation scheme

NEWPORT

SOUTHAMPTON

01983 522709

COWES

THE STAG SHALFLEET

YARMOUTH TOTLAND

PORTSMOUTH

EAST COWES

LYMINGTON

Successful reward card scheme whereby over 3000 card holders receive points as they spend

SEAVIEW

01983 810616

try close to home in the UK’s mildest climate. Pages 4-5 feature a few

Investment in our apprentice scheme and successful “Get the Job” campaign with IOW Radio

Our tenth year of special “Wine” nights, talks, local food matching and spectacular dining nights with award winning chefs

A warm welcome from all the staff at Wightlink. We hope you enjoy our free

THE NEW INN FRESHWATER

The Needles

www.innsofdistinction.co.uk

FISHBOURNE RYDE

THE FISHBOURNE NEWPORT

THE BOATHOUSE

SEAVIEW

BRADING

BEMBRIDGE

BRIGHSTONE SANDOWN GODSHILL SHANKLIN

NITON

IN ALL OUR

Wightlink Ltd, PO Box 59, Portsmouth, PO1 2XB

KITCHENS

VENTNOR

design • editorial • advertising • print

precision creative and media

precisioncreativeandmedia.co.uk

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Sunset over The Needles / © Visit Isle of Wight

Cycling the coast / © Visit Isle of Wight

what’s on

Carisbrooke Castle / © Visit Isle of Wight

Dinosaur Isle / © Visit Isle of Wight

w

inter onders

Yarmouth

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Isle be there - dates for your diary

This family day out is equally as successful for a romantic treat, with a ten mile round Island trip in old fashioned train carriages from one beautiful stop to another.

6 & 7 December Osborne

February Island wide

Experience the spirit of a Victorian Christmas at Osborne with traditional games and entertainers. Ride the carousel, meet Father Christmas and Queen Victoria as you tour some of the festively dressed rooms of this magnificent house.

Why love Wight? Because you can whisk your loved one across the water for a very special Valentine’s Day surprise. Staying in some superb accommodation featured in this magazine, enjoy fine wines and candlelit, romantic dining.

Ventnor Botanic Gardens

Select dates thoughout winter Dinosaur Isle

February Half Term – Book early!

Island wide

The Needles Park is an Island pin up, the place that springs to everyone’s mind when they picture the Isle of Wight.

The amazing microclimate at the heart of the famous ‘Undercliff’ is home to subtropical plants growing unprotected outdoors, inducing the enigmatic Giant Waterlily.

Fossil walk guided tours with the experts who can help you understand the Earth’s timeline and search for new finds in one of the world’s best fossil finding locations.

Don’t miss your chance, be sure to book now for an amazing time with the kids. See pages 6-8 for family fun and great places to stay and play.

Osborne

Electric Woods

Enjoy a guided tour of Queen Victoria’s opulent holiday home and gardens. As she said herself, “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”!

Experience a dazzling array of lights and lanterns at the stunning ‘Spirit of the Orient’ Electric Woods, at Robin Hill Adventure Park, during the February half term.

6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20-24 December Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Carisbrooke Castle

Quarr Abbey

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway runs Santa Specials to Santa’s Grotto at Havenstreet including a Winter Wonderland walk for everyone. Adults enjoy mince pies and mulled wine on certain dates.

Admire the Princess Beatrice Edwardian garden and visit the museum to delve into the fascinating history of this stunning castle dating back to 1100.

Visit the pilgrim chapel and church at Ryde to find out about Saint Benedict, the history of the community and the fascinating daily life of the Benedictine monks.

Visit wightlink.co.uk/do and discover all that's best to do, experience and enjoy on the Isle of Wight this winter. Contact Island attractions for winter opening dates and times.

Join 2.5 million annual visitors tapping in to the Island’s perennial attractions and holiday vibe. The winter season is just as special as the summer. It has an air of calm and warm appreciation, a certain smugness that while the rest of the world thinks the Island goes to sleep, the truth is the all-year-rounders are out on the beaches and hilltops making the most of the space and choice available.

You can walk and cycle this wonderful Island in fresh air freedom at no cost at all, taking in the awesome scenery, 60 miles of beaches and wild countryside. And there’s plenty more to do and see at a range of Island attractions. So this winter why not visit…

The Needles Park

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Winter’s not ‘low season’, it’s ‘go season’ – the best time to discover the real Isle of Wight

wightlife • winter 2014/15 • wightlink.co.uk

Dinosaur Isle Roam the recreated landscape with life-sized models of the Isle of Wight’s most famous dinosaurs including – new for 2014 – the latest find: the most complete Valdosaurus skeleton ever found in the world!

26 February - 8 March Island wide The Acoustic Isle event is an unplugged winter warm-up on an Island boasting world-class music festivals. Talented acts from near and far perform in intimate venues all over the Island. Keep an ear open for more details of who’s playing where and when.

5

mini adventures

Are we there yet?

Yes, we are!

This winter get some fresh air family fun in the closest, faraway holiday destination the UK has to offer ➜ 6

Images Š Visit Isle of Wight

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island life

➜

On the short trip to the Isle of Wight, when your kids ask the age-old question, “Are we there yet?”, you can reply with a triumphant smile, “Yes! We are!”, because there are so many quick and easy ways to reach the Isle of Wight with Wightlink. You can arrive at your chosen mainland port and kick off your holiday not long after you set out from home.

On Shanklin Esplanade, The Waterfront Inn’s homely guest house, brasserie and bar is just a stone’s throw from the blue flag sandy beach.

Reviewed by Charles Darwin in 1858 as “the nicest seaside place we have ever seen”, this is a scenic choice with a mouth-watering menu. Walk off a lovely lunch up the cliff steps to Shanklin Old Village or take a half hour stroll along to Sandown.

There’s a fantastic variety of family friendly places to stay and eat with some real novelty touches to make it all even more unforgettable. How about a shiny silver retro American Airstream or a stylishly restored British caravan with Vintage Vacations for an offbeat camping getaway? Maybe you’d prefer to wake up in the heart of the woodland in an Isle of Wight Treehouse? Or a country club where the whole family can be indulged?

Walking distance from our Fishbourne Ferry Terminal is The Fishbourne, why not visit and take advantage of their fantastic Winter ‘two for one’ offer. With a daily changing specials board and locally sourced produce, you will be spoilt for choice.

If you go into the woods today…

If you want to meet more furry friends, head to Sandown Bay where you’ll find the Island’s original zoo. Here you can get to know Casper, the white lion and other big cats, as well as lemurs, giant Madagascan jumping rats, capuchins and porcupines. These close-up animal encounters at the ‘Zoo on the Beach’ offer an inspirational wildlife experience for everyone.

One of the richest areas for Dinosaur discovery in Europe, the Island is the UK’s official dinosaur capital. You can join organised fossil walks and guided footprint tours on the Dinosaur Island Trail.

Chale Bay Farm Guest House welcomes families with children of all ages and is less than 10 minutes away from the sandy beaches at Brook and Compton. This is a popular choice throughout the year within a mile of the much-loved seaside resort of Ventnor and near to Brook Beach, a hot spot for fossil hunting.

No whining dining Whether you’re visiting for a one day wonder or a longer stay, savour the experience all the more with tasty and reasonably priced family food served in settings everyone will love.

Twice crowned the best family pub in the South East of England, you can’t go wrong with The Horse and Groom on West Wight near Shalfleet. The kids can run around The Paddock play area which has a bouncy castle and crazy golf too while you choose from the home cooked local produce and local ales. The Taverners country pub in Godshill is just as popular with the locals as it is with visitors. It takes great pride in preparing delicious dishes using the freshest and best local produce from around the Island.

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wightlife • winter 2014/15 • wightlink.co.uk

“I don’t think people appreciate the variety of terrain or how big and beautiful it is. We love the West Country, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset but they take such a long time to get to. The Isle of Wight has all that they have to offer and it’s that much closer. I can never work out why more of the British population haven’t tumbled to the beauty of the Isle of Wight and all its treasures… Osborne House, Freshwater Bay and historic places like Carisbrooke. There’s so much to do. We just love it.

We use the Island as a sanctuary. Your cares just fall away. We have a sign in our house saying “Beside the sea all worries wash away”… Coming across that bit of water is tremendously therapeutic. I find it so relaxing, the wonderful sea air.”

Away from work, Alan’s favourite thing to do is walk on Afton Down.

With so much to see and do, you can cram the shortest stay with many amazing memories. This fresh air family fun and freedom in the setting of your choice

where you can let imaginations run wild makes for unbeatable time together,

The West Bay Country Club & Spa in Yarmouth is ideal. The New England style houses are equipped with everything you need and no matter how short your stay, you will feel fully refreshed on your return. If you fancy some time to yourself, the kids can join in most of the onsite activities for free, including tennis, football and water polo in the 20-metre heated pool.

One of the UK’s best-loved personalities, Alan Titchmarsh, gives a green thumbs up to the Island he calls “his sanctuary” and says he can’t believe more people haven’t discovered it yet.

Adventure Island

Situated on the north east coast, just outside the country village of Whippingham, the Into The Woods treehouse accommodation is surrounded by farmland and woods. From your decking you can watch out for rare wildlife like woodpeckers and red squirrels, the endangered species that has a small but thriving population of around 3,500 on the Island.

Fuss-free family escapes

EVERGREEN ALAN TALKS WIGHT

building dens in the woods, shell collecting and searching for traces of the dinosaurs.

Outdoor adventures continue on the 500m floodlit track at one of Ryde’s must-do attraction, Wight Karting. And there are fun and games inside too, with ten pin bowling at the town’s popular Superbowl.

Drive less, see more This Island can be completely circumnavigated by bike and the best cycle trails feature in excellent detail on wightlink.co.uk/do together with a range of spectacular walking trails. Go online for cycling and walking routes suited to every family and all abilities. Then, why not try the easy 5 mile Sandown route or 12 mile circular setting off from the impressive medieval Carisbrooke Castle?

“You’re walking on the spine of the Island and you see both sides.

If you’re feeling festive before or even after Christmas, Ryde has a yearround ice skating rink at Planet Ice where Ice Tots can skate from 18 months (with the help of their penguin friends). For something more tropical visit the giant anteater at Amazon World Zoo Park or step back in time at one of the Island’s historic attractions.

With so much to see and do, get away together this winter for a family day trip or short break where there’s... ‘room to breathe’.

•

Snap it up! Upload your #IOWfamilyadventure pictures via Instagram or post to our Facebook page to share the secrets of what a wonderful Island we have here within easy reach, all year round.

go

Start planning your family’s fun-filled adventure at wightlink.co.uk/go

Afton Down / © Visit Isle of Wight

There are butterflies and wild flowers. Like a lot of locals, I love the Island even more in Winter. It’s quieter. Just watching the sea, the liners come in and out. On a lovely crisp winter’s day we look across at the mainland, or the North Island as we have come to call it, and see the cloud rolling over when we’re in bright sunshine. That happens quite a lot!”.

Alan put down roots on the Isle of Wight fifteen years ago. He has a new home in Cowes with his own solid clay, coastal garden to tackle – which is exciting he says, as “it’s going to be a whole new range of plants to try!”.

•

Image © Alan Titchmarsh

9

escape

escape Take some time out closer to home on this energising Island, with a little luxury thrown in ➜

FILE OF WIGHT FACT The Romans called the Island “Vectis” which loosely translates as “lift”, possibly because she lifts the spirits of all those who visit.

Winter beach walking / © Visit Isle of Wight

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11

escape

The Royal Hotel, Ventnor

Firestone Copse, Ryde

➜ How can somewhere so close to home make you feel like you’re far away on holiday? That’s the magic of the Isle of Wight. She may only be a couple of miles across the Solent in clear view but the vast open space and the sense of freedom you find here makes the Island feel like an other worldly escape.

And, relax!

For a great way to unwind this winter take a spa and golfing minibreak – you’ll find it all on the Island.

The Royal Hotel is set in exotic, south facing gardens overlooking Ventnor’s coastline and is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds with its award winning Appuldurcombe Restaurant and private spa. It rates very highly on Trip Advisor with comments such as “the hotel is stunning, the food is cooked to perfection and tastes exquisite”.

Although described as “the Isle where time stood still”, this is also an Island that has very much moved on. Leading the way with innovative and quirky accommodation, in summer, five fabulous yurts are discreetly dotted around the 70-acre estate at Priory Bay Country House. This is a great example of the Isle of Wight’s modest cool and sense of fun and takes glamping to a new, luxury level; each yurt is uniquely designed with

Stroll around quaint fishing villages like Seaview or head to Yarmouth to experience Island life and wander round the galleries and boutiques.

Pick up a splash of Vampire Slayer Seriously Hot Chilli Sauce to take home from The Garlic Farm, the place the press go wild for. Celebrated as the best bulbs in the British Isles thanks to fifty years in the know-how-togrow business, recently raved about recipes have included black garlic ice cream. So put your tastebuds to the test and try some yourself! It’s well worth a visit.

A taste of the Island You’d happily be marooned here with the mouth-watering menus and locally sourced specials like Bembridge crab and Kemphill Farm lamb. Fresh fish and seafood at Salty’s in Yarmouth harbour are served in a sociable bench dining set up that makes for lively, memorable mealtimes.

The George Hotel is right on the water’s edge between the castle and pier, next to the Wightlink Yarmouth ferry terminal, a 17th century, old world townhouse. With river views, great food and live music of all kinds, all year round, take your pick from a selection of elegantly styled and cosy en-suite accommodation.

If you’re looking for something a bit more sedate, Shanklin Chine, the Isle of Wight’s oldest tourist attraction which first opened in 1817 has a more tranquil affair in store. This famous leafy gorge in winding woodland with steep sides is filled with rare plants, wildlife and waterfalls –

As well as a private secluded beach and an outdoor swimming pool, it also has a croquet lawn and a six-hole golf course overlooking the Solent.

To really clear your head with room to breathe, set off on one of the many stunning walks with magnificent views featured on wightlink.co.uk/do.

The 14 mile Tennyson Trail and Freshwater Way are particularly popular with spectacular views. Break up your amble along the rugged coastline with stops in friendly traditional pubs serving hearty fare by roaring fires.

a great place to clear the mind.

Fireside, The George Hotel

The Island doesn’t go into hibernation just because the nights draw in. In fact, she positively glows with a warm and friendly welcome. To discover more about Island wide events in winter head to wightlink.co.uk for a full list of what’s going on.

For a place to stay where everybody raves about, head to The Little Gloster in Gurnard. The chilled out atmosphere, wraparound sea views and inspired dishes earn great reviews in the national press as a beachy boutique B&B and winning brunch stop.

Oldest and wildest

wightlife • winter 2014/15 • wightlink.co.uk

Afternoon tea at The Royal Hotel, Ventnor

If you’re in search of the luxurious rather than quirky, then The Hamborough Hotel could be for you. Often reviewed as “a little piece of luxury on the Isle of Wight” it’s famed for high quality cuisine and wonderful harbour and sea views.

its own ensuite bathroom. The hotel itself,

is a rock stars’ favourite recently rumoured to have hosted royalty.

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The George Hotel, Yarmouth

When you need to get away from it all, treat yourself to the short, easy trip to the Island that has so much more than you imagine…

•

stay Godshill

Escape to the Isle of Wight this winter and discover great places to eat, rest and play at wightlink.co.uk/stay

13

get fired up

GET

FIRED UP The coolest surf and turf activities keeping you warm all year round ➜

Coasteering / © Visit Isle of Wight

14

wightlife • winter 2014/15 • wightlink.co.uk

15

Cycling / © Visit Isle of Wight

➜

Visit wightlink.co.uk to select your ideal cycle or walking category including the 14 mile Tennyson Trail from Carisbrooke Castle along the central ridge of West Wight. The Island has over 500 miles of marked footpaths and cycle routes in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, forests and wetlands. You see, she has really earned her name as ‘Bicycle Island’. So saddle up and get peddling because when you drive less on holiday you certainly get to see more.

Wight water The Island gets great wind and wave conditions for all kinds of sea sports. Forget the seven hour drive to Cornwall in search of surf. Join generations of those “in the know” about the Isle of Wight’s hidden treasures. Surfing and sea kayaking are top choices with exhilarating surf November to March. So pack up your board and get ready to surf the Island’s hot spots on the southern shoreline.

If you want to try something completely new, why not give the ancient art of Stand Up Paddleboarding a go? It might be old but it’s a relatively new craze here in UK waters. Great fun and fantastic for core fitness you can try SUP in pairs, as a whole family and even do yoga out on the water.

Dry Wight If you prefer to stay dry, try some mind-blowing mountain boarding (basically skate-boarding down a mountain) over the grassy cliff tops of Tennyson Down, above The Needles, with big sky and sea all around.

get fired up

Keen cyclists and mountainbikers can take on tough hills with steep gradients and fast descents. Families and those looking for more relaxing rides have endless options through woodland and on scenic coastal routes.

This is an Island of adventure, particularly in winter when there’s more room to play and stay. With just about every activity you can think of and some of your bucket list longings too, the Isle of Wight has all the nation’s favourite outdoor thrills in one awesome place.

Adventure activities No Island is complete without its own resident experts. The only team of qualified outdoor professionals you need to show you how much you can do (even if you think you can’t!) and the safest way to do it is run by Owen Burson, Director of Isle of Wight Adventure Activities. “The Isle of Wight is outstanding.” says Owen. “The range of activities from beginner to expert level is the best in the whole of the south east, all found on one small Island. There’s no driving between sites and locations and it has a short travel time instead of a big chunk out of your weekend to get to Devon and Cornwall.

A lot of people like to try out a new activity with us in the summer and then return to more of a challenge for the next level up in winter.”

FILE OF WIGHT FACT •The Island has an almost sub-tropical climate and is officially the sunniest place in the British Isles.

If you’d like to get a piece of the action, you can join in all of the above activities and more. Plus if you fancy jumping over Coasteering / © Isle of Wight Adventure Activities

rock archways, swimming through wave filled gaps, climbing up cliffs and ducking under water into invisible caves… You can try Coasteering on the Island too.

Eat, sleep & drink Wight You want to be up for the right surf or the next thrill but you do need somewhere to sleep (at least sometime). An added bonus from November to March is getting your choice of hotel, B&B or self-catering cottage right next to whatever kind of adrenalinefilled fun you have planned. You should also be able to enjoy your first choice of restaurants and pubs to keep you well-fuelled for all the action.

Time out

Kayaking / © Visit Isle of Wight

Compton / © Visit Isle of Wight

When you just want some R&R, to hang out with your friends or your partner, this is the place to find time and ‘room to breathe’. The no stress Wightlink journey here helps put you in low gear before you even set foot on the Island so you can save the higher gears for all your adventures.

Now. About the weather...

You’re the kind of person who braves the elements all year round. England’s unpredictable weather just adds to the excitement! But the Isle of Wight does promise some of the mildest weather you’ll find in the UK and an Island all to yourself – well, just you and the rest of the outdoor hardcores! For couples and for friends. For surfing, sailing, karting and zorbing. For walking and cycling. The Isle of Wight has so much more than you imagine.

•

FILE OF WIGHT FACT

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wightlife • winter 2014/15 • wightlink.co.uk

Zorbing / © Isle of Wight Adventure Activities

•The Island has an almost sub-tropical climate and is officially the sunniest place in the British Isles.

do

Get fired up for adrenaline pumping activities and put your sense of adventure to the test at wightlink.co.uk/do

17

GET SET FOR 2015

island life

Go. Stay. Do.

More ferries, great facilities

Loved and adored by generations of families and groups of friends, with attractions galore, beautiful beaches and great places to eat, sleep and drink all within easy reach. Active or relaxed, romantic retreats or full on family fun, it’s somewhere you can return each year and never do the same thing twice.

You see there’s a lot to love and we love the Isle of Wight just as much as you do. We want you to experience the best the Island has to offer all year round. Whether you’re travelling by car, train, coach or on foot, for a day trip, short break or longer holiday, getting there with Wightlink has never been more convenient or enjoyable. With ferries to and from Yarmouth in the West, and Ryde & Fishbourne in the East - we’ve got the whole Island covered.

So believe in the magic of the Island and next time you plan to visit make a promise to stay a bit longer, because with all this to see and do, you’ll always get to experience the Island in full swing!

Endless events

When you’re booking your Wightlink crossing, we want you to benefit from the best price possible. With flexi-pricing, the sooner you book and the more flexible you can be with your dates and time of travel, the more likely you are to pay a lower fare. We also want to give you great value for money too. So visit our website for special offers running throughout the year. And remember, if you book early and are flexible, you’ll save.

Start planning your Wightlink adventure today and enjoy a holiday together in 2015 where there’s...

Here’s some exclusive Island gifts for him, her, them, everyone! Treat yourself to something special to remind you of your adventure on the Island that’s always new and different, no matter how many times a year you’re tempted across the water.

FOR THE LADY WHO HAS EVERYTHING

FOR INSTANT ISLAND HEADSPACE

This unique and delicate silver set of 3 bangles costs £109 from the Adrienne Wroath Boutique.

Every Adrienne Wroath creation is designed and hand-forged by Adrienne onsite in her Newport boutique, using hammers, files and flame. To see nautical necklaces, boat bangles and more visit

When you’re missing or reminiscing about your Island sanctuary, the Blue Labelle Cleanse and Nourish Kit for £35 can revive that energised feeling. The 100% natural botanical skincare oils include anti-ageing properties and are blended to suit all skin types for your face and body. Bottled by hand with love in Ventnor.

www.adriennewroath.com

➜

Music lovers can tune in to the cool Island vibe with global events such as the Isle of Wight Music Festival and Bestival. Outdoor adventurers can hike or pedal their way around the Island with the Walking and Cycling Festivals.

Foodies can sample the best bulbs at the Garlic Festival, car fanatics drive on over to V-Dub Festival and yachties enjoy life on the ocean wave at the Round the Island Race, the Festival of the Sea and world-famous Cowes Week. With non-stop action and adventure, nature and wildlife, history and culture, it’s an amazing place to be, by day and night.

Book early, be flexible and save

a little piece of Island life each time you leave

➜

It doesn’t matter what time of year you travel, spring, summer, autumn and winter, the Isle of Wight is the ultimate seasoned all-rounder

Smuggle back

www.bluelabelle.co.uk

➜

Room to

FOR A SHIPSHAPE LIVING SPACE In, out or shaken all about, the sturdy Easy Seat from Wightsails is a nostalgically nautical memento to put your feet up on and bring you right back to relaxing times on the Island. Handmade from recycled sailcloth and reclaimed spinnakers they make unique footstools and seats for your home or great talking points on your patio.

Buy online for £75.

FOR KIDS BIG & SMALL FOR ALL FOODIES Visit wightlink.co.uk where you will find all you need to ‘go, stay and do’ on the Isle of Wight this winter. Don’t forget to subscribe to our free Wightlink newsletter for offers and local updates.

You can also get involved and keep up-to-date with Island Life and Wightlink on our social media channels.

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wightlife • winter 2014/15 • wightlink.co.uk

Download yo ur free digital Wightlife fo ‘on the go’ Is r lan inspiration! d

➜

No man (or woman) is an Island aficionado without a visit to The Garlic Farm. The ultimate garlic lover’s gift is The Garlic Lover’s Hamper for £23.95, bursting with garlic goodies made from the best bulbs in the British Isles. www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk

➜

www.wightsails.com

Go potty crafting keepsakes at Chessell Pottery Barns every weekend in November & December from 10am-5pm. Painting prices include a studio fee of £5.50 and pottery prices start from £7.50. Pick up your glazed and fired masterpiece the following weekend or arrange postage with charges based on the amount of pottery to be delivered. www.chessellpotterybarns.co.uk

STOCKISTS Adrienne Wroath Boutique 26 Holyrood Street, Newport, PO30 5AZ Tel 01983 716162 www.adriennewroath.com Blue Labelle Tel 01983 700 878 www.bluelabelle. co.uk Wightsails Tel 01983 812 713 www.wightsails.com Chessell Pottery Barns Brook Road, Yarmouth PO41 0UE Tel 01983 531 248 www.chessellpotterybarns.co.uk The Garlic Farm Mersley Lane, Newchurch PO36 0NR Tel 01983 865378 www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk 19

festive guided tours Wednesdays, saturdays & sundays Wed 19 November – Wed 31 december* Have a festive day out and join expert guides to discover how Queen victoria and her family celebrated Christmas.

* Last tour 2.30pm on saturdays & sundays, 6.30pm on Wednesdays. tours are not available sat 6 – sun 7 & Wed 24 december.

Pre-booking recommended, telephone 01983 200022.