New arrivals are ready and waiting

We can’t quite believe that we’re already at that time of year again, the big 6 is here!

The Island really comes alive in the Summer, with a wide range of events and activities that are sure to have everyone satisfied during your stay.

We’ve put together some of our top picks for Summer fun across the Island for the next few weeks to give you some inspiration. Some of these may require entry fees or tickets so please keep this in mind.

Tapnell Farm – Kids Summer Party & Film Nights

Just over 3 miles away from The Orchards is one of the Islands family favourite venues, Tapnell Farm.

If the animals themselves aren’t enough for you to take a visit then maybe their events throughout the Summer will have you heading over. On Tuesday evenings their popular Farm fun & Film nights will be returning giving you the fun of the farm before the film starts. Each week will alternate between a showing of Paddington & Sing. The films are screened in their events barn where you can cosy up with your favourite movie snacks. On Thursday evenings their popular Biggest Kids Party will be bringing the fun with a packed programme of party games, live music and party dances!

For the grown ups there will be special one-off night of comedy in their barn with Milton Jones. Tickets are still available and can be purchased directly from their website.

To find out more about these events head over to their website www.tapnellfarm.com

Blackgang Chine boasts a jam packed Summer events calendar

One of our favourite family destinations has to be Blackgang Chine. And once again they will be bringing the Land of Imagination LIVE back!. All weekdays throughout the Summer holidays will see the characters throughout the park bring a fantastic immersive experience for the whole family. You can get up close and personal with their dinos on Triassic Thursdays or maybe put on those sparkly fairy wings you’ve got hidden away and party with the fairies on Magical Mondays.

But that’s not all, on Wednesday evenings throughout the Summer holidays the highly popular Summer fest will be getting the party going with their house DJ bringing the tunes to Pirate Cove. The foam party returns too which is sure to be a hit with the kids! You’ll then finish the night with a stunning firework display.

Don’t forget you can experience their brand new thrilling ride Extinction. This 360 pendulum swing is bound to have you screaming! You may have also seen it recently featured on ITV’s This Morning, where Josie Gibson took on the challenge.

And if the grown ups want to enjoy a kid free party their hotly anticipated return of the Sunset Sessions will be taking place on the 4th August & 2nd September. Experience the ultimate Summer night as you party on the clifftop with an unrivalled view. 4th August sees the iconic Ellie Sax headlining whilst the 2nd September is all about the legendary Dave Pearce.

You can find out more about their super events and book your tickets on their website www.blackgangchine.com

Robin Hill unveil brand new event for Summer 2023

Across at Blackgangs sister park, Robin Hill are opening a new event this Summer which we’re sure will be a hit. The Wonderwoods will take place every Tuesday & Thursday from 25^th July to 31^st August. Robin Hill is a truly stunning location and with a range of workshops and activities to get stuck into, you can really let your kids unleash their artistic side where they’ll be contributing to the vibrant displays. On Tuesday evenings the park will remain open into the night and their Ampitheatre will play host to their Circus of Curiosities.

The beautiful Night Glow will once again be gracing Robin Hills lower valley from 18^th to 20^thof August. These stunning hot air balloons will be floating above the park and timed to a musical production. These skilled balloon pilots are often on hand with model balloons too and taking part in a Q & A session about piloting. The tranquil setting of Robin Hill makes this such a unique event and it truly is a gorgeous spectacle.

This year has also seen the opening of their latest attraction, The Ripple. This 20m water pillow has been a welcome addition for families as it seems to be a huge hit with all ages! It gives the sensation of water play without getting wet and is highly accessible for all. They have even been hosting special accessibility sessions for guests on the first Sunday of each month too.

Robin Hill & Blackgang Chine offer joint park tickets too which can be booked on either of their websites. Head over to www.robin-hill.com

Jay Millers Circus returns with a new show

It wouldn’t be the Summer holidays if we didn’t have that big top on Whippingham roundabout! Jay Millers circus have been coming to the Island every summer for years now and bring a brand new show every year. With dare devil stunts, beautiful dancers and of course Peppi the clown, this is guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

Jay Millers Circus will be performing on the Island from 21st July to 29th August. Performances are at 3pm & 7pm weekdays, 7pm Saturdays and 2pm & 5pm Sundays. Booking recommended to avoid disappointment but not essential as tickets can be purchased on the day.

You can find out more about the show and what to expect as well as booking your tickets on their website www.jaymillerscircus.co.uk

These following events will only be around for a selected period of time so check out the dates to see if they are taking place within your holiday first!

Cowes Week July 29th – August 4th

Each year the town of Cowes becomes a bustling destination when the annual Cowes Week event takes place. The sailing event will host sailing races each day from around 10am. You can watch the races shoreside, just be prepared for the loud bangs from the cannons if you’re passing!. If sailing isn’t really your thing theres a range of things taking place shoreside along Cowes seafront including live music and entertainment. The town of Cowes is a great place to visit with a host of quirky shops and fantastic food venues. This is an extremely popular event so we would recommend taking the bus where possible as parking can be at a bit of a premium!

Sandown Bay Regatta & Island Carnivals

Across to Sandown the Sandown Bay Regatta is returning this year from 12^th to 13^th August. This free event takes place across the Sandown Bay area with a great plethora of activities to enjoy. This year you can even enter your furry friends into the Dog show where all breeds and ages are welcome. Some of the entertainment includes traditional punch & judy shows and the great regatta hat parade. Further information on the event will be released on the Sandown Carnival website www.sandowncarnival.com

There are a range of carnivals taking place across the summer too. Each town hosts a procession and there are also the illuminated events that take place too. You can find out more information on when and where these will take place on the Visit Isle of Wight website www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

Island Steam Fair at Isle of Wight Steam Railway

At the historical Isle of Wight Steam railway, the event calendar has been booming this year. Their wonderful Island Steam Fair will once again be back from 25^th-28^th August for an action-packed bank holiday weekend. Now in it’s 48^th year, The Island Steam Fair boasts a fabulous collection of vintage transport and a traditional fairground as well as live music performances, entertainment and ofcourse their steam trains running the line. See more about this event and ticket prices at www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk

The Garlic Festival

For all things Garlic you’ll ofcourse want to get yourself over to the Garlic Festival. This family friendly event has been bringing garlic lovers together since 1983 and were sure you’ll love it. Explore the delicious food on offer including some obscure choices like garlic ice cream!. But fret not if you’re not the biggest garlic lover, there’s a jam packed events schedule taking place. With live music, cooking demonstrations and workshops, fun fair and a huge range of shopping stalls it’s an event not to be missed. And if that’s not all the little ones will be begging you to go as the childrens TV favourite Bluey will be appearing too!. You can find out more and book your tickets in advance by visiting their website www.garlicfestival.co.uk

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Great value holidays every time

If you would like more information on ferry prices or holiday bookings please call us on

01983 531 331.

biffothebear65

2023-10-27

Lovely quiet site. Nice swimming pool Quiet park, very relaxing. Caravan was nice and cozy. Kitchen was well equipped Staff are so friendly and helpful. Small problem which was rectified very quickly and efficiently without any fuss. Swimming pool was nice and clean

Sandra E

2023-09-21

A quiet, peaceful and relaxing site. Just spent 10 lovely days in our touring caravan here. The weather was lovely so that helps but we also felt that the staff were really friendly and helpful. Managing to bring forward our ferry crossing on day of departure. The amenities block superbly clean and really spacious. It was a shame the on site takeaway was closed and so too the outside pool as the weather so good but the reasons were fair and justified. Booked again for next year same time. Ideal then for couples with no children.

Nicola c

2023-09-20

Great Short Break Enjoyed a lovely break here. Quiet site surrounded by beautiful countryside. Shower block is clean, warm and one of the best we have used. There is a paddock for dogs to run around it could do with a gate on it however. There are lovely swimming pools there and a shop and takeaway, it had just closed but no hassle to order take away from local pub up the road. Really enjoyed our stay.

Roej88

2023-08-26

Great Site Just returned from a Monday to Friday stay at orchards and had a lovely time. Friendly staff at check in which was a great start to the stay, actually never met a member of staff that wasn't friendly. We stayed in one of the static caravans on site and ok the van was one of the older ones so not super plush (but I booked it knowing this so no issue) the van was clean and well equipped which made it a good base for our trip. If I had one gripe it could use some new pillows as they are quite flat but we sorted it out by using pillows of one of the other beds too. The pools were fab, the kids insisted on swimming twice a day once in the morning and then when we returned from our day. Both were clean and warm and staffed again by some lovely people. Visited the shop as we forgot a few bits, it's quite large and stocked with those standard bits you need, it's not a tesco so don't expect to find everything. The takeaway was good, nice touch to get 10% off your first order too. All in all this was a lovely place to stay and we will definitely be returning.

Lauren T

2023-08-18

We would love to visit again It was our first time camping. We were pleasantly surprised. Lots of people had recommended this site. It is in a beautiful setting overlooking rolling hills. The facilities were very clean, and anything that needed fixing they sorted it. There is a lovely community of campers and it was quiet at night time for our girls. The pitch we had was very flat and there was a field for our daughters and their friends to play. The swimming pools were great fun and shout out to Mr Grumpy on the indoor pool duty - who made us all laugh over the couple of days we were there! We would love to visit again!

Mik B

2023-08-09

Fantastic site. Where do I begin with this site….from booking to them organising the ferry for you…everything is a breeze and they cannot do enough for you in reception. Fantastic location with a bus stop just outside of the main entrance. This is our 6th time back at this site and will be returning next year. Well recommend.

holidaysunshine2013

2023-08-06

Lovely holiday We’re just back from a lovely 4 night stay here, we booked a gala caravan which was far superior to other main holiday parks cheapest range, lovely caravan. Due to the weather we didn’t use the outdoor pool but our grandchildren loved the indoor pool which included plenty of things to play with. I didn’t question it while we were there as we were always with the children but wondered why there was a lifeguard outside but not in? Lovely dog walk area & a nice green area for children to play & plenty of cows to see. Separate rooms to play pool, table tennis & a few little grabber machines, just right. All the staff we met were very friendly & helpful, if you don’t want all the hype of loud entertainment & loads of game machines then this would be perfect for you.