It is going to be a special visit for us to the island, especially for my little girl, who as yet, has not experienced travel on a large vessel. Nearly all of the children in her class are the same, and have only seen the boats in pictures or on the tv. We will start the journey at Portsmouth and cross over the channel to Ryde pier on the ferry to Isle of Wight. It is probable that we will cross the Solent on one of the new Catamarans that are being used by the ferry company. I was quite excited by the prospect of the crossing as the vessels eat up the distance swiftly in about 12 minutes pier to pier.

Another big first for me will be acting as a helper for a group of kids belonging to someone else. Managing your own kids is one task, but it is nothing compared to looking after a bigger group. Our stay is for 3 nights, and we are hoping to visit some of the many attractions that are available on the island. Some of the places that have been recommended for us to visit during the stay include:

1. Dinosaurisle

Dinosaurisle is a purpose built interactive museum that was built in 2001 on the site of the old Museum of Isle of Wight, which housed the island’s geology and fossil collection. The new site resembles a giant pterodactyl in flight and was designed by a local architect by the name of Rainey Petri. They have fossils dating from the Ice Age all the way back to the Cretaceous period when the Earth was still dominated by the dinosaurs who are represented by life sized electrical models. You can find lots of excellent guided tours and many things to excite and stimulate the children.

2. Steam railway

Sadly most of the line was closed by 1966 having covered nearly 54 miles of island territory. What is left of the original line is now maintained by a volunteer group, who have been in place since 1971. Some of the oldest of the trains date back to 1876 when Queen Victoria was still on the throne. Full trip return tickets normally allow unlimited amounts of travel on the day that the tickei is issued to you (subject to their availability).

3. Sandown

Sandown looks an interesting place to visit, with its lovely bay and sheltered golden sands. Walking on the wide promenade is a very nice experience, created during the reign of Queen Victoria over a century ago. Here stands one of the last remaining piers of the latter part of Queen Victoria’s reign, which allows you some wonderful views out over the bay. There is an indoor swimming pool and a pitch and putt course, tennis facilities and plenty of shops and restaurants.

4. Bestival

Although Bestival is a fun packed fantastic adventure, I don’t think they are quite old enough for that yet, and unfortunately the teachers won’t let me slip off to experience it again for myself!

With headline sets from Massive Attack, Kraftwerk and Elbow lined up, plus appearances from Fleet Foxes, Seasick Steve, Klaxons, Lily Allen, Soulwax, La Roux, Bat For Lashes, the Cuban Brothers and Drums of Death it’s going to be a regal rave up.  Getting to Bestival couldn’t be easier.  The Isle of Wight is much nearer than most people think! For example, door to door from central London can take as little as 2 hours (including the ferry crossing).There are frequent and reliable Isle of Wight ferries taking both passengers and cars and if you fancy a bone jangling but exciting 10 minute ride, then there’s always the hovercraft that flies from Southsea.

Getting an IOW ferry seems to be a better bet than some other options for travelling to Bestival, including a bunch of loonies who intend to Swim to Bestival.They’ve done it two years running, swimming across the Solent in the company of safety kayaks arriving at the summer’s last great festival in some style, if a little wet and knackered!  It’s all in a good cause though, with money being raised for several charities, so don’t throw stuff at them as you cruise past in the luxurious IOW ferry.

Most people who come to Bestival camp and it really is the best way to experience it. You can take your own tent or hire a more luxurious Tipi, Yurt or Podpad.  You can also bring you own campervan to Bestival as the Isle of Wight ferries will easily accommodate even the most gargantuan mobile homes.  If you fancy roughing it in a B&B or hotel, then look for places in or near Newport, Ryde or Cowes.

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With headline sets from Massive Attack, Kraftwerk and Elbow lined up, plus appearances from  Fleet Foxes, Seasick Steve, Klaxons, Lily Allen, Soulwax, La Roux, Bat For Lashes, the Cuban Brothers and  Drums of Death it’s going to be a rip-roaring rave up.  Getting to Bestival couldn’t be easier.The Isle of Wight isn’t that far away really! For example, door to door from central London can be done in as little as 2 hours (including the ferry crossing).There are frequent and reliable Isle of Wight ferries taking both passengers and cars and if you fancy a bone jangling but exciting 10 minute ride, then there’s always the hovercraft that flies from Southsea.

Getting an IOW ferry seems to be a better bet than some other options for travelling to Bestival, including a bunch of loonies who intend to Swim to Bestival.They’ve done it two years running, swimming across the Solent in the company of safety kayaks arriving at the summer’s last great festival in some style, if a little wet and knackered!It’s all in a good cause though, with money being raised for several charities, so don’t mock as you cruise past in the luxurious IOW ferry.

Most people who come to Bestival camp and that really is the best way to experience it. You can take your own tent or hire a larger Tipi, Yurt or Podpad.  You can also bring you own campervan to Bestival as the Isle of Wight ferries will easily accommodate even the most gargantuan mobile homes.  If you fancy roughing it in a B&B or hotel, then look for places in or near Newport, Ryde or Cowes.