A Relaxing Holiday to the Isle of Wight with Wightlink Ferries

Helen Davis on 20 September 2025
Our recent holiday to the Isle of Wight was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure – and it all started with a smooth crossing on the Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne.

Stress-Free Travel with Priority Boarding

We opted for priority boarding, which made the whole experience so much easier. Getting on and off the ferry quickly took away any travel stress – especially helpful when you’re eager to start your holiday.

The crossing itself was quick and calm, taking just 45 minutes. On board, there was a great outdoor area for dogs, which our four-legged friend loved, and plenty of comfortable indoor seating for us. The journey felt like the perfect start to our getaway.

A Perfect Base at Wootton Bridge.

We stayed in Wootton Bridge, just 10 minutes from Fishbourne, which made arriving on the island effortless. This spot was a great base – the whole island is easily accessible by car, so day trips to every corner were simple and relaxed. Most driving we did was 45 minutes from one side of the island to the other.

Exploring the Island’s Highlights

There’s something charming about the Isle of Wight’s small towns and beautiful landscapes. Some of our highlights included:

Walking to the Needles – A must-do, with stunning coastal views.

Shanklin – A quaint small seafront town with a classic seaside feel.

Godshill – Known for its pretty thatched cottages and tea rooms.

Yarmouth – A lovely harbour town with excellent restaurants, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.

Everywhere we went, we found the island to be incredibly dog-friendly, from cafés to walking trails, which made exploring stress-free and enjoyable.

A Week Well Spent, we stayed in Woodside Bay Lodge retreat, ideal base for a self catered lodge with hot tub and on site bar and gym.

We stayed for one week, which was just the right amount of time to do everything we wanted without feeling rushed. The Isle of Wight’s compact size makes it easy to explore at a relaxed pace.

Final Thoughts

From the smooth ferry crossing to the beautiful walks, dog-friendly beaches, and charming towns, our holiday to the Isle of Wight was a wonderful experience. Whether you’re travelling with pets, looking for a peaceful coastal retreat, or eager to explore scenic landscapes, the island has something for everyone.