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With the Christmas holidays already a distant memory, it’s
time for parents to start planning for the next break -
February half term, this year split across two weeks. Some
schools will be on holiday from 9th February, others from
16th February but cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink
(0871 376 1000/www.wightlink.co.uk) has come up with some
ideas for either week to help baffled parents entertain
their families on the Isle of Wight at half term.
Departing 9th or 16th February: Self catering farm cottage
holiday at Mersley Farm:
Stay at the Isle of Wight’s famous Garlic Farm in one of six
cottages created from traditional outbuildings around
Mersley Farm in the Island’s rural heartland. Newly
converted in 2007, Mill Cottage is an early 19th century
stone barn which faces the Downs and offers three spacious
bedrooms. Guests benefit from free WiFi internet access,
use of a tennis court, and easy access to beaches and famous
resort towns.
Why go?
Eco-inclined families who want to stay on UK soil rather
than increase their carbon footprint by travelling abroad
can still cross the water for a green break. The highlight
of staying at Mersley Farm is the onsite Garlic Farm shop –
a great place to find fresh local produce and sample a
diverse range of garlic products including elephant garlic,
smoked garlic, garlic flour, pickles, relish, and even
garlic honey! Over half of the Isle of Wight is designated
as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and there are
nearly 30 miles of 'Heritage Coast' – an accolade only
applied to coastlines of the highest quality in England and
Wales. There are plenty of activities for kids of all ages,
including ones that are open in the winter like Amazon World
and Dinosaur Isle.
What it costs:
A seven-night Wightlink Green Getaways package at Mersley
Farm, Newchurch costs from £158 per person (based on a
family of four sharing) and includes self-catering
accommodation and return car ferry crossings from Portsmouth
or Lymington with Wightlink.
Departing 16th February: boutique hotel break in the
Apartment Suite at The Seaview. The Isle of Wight’s most
famous small hotel, located in the sailing village of
Seaview, The Seaview underwent a major facelift in 2007,
styled by former Ralph Lauren designers Keech Green.
Accommodation in the hotel’s luxury Apartment Suite is ideal
for families and offers two master bedrooms, children’s
room, bathroom and a lounge complete with flat screen
television with satellite channels and DVD/CD player.
Why go?
The Seaview is famously family friendly – recently rated as
one of the top ten in the UK. Now recognised as one of the
Isle of Wight’s top ten beaches, Seaview was voted best
beach for winter visits by Wightlink customers and was
second only to near neighbour Bembridge for walkers.
Primarily a sailing village, Seaview doubles up as a very
traditional family resort with three attractive beaches –
Springvale, Seagrove Bay and Priory Bay. At the Seaview
village end, the beach is sandy at low tide, revealing large
areas of rock pools, full of crabs and shrimps, which are
ideal for small children wielding nets. Nearby attractions
include Brading Roman Villa and Amazon World.
What it costs:
Six night Wightlink packages cost from £388per person (based
on a family of four sharing). This includes B&B
accommodation and return car ferry crossings from Portsmouth
or Lymington.
ENDS
Issued on behalf
of: By:
WIGHTLINK
LTD
Christine Ball PR
7th January
2008 Tel:
01798 874177 |
