Save on
Get 20% off your ferry travel when you visit one of the Isle of Wight’s many unforgettable events.
From the famous Garlic Festival to regattas, races, walking festivals and music events with a difference, the Island’s calendar is packed with reasons to plan your next trip.
Even better, you can save 20% on ferry travel for selected events, making it easier to enjoy more of what the Isle of Wight has to offer.
Filmed on the Isle of Wight and on our ferries during the Springtime our new Isle of Wight “Ferry Tales” campaign is running on national TV and online across the whole Spring and Summer of 2026!
How many of the locations on the Island do you recognise?
Start planning your adventure, we can’t wait to welcome you to the beautiful Isle of Wight.
Ready to start your Island adventure? To get 20% off your cross-Solent ferry travel, choose an eligible event from our Isle of Wight events calendar using the button below.
Look out for the green ‘Ferry offer’ banner, as the discount is only available on selected events.
You can travel from the day before the event starts until the day after it finishes, giving you the option to stay a little longer and make the most of your time on the Island.
Not sure which event takes your fancy? With so many to choose from, it can be hard to take your pick, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourites below.
But don’t forget to check out our interactive Explorer map to find even more things to do – and keep an eye out for the green ‘Ferry offer’ banner to save on your sailing.
14 November 2026
Get ready for an evening of grooves and feel-good nostalgia as Johnny2Bad bring the greatest hits of UB40 to Shanklin Theatre.
This award-winning eight-piece band celebrates the music of one of the UK’s most iconic reggae groups, delivering a high-energy show packed with the songs that defined a generation.
4 December – 1 January 2027
Step into a world of colour, sparkle and winter magic at Illuminate, Robin Hill’s brand-new winter light trail.
Perfect for families, friends and couples, this enchanting outdoor experience takes you on a journey through the park as dazzling light installations transform the woodland landscape into a glowing wonderland.
13 December 2026
Offering a fantastic 10-mile run to start the festive season, it features breathtaking winter vistas of the Solent, historic landmarks, beaches, and scenic footpaths winding through the beautiful Freshwater countryside.
Beginning and concluding at the West Wight Sports Centre, participants can expect ample support along the way and a comforting treat of mince pie and mulled wine upon their return.
18 – 20 February 2027
The Isle of Wight Story Festival is a special place for children and families to have fun together, creating, inspiring and imagining. This February half term, the festival, returns to Quay Arts in Newport with appearances from some of the biggest names in children’s books.
So what are you waiting for? Let your imagination run wild and spend time with some of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers.
25 April 2027
The Great RSPCA Isle of Wight Dog Walk promises a pawsome day out for you and your four-legged friend.
The RSPCA Isle of Wight has teamed up with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to bring walkers and their dogs together at one of the Island’s most unique heritage attractions.
16-18 July 2027
WYTWOODS Festival is an immersive music, art and wellness festival taking place at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight. It brings together live music, arts installations, wellbeing spaces and more for a weekend of creative celebration amid nature.
The festival now runs across three days, featuring multiple bespoke stages, a carefully curated programme of music, wellness activities and arts experiences.
Holiday-goers have flocked to the Isle of Wight for generations, whether it’s for the copious sandy beaches, the Mediterranean vibes (without the need for your passport!) or the wealth of things to do.
If you’re looking for a quintessential seaside stay, you’re all set on the Island. Bathe under the sun (which you’ll see plenty of on the Island), explore historic landmarks and rest your head in a beautiful hotel or B&B perched atop one of the Diamond Isle’s many cliffs.
Plus, if you’re looking for a more energetic getaway, you’re all set. From world-famous music festivals to the perfect water sports setting, the Island has it all.
And getting there is part of the fun. At Wightlink, we bring 4.3 million people together every year, linking the mainland with the Island through three convenient ferry routes.
🕐 45 minutes 🚘🚶 Vehicle and foot passenger ferry
Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight is a popular and convenient ferry route, getting you across the Solent in just 45 minutes.
A number of ferries serve this crossing, including our environmentally friendly flagship Victoria of Wight, each coming with spacious passenger loungers, sun decks and food and drink outlets to keep you refreshed.
🕐 40 minutes 🚘🚶Vehicle and foot passenger ferry
This route gives you both breath-taking views and the utmost convenience. It’s the fastest way to take your vehicle across the Solent, with crossing times of just 40 minutes on one of our spacious, well-equipped ferries.
The route will take you through the mouth of Lymington River and past Hurst Castle on a beautiful journey, which will set you up perfectly for your trip ahead.
🕐 22 minutes 🚶Foot passenger ferry
If you’re travelling on foot, Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head is our quickest route, crossing the waters between the Isle of Wight and mainland in just 22 minutes.
Our reliable, high-speed FastCat catamarans serve this route and come with spacious passenger lounges, bicycle racks and a sun deck, perfect for taking in the views during the day.
Whether you’re visiting this picturesque Island in search for adventure, relaxation or the perfect blend of both, you won’t be lost for things to keep you and the family entertained.
There are stunning sandy beaches, beautifully-scenic coastal walks and unique attractions to visit – plenty to pack into a bitesize weekend break or a full-blown summer holiday.
