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Fantastic family days out this May Bank Holiday (3-5 May 2008)

The first May Bank holiday provides the perfect opportunity for families to get out and about and enjoy a fantastic day out. Here on the Isle of Wight, several attractions are hosting special events and with the three ferry operators offering attractive deals, the Island represents great value for money this May Bank Holiday.

The shortest route to the Island is by hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde (www.hovertravel.co.uk) and takes just 10 minutes. Wightlink's Portsmouth to Ryde FastCat (www.wightlink.co.uk) takes 18 minutes and there are direct mainline train connections from London Waterloo, Brighton, Bristol and Southampton to Portsmouth and onward Island Line services to Brading, Sandown and Shanklin from Ryde Pier Head. The Red Jet Hi-speed (www.redfunnel.co.uk)service takes 23 minutes and Family Day Return tickets for parties of 3 or 4 are available for travel after 0915 throughout the week. Both Wightlink and Red Funnel are part of the National rail network which means that you can buy a combined rail/ferry ticket from any train station.

Once here it's easy to get around with Island buses which service all the major towns and villages. At just £20 for a family of five, the Rover ticket offers great value and freedom to roam (www.islandbuses.info) - try the open-top bus tour along the south-west coastline for spectacular scenery.

World Famous Children's Author- Brading Roman Villa
When: 3rd & 4th May, 10am-4pm
Where: Brading Roman Villa.
Contact:01983 406223. www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk
Caroline Lawrence the world famous children's Author of the Roman Mysteries series of children's books! Bring your own copies of Caroline's books for her to sign or buy from the bookshop.
Sat 3rd May - late morning & early afternoon talk and book signing
Sun 4th May - late morning talk and book signing
Also experience the exciting re-enactment displays by living history society The Legion II Augusta!
Cost: Adult £4.25, Children and Students £2.20, Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £12

The Real Ale Festival
When: 3rd -5th May
Where: Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet, near Ryde, PO33 4DS
Contact: Tel. 01983 882204 or visit www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk
A variety of real ales from Island breweries, steam train rides - note special evening trains available - and great food (BBQ between 5.30pm and 7.30pm) makes this a brilliant day out. Havenstreet station is accessible from Ryde pierhead. Gift shop, cafeteria and railway museum on site.
Cost: £9 adult, £4.50 child (£22 family of 4) - visit the website for ferry inclusive prices.

Isle of Wight Randonnee
When: 4th May, 9am-6pm
Where: Islandwide.
Contact: www.cycleisland.co.uk
Get your legs out on this clockwise cycle ride around the Island, but only if you're fit enough. At 100km (or 55km for the mini-randonnee) it's not for the faint-hearted! Start at any of the checkpoints around the Island - visit the website for full details.
Cost: No entry fee and no need to pre-register - just turn up.

Annual Antiques & Craft Fair
When: 4th May
Where: Appuldurcombe House, Wroxall, Nr Ventnor, PO38 3EW
Contact: Tel. 01983 840188 or visit www.appuldurcombe.co.uk
The Annual Antiques & Craft Fair is back at Appuldurcombe House. Come along and bag yourself a family heirloom.
Cost: £1.

Teddy Bear's Spring Picnic
When: 5th May
Where: Blackgang Chine, Nr Ventnor, PO38 2HN
Contact: Tel. 01983 730052 or visit www.blackgangchine.com
A great day out (10am-5pm) for teddies and their owners with fun activities and prizes galore, plus traditional tea-time menus. Overlooking the spectacular South West 'Heritage Coast', Blackgang Chine is an eccentric mix of exciting rides, goblins, fairies, dinosaurs, nursery rhyme characters, cowboys and Indians all set within rambling Victorian gardens.
Cost: £9.50 per person, senior citizens £6.50, Saver ticket (4 persons) £35.00 - free return visit within 7 days.

WILDZONE - Bug Hunt
When: 5th May - 1.30pm
Where: St Helens Duver, near Ryde (SZ 637 892) car park
Contact: Tel.01983 741020 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight
Use the Discovery Packs provided to investigate bugs and other wildlife lurking on the Duver, a wide stretch of grass and sand dunes. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: £5 per pack (to borrow) - must be booked in advance.

There is a year-round programme of National Trust events on the Island. From 4-26 May, visitors can see a small display of finished work from the Isle of Wight Woodturners at Newtown Old Town Hall, Newport, PO30 4PA. This fascinating 17th century town hall is located in a tranquil village of the same name on the edge of a marshland nature reserve. Cost £2 adult, £1 child, family £5 - booking not necessary.