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Spend an Action packed August Bank Holiday on the Isle of Wight

From a powerboat party at Cowes to the power of steam at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, the Isle of Wight has all the necessary ingredients to make the August bank holiday a great one for you and your family.

Get into the holiday mood the minute you arrive at the ferry terminal.  From Thursday 26 to Monday 30 August, Red Funnel is providing free entertainment on board its Southampton to East Cowes crossings, including face painting and ‘bug handling experiences’ for kids, while live bands will entertain visitors at the Southampton vehicle terminal.   In addition, all three cross-Solent ferry operators - Red Funnel, Wightlink and Hovertravel - are currently offering a range of discounted ferry fares.  See www.redfunnel.co.uk, www.wightlink.co.uk and www.hovertravel.co.uk for details.

With 60 miles of coastline to explore, such as the Island’s Blue Flag beaches at the resorts of Ventnor, Sandown and Shanklin, plus a whole host of attractions to visit, from fun-packed adventure parks to medieval castles, you really can bank on the Isle of Wight for a long weekend of fun and entertainment.  Here’s a selection of what’s on offer:

Time Travellers Go... Archaeology

Become Indiana Jones for a day! Take part in Rescue that Relic, the ancient tomb obstacle course, dig up artefacts for yourself and try your hand at the Archaeology Quest. 

Kids Go Free at The Needles Old Battery

This bank holiday, kids can enjoy free visits plus lots of fun activities at the Needles Old Battery, a Victorian fort perched high on the cliffs at Alum Bay. Follow the soldier trail, borrow a family discovery pack or dress up as a Victorian solider working with barrels of gunpowder. Explore the twisty tunnel, discover the Battery’s nooks and crannies and imagine firing the big guns on the Parade Ground. Then have a leisurely picnic on the grassy bank overlooking the Needles rocks, or visit the cliff top tea room before enjoying the stroll back along the cliff path with its dramatic views across the Solent. 

Isle of Wight Steam Show

Stunning shows including a Medieval jousting display team, plus traditional fairground rides, a Red Indian encampment, country crafts and of course lots of fascinating working steam demonstrations and steam train rides. 

Grand Donkeys Day Out

Have fun while helping to raise funds for the Island's donkey rescue centre.  Expect live music, local crafts and stalls, refreshments including a beer tent, children's bouncy castle, magic shows and falconry displays  Plus, see the UK's Number 1 Michael Buble tribute act, plus Mercury - a superb Queen Tribute Show, take to the stage. 

 Cinema under the Stars

A perfect way to spend a summer evening, bring a blanket and a picnic (bar and BBQ available) and then get ready to relax and enjoy some of the best feel-good films of all time as Robin Hill Adventure Park is transformed into a giant open-air cinema.  Choose from Raiders of the Lost Ark (27 August), Mamma Mia (28 August) and Jungle Book (29 August.

British Powerboat Festival - Wed 25-Mon 30 Aug

The town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight will be the stage where the greatest powerboat party ever will be held over the August Bank Holiday when over 40 of the world's top UIM Marathon Class racing boats will be competing in the legendary Cowes - Torquay - Cowes marathon powerboat race celebrating its 50th birthday during The British Powerboat Festival 2010.

The focal point of the festival will be the Race Village situated at Cowes Yacht Haven. Visitors will be able to come and see the dry and wet pits close up and be able mix and savour the atmosphere created by a bar, food court, live music, street entertainers, and various merchandising stalls.  Plus there will also be a Royal Navy Lynx Helicopter display at 3pm on Thursday 26th August, Friday 27th August and Saturday 28th August. 

Get active over the Bank Holiday

The Medina Valley Centre, positioned on the beautiful banks of the River Medina, close to Newport, is offering a range of short sailing courses suitable for beginners as well as introductory half-day kayak and canoe sessions at just £25 each.

The Isle of Wight Council’s Summer Activities 2010 programme has some fantastically priced ‘come-and-try-it’ sports and activity sessions such as Snorkelling at the Waterside Pool, (Sat 28 Aug, 8.30am to 10.30am, child £1.60+£1 equipment hire, over 8’s only) and Junior Sports Challenge incorporating tennis, rounders and basketball at the Medina Leisure Centre,(Monday 30 Aug, 9am to 2pm, cost £9, age 8-13). 

Take a look around our islandbreaks.co.uk website for details on how to get to the Isle of Wight, where to stay and what to see and do or telephone 01983 813813.