Say Yes to an October Half-Term adventure

With October half term fast approaching, it can be a challenge to find activities to keep the whole family happy. But not on the Isle of Wight!

Not only does the Island offer an easy escape from your everyday routine - just off the South Coast of England, and only an hour and a half from London - but there are many brilliant activities, attractions, events, and things to do during this year’s October half term holidays!

Say Yes to a ghostly encounter!

The Isle of Wight is well known for its sinister and spooky past; indeed some refer to it as Ghost Island. Ventnor Botanical Gardens is reportedly one of the most haunted places on the Island. Many tuberculosis sufferers died at the Old Royal National Hospital that once stood there and it’s said the ghosts of some linger, weeping and groaning. There are smells of ether, and sightings of a sickly ghost and phantom nurses in old fashioned uniforms that walk the gardens. 

Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne, Appuldurcombe House, Fort Victoria, Brading Roman Villa and the Royal Yacht Squadron all have had reported ghostly activity. There are even ghost ships which have been spotted out at sea.  

Haunted pubs include The Castle and Wheatsheaf Inns in Newport, and the Hare and Hounds at Arreton. And if you fancy spending the night with the supernatural, book into the fairy themed Enchanted Manor at Niton and you may just meet the ghosts of an Edwardian gentleman, mischievous ghost boys, and the ghost of Mrs Prendergast who keeps an eye on her old home.

Discover spooky stories from the Island here...

Say Yes to a spooktacular event

For great half term days out, the Island attractions are second to none and have special events throughout the holiday to suit everyone from the smallest of people to the most sullen of teenagers. There’s the UK’s oldest theme park Blackgang Chine to explore, or you could run some steam off at Tapnell Farm Park or go and visit the animals at the Monkey Haven or the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. With on-site cafes and refreshments, you can make a real day of it or pack a picnic and enjoy your sarnies with the animals. There are lots of terrifying Halloween events and spooky shenanigans taking place around the Island.

If history and heritage are your thing, then the Island has plenty to offer. Visit Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle and step back centuries, or see where rockets were tested in the fifties at the Needles Battery. There are museums and galleries and you must go to the Island Steam Railway to see their impressive collection of Victorian rolling stock and to ride the train.

Say Yes to burning off some energy

Make it an adventure-filled week; go coasteering, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, tree-climbing, kitesurfing, or spend the day at the action-packed Tapnell Farm!

Just because it’s October doesn’t mean that you can get out and about for some fresh air and vitamin sea. So why not explore the Island by foot or bike with a stunning backdrop of 68 miles of coastline, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can easily rent a bike on the Island if you don’t want to bring your own.

With routes including the Red Squirrel Trail and the flat ride from Sandown to Shanklin, smaller children will enjoy cycling, squirrel spotting and maybe even an ice cream. You should also have a look at our Slow Travel Guide which gives information about how to travel around the Island without your car using bus and train services or your own legwork!

Say Yes to wildlife spotting

The Isle of Wight is one of the few places with a thriving red squirrel population, thanks to there being no grey squirrels on the Island. Half term is a great time to spot them as they are at their most visible during the autumn, foraging and stashing nuts for the winter. The HIWWT recommend Bouldnor Forest nature reserve as a good bet for a sighting. You’ll also get lots more opportunities for sightings if you cycle the Red Squirrel Trail.

Twitchers will be in bird-watching paradise with a visit to Newtown National Nature Reserve. The bird hides provide a great place to get up close to the many species found there. In the Seabroke bird hide the solar-powered telescope provides live close-up images of birds on a screen.

Learn more about our Island wildlife here.

Say Yes to brisk beach walks and cosy pubs

Of course, half term is family holiday time and many of the Island’s pubs, restaurants and accommodation are dog friendly so there’s no need to leave Fido at home. Many of the beaches revert to being completely dog friendly during the autumn months so you’ll have miles of seaside to explore, cafes to visit and perhaps some paddling to do…

For foodies, the Island is a mecca and most pubs, restaurants and cafes have children’s menus featuring local produce, fresh fish and meat. There are also independent shops and farmer’s markets selling local produce perfect for an autumn picnic or a cook up if you’re self- catering. And talking of which, there’s such a wide range of holiday accommodation that you won’t be short of ideas for places to stay from tradition B&Bs to yurts, campsites, hotels and holiday lets. Many accommodation providers can help you with your ferry travel so check out the ferries and accommodation page. 

Say Yes to the Isle of Wight this half term!

This is just a taste of the ghastly goings-on you can enjoy this half term across the Island.

Book your visit today to create ghoulish half-term memories!

It couldn’t be easier to get to the Isle of Wight via Lymington, Southampton, Southsea or Portsmouth. There are regular rail connections to the south coast via South Western Railway.

Travelling as a foot passenger is simple due to our excellent transport links with trains, buses, foot passenger ferries and our hovercraft service. 

Don’t forget to share your SPOOKTACULAR photos and creative costumes with us on social media... #VisitIsleofWight.