Yes it’s still very cold across a lot of the country, and there are warnings about another devastating ‘storm of the century’, but, that would appear to be a bit of an exaggeration (hope I’m not doing a ‘Michael Fish’ there!). But looking out the window as I write, the light at the end of the Winter tunnel is definitely glimmering on the horizon.
So, thoughts are turning to sorting out this year’s holidays, and if you want to get away sooner rather than later, then it’s probably best to book somewhere south, rather than north. Obviously lengthy travel is a factor (“Are we there yet?…are we there yet?…I think I’m going to be sick…are we there yet?), but if you want as near as you can get to guaranteed good weather, then head south.
And if you’re going to head south then you could do a lot worse than the Isle of Wight which has four Park Resorts owned holiday parks. Despite being a very large rock in the ocean, the island has a milder sub-climate than most of the rest of the UK, plus the island’s geography affords quite a bit of shelter in places. Obviously being an island means you will have to get a ferry, but park Resorts can help out with that, and although an added expense, it is actually free during certain periods of the year.
So what does the island have to offer? Apart from the clement climate, there are beautiful clean beaches, some of them award winning, in fact there are more award winning beaches than anywhere else in the UK if you compare by area size. The island doesn’t suffer much from traffic problems so it is a great place to cycle around. In fact you could turn a holiday into a proper active break by discovering all the island has to offer on two wheels instead of four.
The four parks are all located on the coast, north, south and east.
Thorness Bay Holiday Park near Cowes has a lovely woodland location, plenty of facilities and activities, and is known for its marvellous views. More info.
Nodes Point Holiday Park has direct access to St Helen’s beach, and, you can camp there if the weather is good enough. There are plenty of nearby attractions, but also plenty to do onsite. More info.
Landguard Holiday Park in Shanklin is also located in a woodland, and has a sister site down the road allowing visitors to use their facilities as well. Mind you, there are plenty of facilities onsite, and the beach is just a fifteen minute walk away. More info.
Sister park Lower Hyde Holiday Park also has plenty to do, and is again fifteen minutes walk from a lovely beach. Loads to do onsite, as well as the aforementioned shared facilities, and plenty to see and do outside the park in the local area. More info.
And don’t forget, the 30% off early booking deal from Park Resorts ends on January 31st, so get clicking to save the ducats!
By: Gareth Whieldon
