This is a guest post by the lovely Helen from Mummy To The Max Blog. Helen writes about family life in Southampton, activities and experiences with her son Max, a toddler and reviews.
As some of my readers may know, my parents now live on the Isle of Wight. I speak to them every day and see them regularly when they return to the mainland. Recently Maxwell and I decided to visit them.
We travelled on the newly refurbished Red Falcon ferry from the Red Funnel Terminal in Southampton to East Cowes. I loved the new styling of the ferry and hope Red Funnel will update their other 2 ferries to the same standards. The ferry journey takes 1 hour and the time passed very quickly. Maxwell enjoyed watching passing ships and yachts, constantly waving to all of them.
We were met at the ferry terminal by my parents and as the weather was warm we headed to Shanklin to have a game of crazy golf and to watch people on the beach whilst eating yummy ice creams.
We then visited The Garlic Farm at Newchurch. It is free admission and parking and we had an enjoyable time having a free tasting experience ... garlic mayonnaise, chutneys, oils etc. Maxwell loved watching the farm animals and adored the Shetland pony. We made our purchases from the on-site shop and headed off to get an early evening meal at the family orientated pub the Fighting Cocks at Arreton. There was plenty on the menu and they really catered well for fussy little ones.
The next day we visited Arreton Barns Craft Village which is the largest centre for arts and crafts on the Isle of Wight. It is also free admission and parking. We watched skilled artisans at work including woodturners, ceramic artists, glass blowers, leather workers, artists and florists. Maxwell was captivated at the large statues of pirates as he absolutely loves pirates. You can visit the Shipwreck Centre at an extra cost.
We then headed to West Cowes where we looked around various shops and had a late lunch at the Mess Canteen. This is well worth a visit as drinks are served out of jam jars and the food is delicious and priced very competitively. There is a little book corner and a tiny child's chair which Maxwell relaxed in. I loved that they catered for children and thought this was a very nice touch.
After a stroll along the waterfront, It was then time to return home ... we said our goodbyes and caught the Red Eagle back to Southampton.
We had a most enjoyable time and we are hoping to visit the Isle Of Wight soon.
My mum and dad have been to the Isle of Wight and they loved it. They are planning another trip for next year.
ReplyDeleteI have been twice, it is a lovely place to visit
DeleteI've never been to the Isle of Wight, but it looks beautiful and with lots to do :)
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot to do for all ages.
DeleteSounds like a lovely trip! I've always wanted to go to the isle of wight but never have! Must make sure I do soon x
ReplyDeleteYou must let me know if you do make it.
DeleteI was considering going to the Isle of Wight this year but I think it's just a little too far from home and too close to my due date for my husband to feel comfortable with it. I do love the garlic farm though - it's a highlight of mine!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to the garlic farm, I think I must go next time.
DeleteI remember having a holiday in the isle of wight as a kid and have always wanted to go back there. I'd love to take my kids there. x
ReplyDeleteI remember going when I was young too. I remember the fossils you can find on the beach.
DeleteSounds like a nice trip. We went for a day trip only years back as children - I only remember the ferry and making sand art at the needles!
ReplyDeleteI remember the ferry when I want as a child too!
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