Your Ferry Tale starts here

27 June – 5 July 2026

Spanning nine days, this vibrant festival invites locals and visitors alike to explore the Island’s rich biodiversity and creative spirit through a broad array of events and activities.

The Isle of Wight is one of just seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the UK, recognised for its special mix of wildlife, landscapes, people and sustainable living.

17 – 26 July

The Island’s largest arts festival, Ventnor Fringe, returns with a packed programme spanning 10 days of music, comedy, cabaret, circus and visual arts.

Pick and choose whichever shows interest you, sample the bars, street food and markets or explore the vast Free Fringe with buskers and pop up shows across the town.

17 – 18 July 2026

WYTWOODS Festival is an immersive music, art and wellness festival taking place at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight.

It brings together live music, arts installations, wellbeing spaces and more for a weekend of creative celebration amid nature.

24 July – 2 August 2026

Elite Beach Sports brings its high‑energy, multi‑sport coastal experience to the Isle of Wight, uniting community, movement, and the magic of the beach.

Whether you’re trying a sport for the first time or sharpening your skills, the Isle of Wight stop is designed to welcome all abilities and celebrate participation at every level.

9 August 2026

Autofest 2026 brings together the best of past and present motoring for a relaxed, family-friendly day out on the Island.

From beautifully restored classics to cutting-edge modern machines, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship and innovation. Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast or simply looking for a laid-back summer day out, Autofest offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty to keep you entertained.

16 August 2026

A summer evening in the woodlands, live music drifting through the trees and a crowd singing every word.

Scouting for Girls headline Robin Hill this August, bringing their unmistakable pop sound to one of the Island’s most atmospheric outdoor venues.

28 – 31 August 2026

One of the biggest events on the scooter calendar sees thousands of vintage scooters and their owners arrive on the Island for a weekend of music, custom shows and trade stalls, culminating in Sunday’s big ride out.

11 – 14 September 2026

Calling all Volkswagen enthusiasts! Wight Buggin’ returns this September, full of family fun and a lovely end-of-season opportunity to hangout with the V-Dubbers.

This family-friendly weekend offers three nights of camping, along with superb live performances from bands and music acts for everyone’s enjoyment.

It’s a must-visit for all petrol heads and history buffs, with the two-day charity event bringing together the best classic vehicles from all over the UK and Europe.

You’ll get to see an eclectic range of around 1,000 vintage, custom, retro and rare cars, taking you on a step back through time to the golden age of motoring. Based in Newport on the Saturday and along Ryde Esplanade on the Sunday. What’s better is it’s free to attend!

Presented by Jack Up Events, this live show captures the magic, energy and timeless appeal of Stevie Wonder’s legendary catalogue, performed by a world-class band led by acclaimed vocalist Noel McCalla.

Expect a feel-good night packed with instantly recognisable hits and irresistible grooves that will have the whole theatre moving.

14 November 2026

Get ready for an evening of grooves and feel-good nostalgia as Johnny2Bad bring the greatest hits of UB40 to Shanklin Theatre.

This award-winning eight-piece band celebrates the music of one of the UK’s most iconic reggae groups, delivering a high-energy show packed with the songs that defined a generation.

🕐 45 minutes 🚘🚶 Vehicle and foot passenger ferry

Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight is a popular and convenient ferry route, getting you across the Solent in just 45 minutes.

A number of ferries serve this crossing, including our environmentally friendly flagship Victoria of Wight, each coming with spacious passenger loungers, sun decks and food and drink outlets to keep you refreshed.

🕐 40 minutes 🚘🚶Vehicle and foot passenger ferry

This route gives you both breath-taking views and the utmost convenience. It’s the fastest way to take your vehicle across the Solent, with crossing times of just 40 minutes on one of our spacious, well-equipped ferries. 

The route will take you through the mouth of Lymington River and past Hurst Castle on a beautiful journey, which will set you up perfectly for your trip ahead.

🕐 22 minutes 🚶Foot passenger ferry

If you’re travelling on foot, Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head is our quickest route, crossing the waters between the Isle of Wight and mainland in just 22 minutes.  

Our reliable, high-speed FastCat catamarans serve this route and come with spacious passenger lounges, bicycle racks and a sun deck, perfect for taking in the views during the day.

From self-catering chalets and family holiday homes to dog-friendly hotels, the Isle of Wight has accommodation for every kind of break.

Many places to stay also offer discounted ferry travel with Wightlink, so check when you book and see where your next Island escape could take you.

Stuck for inspiration? We’ve got you.

Explore our latest travel inspiration, what’s on guides and things to do on the Isle of Wight and across the south coast.

From hidden gems to family days out, our blogs are written by the people who know the area best.