Check out the Motorhome Friendly Parking section of The Motorcaravaner Club handbook, and you will find the island has entries whose numbers far exceed those of other parts of the country.
It has to be said, however, that with the rest of the UK happily, and enthusiastically, embracing the staycation revolution brought about by Covid, the phenomena may have passed the islanders by!
Travelling in March, we were disappointed that so many campsites and facilities were closed, with many clearly happy only to offer a short May to October opportunity. This is really, rather sad because the island has so much to offer outside the summer season, yet most attractions defiantly refuse to take advantage of very proactive efforts made by the excellent tourist authorities who do a wonderful job of promoting the islands appeal.
We stayed in campsites that were open the year round and they made us very welcome. The Waverley Park Holiday Centre is a hands-on, family run business located in East Cowes. The terraced hillside site offers easy parking and is well laid out, so as to offer touring motorcaravans, stunning views across the Solent.
Waverley Park Holiday Centre is wonderfully close to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s summerhouse that is open to the public. Run by English Heritage, this is a treat not to be rushed. Our advice is to stay an extra day at Waverly Park leave the van in their parking bays and use the time to thoroughly enjoy everything that the Queens former residence and its grounds have to offer. You will not be disappointed.
When we designed Voyager, we did so, knowing we enjoyed camping in the wild. So, we were delighted to find, and stay at, Camp Wight which offers some of the cheapest overnight accommodation on the island. Motorcaravan touring sites are both off grid and back to basics. Parking is easy. They boast big plots and a sustainable environment that is a million miles away from the manicured lawns and tarmac so many other campsites offer.
Basic yes, but it is equipped with running water, composting toilets, solar showers and charging facilities to keep tech devices running during your stay. The campsite has access to bridlepaths, the Tennyson Trail and other fabulous trekking and cycle paths that cross the islands beautiful landscape, this is the place to let go – lose yourself and find yourself at the same time.
This is the spot to fill the fire-pit, with wood, gather round the flames, and sip a tipple of something good while watching the stars cross darkened skies. This is a spot to feel good about.
The campsite is just two miles from the Wightlink ferry port at Yarmouth, where we caught our ferry to the mainland port of Lymington. Yarmouth harbour is constantly buzzing with nautical activities as yachting folk come and go.
Many sail here just to visit and enjoy the hospitality offered at the famous Bugle Inn and why not? We did, and really enjoyed well cooked food and a pint or two of ale locally brewed on the island.