Located just 3 miles from the South Coast of Britain is the stunning (and often overlooked) Isle of Wight. Holidaymakers have been frequenting the Isle for the last century in search of unspoilt beaches, bustling villages and historic sites. However, more recently, it is also becoming a destination for young people seeking high adrenaline sports, music festivals and national events.
The Isle has had strong links with music since the 60s/70s when it hosted Europe’s biggest ever rock festival. In 1970, over 500,000 rock fans flocked to the Island to see Jimmy Hendrix (in what was to be his last ever live festival performance) – even to this day locals still look back at the event with great fondness.
Nowadays the festivals that prove to be the biggest draw to the Island are the Isle of Wight Festival (June) and Bestival (September). Both are a now firm fixture in the UK festival calendar and attract a wealth of International talent and festival goers.
If like us, you like your music, but are put off by the thought of a camping a weekend in a noisy and potentially muddy field – the Isle offers a vast array of accommodation options that cater for all types of budget.
We opted to stay in the beautiful Luccombe Hall, located in Shanklin (around 20 mins away from the Isle of Wight Festival arena). Set on a stunning seaside cliff top in this quaint village, the hotel itself dates back to 1870 and was the former summer home of the Bishop of Portsmouth. Nowadays, this family-run hotel has retained the character and grand feel of original hall, however now also offering a wide array of facilities including, Indoor/Outdoor heated pools, Gym, Squash court, Spa and Sauna. The hotel also offers large landscaped gardens and easy access to the beach, making Luccombe Hall the perfect retreat after a hard days partying at the festival.
Room options vary depending on your needs. Guests can opt for sea views, private balconies and even family friendly options. All rooms come with the standard facilities such as TV, en-Suite, Tea and Coffee Facilities etc. The hotel is also a bit of a celeb haunt – with various TV presenters and actors present for their amazing breakfast!
With friendly attentive staff and this stunning location, there are not many reasons to why you shouldn’t stay here. Our only gripe is that the rooms could benefit from a slight makeover, however given the setting of the hotel; this was all part of the charm.
Pricing: Double rooms at Luccombe Hall Hotel are available from £49 person per night or weekend packages for £229 for two nights for two people and a car ferry crossing with Red Funnel. For further information visit www.redfunnel.co.uk or call 0844 844 9988.
Special offers: Red Funnel has launched a summer promotion on day trips to the Isle of Wight on its Red Jet Hi-Speed passenger ferries between Southampton and West Cowes. Passengers will receive 50% off the normal ticket price of a day return every weekday this summer, meaning adults tickets are just £6.30, child tickets £3.15 and concessions £4.25. This offer starts on 28 June and applies to off peak travel after 9.15am*, tickets are available on departure so there’s no need to book, just turn up and take off!
