For an idyllic island escape without needing to pack a passport, Wightlink, the leading provider of cross-Solent travel, is looking forward to transporting tourists to the Isle of Wight once again for this summer season and beyond.
From 4 July 2020, when the UK Government has given the green light for much of England’s hospitality and tourism sector to reopen, Wightlink is set to be at the forefront of restarting tourism to the Isle of Wight.
“While our ferries have continued to operate throughout the pandemic, providing travel for key workers to and from the Isle of Wight, as well as facilitating the flow of essential goods and services, we are well and truly ready and are launching a campaign to welcome more passengers back on board,” said Keith Greenfield, Wightlink CEO. “With hotels, B&Bs and campsites on the island also eager to accommodate guests, we’re incredibly keen to receive visitors looking to relax and enjoy a long-wanted break post-lockdown”.
COVID-19 Compliance
Understanding safety will be a high priority for summer staycations, Wightlink has unveiled a robust list of new COVID-compliant protocols to ensure customer and crew safety and comfort. Wightlink’s ferries naturally lend themselves well to social distancing, with spacious lounges on board, as well as open sun decks and access to fresh air, along with views of the Solent, however added safety measures now in place include:
- Easy vehicle check-in with Wightlink staff communicating via intercom system and use of automatic number plate recognition
- Passenger requirement to wear face coverings on all crossings
- Food and beverage outlets open for takeaway only, in addition to vending machine access
- Capacity reduction and signage to comply with social distancing measures
- Increased cleaning onboard and availability of hand sanitiser
- Achievement of the VisitBritain Industry Standard Mark, We’re Good To Go
Island Escape
The Isle of Wight is one of the UK’s most spectacular holiday destinations, boasting breath-taking sea views, award-winning beaches, unspoiled rolling rural landscapes and endless options to be immersed in nature. From the clear surrounding waters, bounty of coastal trails and hundreds of miles of cycle routes, the island is a perfect retreat for those looking to indulge in the great outdoors after many months spent inside dreaming of being able to getaway.
For ideas on what to do when you get there, read Mark Bibby Jackson’s Isle of Wight Holidays: Walks, Pubs and Victoria.
Awarded UNESCO Biosphere status in 2019, the Island is recognised for its lush landscape and thriving wildlife, providing a unique haven for both adventurers and those simply looking for an antidote to the stress of modern life. Even as restrictions for travelling abroad ease, the island is likely to become a firm favourite amongst regular UK staycationers, as well as those who have previously rarely taken a holiday at home. Owing to an abundance of wide-open space and opportunities to reconnect with nature, the Isle of Wight is the ideal destination for a safe and relaxing break following the turbulence of Covid-19.
How to Get There
As the world gradually opens up, Wightlink is delighted to once again be the link to what matters; be that a change of scenery, spending quality time with friends and family, activity and adventure, or going somewhere else to simply chill and do nothing at all.
The Isle of Wight is just a 45-minute ferry ride away with Wightlink. A car ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Fishbourne costs from £56.50* and for foot passengers, Wightlink’s tickets cost £14.40 per person (*based on day return crossings on Saturday, 4 July 2020, on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route).
Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne route is currently operating a temporarily reduced timetable, with additional sailings being added from Monday, 13 July. The Lymington-Yarmouth car ferry will re-commence on 17 July, while the Portsmouth Harbour-Ryde Pier Head FastCat service is currently suspended but flexible advance bookings are welcome.
For further information and to book tickets, visit www.wightlink.co.uk. For more information on things to do on the Isle of Wight, click here.
