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The Best Times to Visit The Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is one of England’s longest-running walking festivals. Launched in 1999, its popularity has been growing ever since and today it is one of the best known events of its kind across the UK.

The weeklong festivals take place on the Isle of Wight every May and October, which are two of the best months to explore the island, either on foot or by bike.

Here are five reasons why:

May is one of the driest months on the Isle of Wight - Walkers' Britain

1. The weather: Not too hot, not too cold

Located just off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is one of the sunniest places in the UK. The Isle of Wight Walking Festival takes place in May and October, which are two of the driest months of the year. In May, as the days get longer, day temperatures get to a comfortable 15°C/59°F. While in October, it averages out similar temperatures, getting colder towards November.

You will often walk through bluebell woods on the Isle of Wight in May - Walkers' Britain

2. Endless carpets of bluebells (In Spring)

Did you know that almost half of the world’s bluebells are found in the UK? These delicate carpets of blue are a classic sign of English spring (they come out in late April and last for several weeks, just in time for the Isle of Wight Walking Festival) and you will come across them throughout the island.

Flowers blossom outside the thatched church of Freshwater Bay - Walkers' Britain

3. A spectacle of colours

With over half of the island recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you will see nature in bloom everywhere. Visit during the Spring Walking Festival and find yellow primroses and cowslips; purple violets and green-winged orchids; white wood anemones; and meadows full of wildflowers.

When you visit the Autumn walking festival, you'll be greeted by yellow Gorse, bright red Rose Hip, Ladies-tresses Orchid. Always remember to look up for red squirrels foraging for Hazel nuts!

Sunset at Yarmouth harbour, Isle of Wight | <i>visitisleofwight.co.uk</i>

4. Make the most of the coastline

With nearly 60 miles/95 km of coastline and more than two dozen beaches, every day on the Isle of Wight means the sea is always within easy reach. Check if the ‘crab shed’ is open (famous for its delicious crab or mackerel pasties) or maybe go for a refreshing swim when you visit during the Walking Festival.

Butterflies are easy to spot on the Isle of Wight in the spring - Walkers' Britain

5. Fluttering butterflies and chirping birds

Colourful butterflies are easy to spot on the Isle of Wight and they make their first appearance in late spring. But you will notice on your walking break that the island is also home (or a stopover!) for several species of birds, both native and migratory, such as swallows, cuckoos, nightingales and blackcaps.

Whether you will be joining in the Isle of Wight Walking Festival or not, if you feel inspired to visit the Isle of Wight, here are five extra reasons to book with Walkers’ Britain:

ü Choice to explore the island either on a walking or cycling break
ü Detailed route notes with extensive background information and interesting facts and trivia
ü Luggage transfers are included
ü Access to our readily available team of experts
ü 24-hour hotline for extra peace of mind

>>> Plan the perfect walking break on the Isle of Wight