With the leaves turning from green to amber and sea swimming becoming less of a relaxing paddle and more of a cold water endurance dip, you’d be fooled into thinking the Isle of Wight is any less beautiful during the ‘ber months, there’s still time to have Autumn adventures that are fun and free.
As the gilded gold of autumn turns to the twinkling lights of Christmas, and the chilly winter season encroaches upon us, finding low-cost and even better, free, things to do during this notoriously expensive time is a welcome gift in itself. Our handy guide is our present to you this coming festive season.
When you think of the seasons changing you think of woodlands on fire with the warm colour palette of burnt oranges, deep yellows and smatterings of red leaves. Parkhurst Forest is a favourite – thanks to many ‘made’ pathways it has accessible routes so the whole family can enjoy the outdoors. Tread the ‘unmade’ pathways and relive childhood memories as you hear the familiar sound of crunching leaves underfoot. Kicking up piles of fallen foliage is always great fun and the wooded area is a joy to explore as you wind your way through the trees. If taking little ones, pretending to go on a Gruffalo hunt will get their imaginations running wild and you may be lucky enough to see a red squirrel too! Collect the fallen leaves to take home for leaf rubbing and autumnal collages… a great gift for grandma. If it’s not too chilly, pack a picnic and stop off at one of the many benches and clearings and listen to the birdsong as you dine in nature.
A few of the larger attractions close in the winter months but The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary welcomes visitors all year round and what’s more, it is completely free to enter (donations are welcome though as the money goes towards keeping the donkeys fed and warm). Lace up those boots and wander the walkways through the paddock. Escape the winds and give rosy cheeks a rest as you pop into the barns and give one of the rescued donkeys a well-deserved scratch behind the ear. If there’s a little Isle of Wight autumn sun, why not stop for a picnic? There’s a pretty clearing to the side of Snowy’s paddock with a few benches to enjoy a sandwich. However, if the rain sets in or your ears feel brittle with cold, the fairly new café is a great pitstop, and with a mezzanine deck, there’s more seating than you expect.
An iconic figure at this time of year, donkeys are worth a visit all year round, not just at Christmas, so why not give the gift that keeps on giving by adopting a donkey? Packages start at just £25 a year and you can pick your favourite member of the herd.
If you’re looking to spend a little longer outdoors and mother nature allows, a few minutes down the road from The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is Appuldurcombe. It’s a nice outdoor space to burn off a little energy. Bundle up and children will love exploring the ruins, playing hide and seek or creating fantasy games. If you want to tell ghostly tales this October half term Appuldurcombe House has a rich and varied spooky past… keep an eye around the grounds for the Grey Lady.
Just a five-minute drive from our Fishbourne is Quarr Abbey. A working benedictine monastery, the grounds are open to the public and it is free to enter. Park in the onsite car park and make your way towards the chapel. En route, you’ll be surprised to see pens to the side of the path which are home to a collection of pigs. During spring you’ll get to see newborn piglets, but no matter the age these porcine beauties enjoy a scratch (if you hit the right spot they’re almost dog-like and push into your hand).
Take in the pretty surroundings as you discover the woodland walk, art gallery and farm shop. Pay your respects at the chapel, you may see a Monk at prayer. Quarr Abbey is also the ideal place to pick up a few Christmas gifts or foodie treats. The onsite farm shop is filled to the rafters, so give someone a proper taste of the Wight this Christmas.
Much of the Isle of Wight is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the National Trust has a whole host of places you can visit, some at no cost at all. The Island is lucky enough to have a few nature reserves and Newtown Creek is a jewel in the crown. Due to its estuary location, Newtown can get a little blustery in the winter months and soggy underfoot (some of the pathways are through fields so on wet days not ideal for those with accessibility needs). Pull on those wellies and layer up… don’t forget the binoculars and a flask of tea of course. Head to the hides and huddle up as you peer through your scopes to see the familiar flash of green from a teal duck or the striking legs of a redshank. There are also a few regular visiting harbour seals who may show their big brown eyes as they break through the chilly grey water.
It’s not just about the days out though, getting to the Island with Wightlink is more cost-effective too. With our Kids Go Free offer, little ones can travel between 20 – 30 October and 17 December – 3 January for £0 and with the cost of living on the increase, every penny counts. Plus, if you’re up and about early and looking for somewhere to have breakfast with the kids, The Beefeater at Medina Quay is one to add to the list. From a full English to a continental breakfast there’s a good selection to choose from and kids eat free… great for tummies and wallets!
Whatever you do during your autumn adventure or winter wander you will certainly find something to do on the Isle of Wight that won’t break those already stretched budgets. Enjoy!
Originally produced for Wightlife Magazine
