A TRIP TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT WITH LABRADORS
- Erica Higgins
- Nov 2, 2024
- 6 min read
Travelling with dogs does have a few drawbacks so I wanted to help you navigate your way through to make sure you enjoy every second of your well deserved trip!
The Isle of Wight is somewhere I have visited a number of times but never with the dogs. The reason I have chosen the Isle of Wight is because since Brexit it is increasingly complex to travel abroad with a dog, of course its absolutely still possible but it needs a lot of planning and preparation (please follow my other blogs for everything you need to navigate going abroad with your dogs).
The Isle of Wight really appeals to us because although it is still in the UK - the feeling of getting on a ferry and crossing the water gives that irresistible feeling of a real trip away! There is a HUGE wealth of options when travelling with your dogs to The IOW, but first let’s discuss getting there!
My personal favourite ferry option is Red Funnel Ferries - they are totally dog friendly and value for money. Red Funnel go from Southampton to The IOW- Isle of Wight or Isle of Woof as it is called by the dog lovers at Red Funnel. They have a North Lounge located on the upper decks of the Red Osprey, the Red Falcon and the Red Eagle ferries - all of the North Lounges have comfortable seating and room for dogs at foot as well as easy access to the sun deck and water bowls- personally I like to take my own water travel bottle as my dogs drink Shungite water and I like to keep their water bowls and bottles just for them. There are a huge amount of options for water bottles which I will link on my site and at the bottom of this article. I will also link to the shungite crystals that I use.
To book on Red Funnel please use this link https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=80635&awinaffid=1755741
All of the North Lounges have a Steam Cafe on board serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches and of course the obligatory holiday ice creams! Pooches are not forgotten though! The Steam Cafe also serves DEWKES treats and snacks for your dog LABRADOR ALERT- my dogs LOVE this brand of dog snacks!
There is plenty of space on the outer passenger decks and if your dog is sensitive or reactive and you have travelled by car your dog is able to stay in the car for the duration of your trip (obviously make sure they have access to water and air circulation). Another option is IOW for a day trip if you are near Southampton and just fancy a day on the island you can travel as a foot passenger and have a fun time walking on the beach- the trip is only 30 minutes on the high speed boat. I will do a separate article about this shortly.
There is no need to book into the North Lounge seating is first come first served but there is plenty of space. Check out the Carriage of Dogs Policy on the Red Funnel website to make sure you are aware of their dog policy. The ferry crossing is approximately an hour from Southampton to East Cowes.
When booking your ticket it is very simple, if you are travelling with a dog there is no need to book the dog in- just book your car in and you are ready to go. It really seems a very stress free travel option and I can’t wait to try it out.
STAYING WITH DOGS on THE ISLE OF WIGHT (Woof)
Wow! There are ALOT of options, I am actually blown away at the choice and quality of the accomodation options, there really is something for every budget. As I really did not know where to start with the choices I have narrowed it down to make it less overwhelming.
DOG FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION WEBSITES TO BROWSE
These are some of the top picks that I found-as mentioned earlier the IOW really has it all when it comes to staying with your dog.
The PETS PYJAMAS www.petspyjamas.com website offers a whole host of choices - I love the fact that when booking with them dogs stay for free and they also offer a price match. Another added bonus is a 24/7 vet helpline cover during your stay, they also have a really good Priority Paws Loyalty Programme . I like this company- they have a good selection to suit all budgets and their photos and descriptions are excellent. They also have a guide to where you are staying-in this case their information about the IOW is comprehensive and relevant.
My Top Picks on this website were the following places:
LUCCOMBE MANOR
Stunning views! Dog friendly dining, one dog per booking stays free if booking with Pets Pyjamas. They do special packages, its very close to beach walks, there is a direct walk to a dog friendly beach below the hotel and a whole host of other beaches nearby- its very reasonably priced with accomodation starting from £75 per night per room for 2 adults and one dog. The owners are clearly huge dog lovers (10 dogs between them apparently! My kind of people), With this in mind it makes sense that this place is totally geared up to welcoming your dog - they have a dog kitchen where you can prepare and store your dog’s food, there is even a warm shower outside for rinsing off the mud and sand from all those wonderful walks.
The resturant menu looks like a good mix of fayre from stone baked pizzas to sandwiches and salads and a lovely children’s menu. They don’t serve dinner but there is a very good snack menu serving cakes as well as sweet and savoury snacks from 10am - 10pm.
However, there is also the added bonus of being able to dine at the sister hotel LUCCOMBE HALL which is a few moments walk from the Manor and which has a dog friendly area to dine with your dog! www.luccombehall.co.uk
They have regular offers and all in all I would definitely stay here if I was planning a trip to the IOW. The hotel is located in Shanklin which is approximately 30 minutes by car from East Cowes where the Red Funnel ferry is located. There are other options if you don’t have a car by bus and taxi, I spoke to a lovely gentleman at ASAP Taxis www.asaptaxis.co.uk who advised me that travel with a dog from the Ferry to LUCCOMBE Manor would be around £35-£37, they can be reached via their website or by calling 01983 244 444
PINKMEAD ESTATE VINEYARD
Just WOW- they even have pet sitters! Breathtaking location and total luxury- if you book via Pets Pyjamas your dog goes for free. They even hide balls and treats around the estate to give K9 guests a more fun filled experience - I get the feeling that humans are made to feel very welcome but the dogs really are treated like royalty. Price wise, I found an off peak offer - Total price for a 5 night stay based on 6 adults & 4 dogs: £3000, there are many different stays and options on the Pets Pyjamas website so check out the options. There is a whole host of things to do including yoga, wellness packages, paddle boarding, cycling and dining with your dog. Each lodge can accommodate up to 4 dogs, also it’s worth remembering with the Pets Pyjamas you get 24/7 access to a vet helpline.
FERN COTTAGE
This place looks smart and cosy with a really stylish well thought out interior, it is perfectly located within walking distance of local amenities and beaches and boasts a lovely back garden as well as parking - prices start from £67 a night and is perfect for a family of four. As with all accomodation booked via Pets Pugamas dogs go free and there are some great extras such as 24/7 vets helpline for the duration of your stay and access to their Priority Paws loyalty scheme - they also price match.
Some other fantastic looking websites to try for pet friendly accommodation
DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES AND SUGGESTED WALKS
Where to start? There are a lot of super dog friendly beaches on the IOW and because of this there is a lot of information and suggestions online - these are some of the best links I have found for researching where to take your dog on a fun filled walking experience.
Isle of Wight Tourism - comprehensive and packed with information - this site really has it all - really useful for planning a trip with dogs.
Some more suggestions for walking with dogs on the Isle of Woof!
PETS PYJAMAS
I REALLY love this company - full of useful information - well researched and presented
AWAY RESORTS
They clearly know their market and they are a really dog friendly company - worth looking at for the fantastic dog friendly beach guide - but also for an option for accommodation.
OTHER ISLE OF WIGHT PET FRIENDLY EXTRAS
Taste of the Wight is a super website for dog friendly places to eat
These ones look great- cant wait to try them out :
The White Lion https://tasteofthewight.co.uk/listings/the-white-lion-niton/
Visit Canine Cottages for some great suggestions for a Doggie Day Out- including the grounds of Osbourne House and a trip with your pooch on a steam train
LINKS
Shungite Water Purifying crystals- Available from Know Thyself Blueprint
Dog Water Bottles- personally I love the MEWOOFUN Dog Water Bottle
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