Cost of getting to Isle of Wight
Discussion
We've been considering a last-minute trip to the Isle of Wight for the bank holiday weekend. Maybe I'm out of touch but I found the ferry/rail costs very surprising.
11 years ago I bought a combined ticket from South West Trains (train London-Portsmouth, ferry Portsmouth-Ryde, train Ryde Pier-Ryde) and I recall it was about £85 total for two adults return. Searching now, a similar package totals £172! Maybe it's cheaper if you book further ahead.
Then I looked at driving to Portsmouth and taking the car ferry. The cost of the ferry alone was about £160 for two crossings!
Then I thought of driving to Portsmouth, leaving the car there, and going across on the foot ferry. Even that would cost £80 return for two people, or £92 by hovercraft.
Hearing about all this, my wife said it looks as if "they" are trying to discourage people from going to the Isle of Wight, but surely the island depends on tourism for its economy.
The only saving grace is that I saw one hotel in Shanklin that says they pay for your car ferry if you book a stay of at least three nights, so maybe we'll do that when we have more time.
11 years ago I bought a combined ticket from South West Trains (train London-Portsmouth, ferry Portsmouth-Ryde, train Ryde Pier-Ryde) and I recall it was about £85 total for two adults return. Searching now, a similar package totals £172! Maybe it's cheaper if you book further ahead.
Then I looked at driving to Portsmouth and taking the car ferry. The cost of the ferry alone was about £160 for two crossings!
Then I thought of driving to Portsmouth, leaving the car there, and going across on the foot ferry. Even that would cost £80 return for two people, or £92 by hovercraft.
Hearing about all this, my wife said it looks as if "they" are trying to discourage people from going to the Isle of Wight, but surely the island depends on tourism for its economy.
The only saving grace is that I saw one hotel in Shanklin that says they pay for your car ferry if you book a stay of at least three nights, so maybe we'll do that when we have more time.
Yes it's a rip off/duopoly, yes the Isle of Wight tourism/economy must suffer greatly because of it.
As you say, how many people see the ferry prices and think f that I'll go to Wales or Cornwall instead.
Also the ferries are cancelled all the time on a whim due to "staffing issues" or "maintenance" or more likely not enough bookings for the shareholders to get an acceptable profit.
As you say, how many people see the ferry prices and think f that I'll go to Wales or Cornwall instead.
Also the ferries are cancelled all the time on a whim due to "staffing issues" or "maintenance" or more likely not enough bookings for the shareholders to get an acceptable profit.
Unfortunately you have left it too late for this bank holiday and yes ferry companies are raping you. They are both run by investment banks that have loaded them with debt so whilst they are cash cows they make bugger all profit and are teetering on the brink according to the local press who are unable to read accounts and understand company structures.
Try Luccombe Hall hotel run by a mate of mine who spends a significant 6 figure amount PA with Red Funnel and maybe able to offer a 3 day package. It is quiet over here right now so there maybe some last minute bargains elsewhere too. Check out booking or TripAdvisor. Royal, Luccombe Manor, Channel View will all be able to support cheaper ferry for the car. Avoid Albion its new and poorly run whilst promising the earth (word on the street)
Try Luccombe Hall hotel run by a mate of mine who spends a significant 6 figure amount PA with Red Funnel and maybe able to offer a 3 day package. It is quiet over here right now so there maybe some last minute bargains elsewhere too. Check out booking or TripAdvisor. Royal, Luccombe Manor, Channel View will all be able to support cheaper ferry for the car. Avoid Albion its new and poorly run whilst promising the earth (word on the street)
Edited by Ziplobb on Thursday 22 May 16:09
Vasco said:
I thought all the IOW ferries did very well for tourist numbers - and the island itself is hardly crying out for business.
Short notice and busier peak periods will always shoot prices up - as just about anywhere.
The ferries are crippling the island, tourism is severely down. Many places are closing, the Island is quite a depressing place at the moment.Short notice and busier peak periods will always shoot prices up - as just about anywhere.
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