Cheers Dad: Father’s Day on the Isle of Wight

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and foodies will be in for a treat with the selection of fine restaurants on offer. Try Smoking Lobster for a memorable meal, with fresh fish and locally sourced meat dishes with a Pan-Asian twist. Tempura Monkfish, Miso Butter Lobster, and Rib Eye Steak with Ponzu Beurre Noisette are favourites here, and perfectly finished off with a boozy digestif. Double AA-Rosette brasserie Heron have opened a second location in Cowes following the success of their Ryde restaurant, with both locations offering a 7-course blind tasting menu for ultimate indulgence! Or if a traditional Sunday lunch is what you’re looking for, read 11 Great Places for a Roast for some mouthwatering suggestions.

Why not treat the man in your life to 18 holes at one of the UK’s most scenic golf courses? Freshwater Bay Golf Club offers impressive views of the English Channel, while Osborne Golf Club sits within the grounds of Queen Victoria’s former holiday home. The historic course features 9 holes, perfect if you’re pressed for time or only fancy a quick round. If you’re not so keen on teeing off, book him a golfing lesson at Westridge Golf Centre under the instruction of one of their PGA professional coaches or have Dad help perfect your swing at their driving range. 

With a diverse terrain and varied coastline, the Isle of Wight is a natural playground when it comes to outdoor sports, and there are loads of ways to take advantage. Get out on the water with kayak or SUP hire from Tackt-Isle Adventures, who even offer a Mega SUP for up to 8 people! Alternatively, discover hidden caves and secret beaches while coasteering with iSurf. For a day out with a difference, why not go on a fossil hunt and take in the beauty of the Island’s beaches at the same time? Wight Coast Fossils offer public and private fossil tours, along with gift vouchers – perfect for dino fans big or small. Keen cyclists can take on the 70 mile Round the Island cycling route together – race your Dad round the Isle in a day, or tackle the ride in sections.

Real ale connoisseurs will enjoy a trip to Goddards Brewery, one of the first craft beer producers in the UK and the oldest brewery on the Isle of Wight. Each visit includes a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes and a complimentary tasting flight of beer. Hang around at the onsite Firkin Deck Restaurant and Bar for locally sourced classic dishes and of course, an extensive selection of Island tipples - plus all dads get a free pint with any meal purchased! For wine connoisseurs, book in for a tasting session at Wine Therapy, or head over to Adgestone Vineyard for a vine and cellar tour before sampling the vino. If gin is his preferred poison, check out the wide selection of craft gins and spirits at IW Steam Railway’s Gin & Steam Fair on 15-16 June. 

If the sounds of Paul Weller are your Dad’s “jam”, head to Strings Bar & Venue on Saturday 15 June for Simply Weller. Meanwhile, Dimbola Tea Room and Museum will be celebrating the 25th Isle of Wight Festival until 29 July with bumper exhibition Experience 25, which for the first time will showcase every IOW festival in one place.  Never-before-seen exhibits will be on display, rewinding back to the good times of 1968, 1969 and 1970 through to present day. Round off your visit with a cup of Island Roasted coffee and a slab of delicious homemade cake in their cosy tearoom overlooking Freshwater Bay. Stopping off for a bite? You’ll find live music at pubs across the Island over the weekend – we particularly recommend The King’s Head in Yarmouth on a Friday or Saturday evening if Dad likes a pint and a boogie! For vinyl collectors, a trip to Sounds + Grounds in Cowes is a must, with shelves full of ‘Hen’s Teeth’ records and collectables, and a great coffee shop too. Just along the road in Cowes you’ll find Willy’s Guitar Shop, a one-stop-shop for everything electric, acoustic, and bass – if you feel like really treating Dad!

Whether you’re bringing Dad over for the day or planning a longer stay, there are great ways to save on your ferry travel, accommodation and attraction tickets with Red Funnel. 

Super Off Peak Day Return
For day trips on foot, with a dog or a bike, we recommend the Super Off Peak Day return. Sail over from Southampton after 1055am and return anytime for just £12.90 per person, when two of more people travel together. Simply ask for the Super Off Peak Day Return at the Red Jet or Red Funnel terminals on your day of travel, this fare is valid for foot passenger travel on all routes to the Island.

Attractions
15% off vehicle ferry travel and attraction discounts: Save 15% on ferry travel and up to 25% on top Island attractions when you book both together via the Red Funnel website. Sail over with a car and up to seven passengers from Southampton to East Cowes, and save on entry to some of the Island’s top attractions like the Wildheart Animal Santuary, Monkey Haven, Shanklin Chine, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and more.

Red Funnel Holidays
Book your accommodation and save on travel: For longer stays, you’ll save 25% on ferry travel when you book together with your accommodation. Red Funnel Holidays offer a great range of Isle of Wight accommodation to choose from, from luxe villas and cosy cottages to campsites and unique retreats. Book your ferry travel and accommodation together and save.