A real favourite holiday destination for British holiday goers, the Isle of Wight has remained a popular local attraction for hundreds of years. While well known events such as the Isle of Wight Festival and Cowes Week always prove huge draws, it’s not all thats on offer here.

Isle of Wight Cycling Festival – 18-26 September

Some 4,500 cyclists are expected to take part in what has become the UK’s biggest cycling festival. There is a challenge for everyone, whether you’re riding solo or as a family, are a beginner or experienced. The festival kicks off at Seaclose Park in Newport with the annual Sink or Swim challenge. More experienced cyclists can enter the 70 mile Cycle the Wight event, while those who enjoy a more leisurely pace can try the Cycle Ride for Softies – an aptly named event with numerous stop offs at local tea shops.

Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Weekend – 23 – 26 October

The Isle of Wight lends itself to beautiful walks across its rugged landscape, and attracts many ramblers every year. The Autumn Walking Weekend aims to encourage non-walkers to give the hobby a go with a range of 50 organised walks taking place across the island’s 500 miles of footpaths. Enjoy a nature search for the native red squirrels, or even themed walks; from the spooky ghost walks and the Halloween night walk. The kids might even come across some dinosaur fossils on one of the beach walks! The Official Isle of Wight Walking Festival Website is the best place to book.

Garlic Farm

Now a famous tourist spot, The Garlic Farm is a fantastic showcase of locally sourced food products. With so much produce made from the island’s favourite ingredient, there is no better place to learn more about it than The Garlic Farm. This educational environment provides the perfect setting for kids to try out new tastes and flavours!

Apple Week – 26-31 October

This week long celebration of the quintessentially British fruit, the apple, is held at Afton Park Orchard. bring the whole family with you to taste foods made with this lovely ingredient. You can taste fresh apple juice, jams, jellies, chutneys, desserts and even soups! You can try before you buy so you know which treats are the best ones to take home.

Getting to the Isle of Wight couldn’t be easier with Red Funnel. You can even take your car on board one of the ferries running from ports across the south coast of England. There is no reason why you shouldn’t book your autumnal holiday now!