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The Isle of Wight has remained a popular holiday destination amongst British holiday goers for hundreds of years. Although many holiday makers will come to the island during the summer to enjoy famous events such as Cowes Week and the Isle of Wight Festival, there are many activities to enjoy during the autumn months as well.

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. It doesn’t matter if you are riding solo or as a family, are a beginner or experienced, there is a challenge for everyone. The annual Sink or Swim challenge kicks off the festival in Seaclose Park in Newport. 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. With a range of 50 organised walks taking place across the island’s 500 miles of footpaths, even non-walkers are encouraged to give the Autumn Walking Weekend a go. Enjoy themed walks; from the spooky ghost walks and the Halloween night walk, through to a nature search for the native red squirrels. Children will love the fossil walk along the beach, as there is a good chance they will stumble across a dinosaur fossil! It is recommended that you book through the Official Isle of Wight Walking Festival website.

Garlic Farm

As more and more people take an interest in locally grown food products, The Garlic Farm has grown in popularity in recent years. With so much produce made from the island’s favourite ingredient, there is no better place o learn more about it than The Garlic Farm. The Garlic Farm is a great place to get the kids trying new flavours, as it is a fun and educational environment – just make sure you take a pack of fresh mints with you!

Apple Week – 26-31 October

Afton Park Orchard hosts this celebration of the quintessentially British fruit, the apple. The whole family can taste foods created with this humble 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.

Red Funnel makes getting to the Isle of Wight easy. For an extra cost, you can even take car aboard on one of the ferries running from various ports across the south coast of England. There is no reason why you shouldn’t book your autumnal holiday now!