Isle of Wight Festival is one of the UK’s most popular music festivals, attracting around 90,000 people each year. With such huge crowds descending on the island, parking is an important consideration for many festival-goers. This article will examine the parking options available at Isle of Wight Festival, including on-site parking, off-site parking, and shuttle buses.
On-Site Parking at Isle of Wight Festival
Isle of Wight Festival offers limited on-site parking for those with camping tickets or disabled access requirements. There are two main car parks located within the festival grounds:
General Campsite Parking
The main car park is located next to the general campsites. This is the closest parking option for standard camping ticket holders. Spaces are very limited and must be pre-booked in advance along with your festival ticket. The number of available spaces varies each year depending on the overall capacity of the campsites.
Accessible Parking
There is a separate car park for accessible parking spots. These spaces are reserved for festival-goers who require special assistance. You’ll need to provide proof of eligibility to park here.
While on-site parking provides the convenience of having your car nearby while camping, there are some downsides:
– Extremely limited availability
– Spots often sell out months in advance
– You may end up parking quite far from your campsite
– Driving on-site can be slow due to high traffic
So while on-site parking is an option, most people find off-site parking more convenient.
Off-Site Parking
The majority of Isle of Wight Festival attendees park off-site and take a shuttle bus to the festival grounds. There are a number of official and unofficial car parks located around the island that offer parking with shuttle services included. Here are some of the main options:
Official Isle of Wight Festival Park & Ride
Isle of Wight Festival operates two official Park & Ride locations in Newport and Ryde. These car parks offer secure parking with 24 hour supervision. Return shuttle buses run continuously to and from the festival site. Tickets must be pre-booked online.
Unofficial Parking Sites
In addition to the official parking areas, many local businesses and farms offer parking with shuttle buses during the festival weekend. Rates and locations vary each year. Some popular unofficial parking areas in the past have included:
– Sandown Airport
– Isle of Wight Zoo
– Farms near Wootton
Unofficial parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Most sites open 24-48 hours before the music starts. The cost is typically £5-15 per day depending on distance from the festival.
Considerations for Off-Site Parking
Here are some things to keep in mind when considering off-site parking:
– Book early, as the unofficial car parks fill up quickly
– Factor in shuttle bus wait times when travelling to/from the festival
– Parking sites farther away often have shorter shuttle rides as they avoid on-site traffic
– Leave extra time on departure day for shuttle bus queues
While less convenient than on-site parking, off-site parking can save time and headaches trying to park close-by.
Isle of Wight Festival Shuttle Buses
Whether you park on-site or off-site, shuttle buses provide the easiest way to get around Isle of Wight Festival. Here’s an overview of how the shuttles work:
Official Festival Shuttle Buses
Isle of Wight Festival provides free shuttle buses from the official Park & Ride car parks to the festival entrance. Buses run regularly beginning early morning on the first day of music. Queues are longest first thing in the morning and just before the headliners.
Unofficial Site Shuttle Buses
If parking at an unofficial site, shuttle bus transport will be included in your parking rate. Buses are laid on specifically for the festival weekend. Most run from early morning until late at night, with queues at peak times.
Getting Between Venues
Free shuttle buses also operate continuously within the festival site. These connect the main stage, big top tent, and campsites. Using the shuttles makes it easy to move between different parts of the large festival grounds.
Tips for Using Shuttles
To make the most of the Isle of Wight Festival shuttles:
– Build in extra time for queues at peak hours
– Download the festival app to track shuttle schedules and locations
– Be prepared for crowds and lines
– Have your festival wristband ready for inspection
– Know your stop for a smooth journey
Travelling to Isle of Wight Festival Without Parking
It’s possible to enjoy Isle of Wight Festival without dealing with parking at all. Here are some of the options:
Take Public Transport
Southern Vectis operates extra buses to Isle of Wight Festival from ferry ports and towns across the island. These provide a direct connection without parking worries.
Get Dropped Off
If you can get a lift to the festival entrance, this avoids parking altogether. There is a drop off/pick up zone near the main entrance. This can be very busy, so factor in delays.
Walk or Cycle
While not practical for everyone, some local residents within walking distance choose to walk or cycle to the festival. This keeps cars away from the site.
Consider Camping
For the true festival experience without transport worries, camping on-site is the best option. Camping tickets include parking in the main campsite car park.
Key Considerations for Isle of Wight Festival Parking
To summarize the main things to keep in mind when deciding where to park for Isle of Wight Festival:
– On-site parking is extremely limited and sells out fast
– Book off-site parking well in advance
– Allow extra time for shuttle buses as queues can be long
– Getting dropped off avoids parking headaches
– Travel light if walking, cycling or using public transport
– Camping on-site includes parking and avoids transport issues
With proper planning through advance booking, Isle of Wight Festival parking and transportation can be straightforward. Don’t leave it until the last minute!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Isle of Wight Festival parking:
How much is parking at Isle of Wight Festival?
On-site parking costs £20-30 per day when purchased along with a festival ticket. Off-site parking ranges from £5-15 per day depending on distance. Camping tickets include parking at the campsite.
Can I purchase parking at Isle of Wight Festival on the day?
No – all parking both on-site and off-site should be pre-booked well in advance of the festival as availability is very limited.
What is the best place to park for Isle of Wight festival?
For convenience, the on-site campsite car park is ideal if you can get a space. For most people, off-site parking with a short shuttle bus ride is the easiest option. Booking early guarantees the best spots.
How often do the Isle of Wight Festival shuttle buses run?
Official shuttles from the Park & Ride run continuously with buses every 5-10 minutes at peak times. On-site and unofficial shuttles vary from every 10-30 minutes depending on demand.
Can I take my car to the campsite at Isle of Wight Festival?
Yes, if you purchase a standard camping ticket with parking included you can keep your car at the campsite for the duration of the festival. Parking must be pre-booked.
Conclusion
Isle of Wight Festival attracts huge crowds, so parking is always a consideration. With limited on-site parking, most festival-goers opt for off-site parking with shuttle buses. Booking well in advance is essential to secure a space. Allow extra time as shuttle bus queues can add delays travelling to and from the site. With proper planning, you can have a smooth journey and enjoyable festival experience.