Easily reached with Wightlink – www.wightlink.co.uk – the Isle of Wight is offering some delicious festive treats for visitors travelling this Christmas period.

The island’s foodie scene has exploded over the last few years and, with everything from cook schools with Michelin Star chefs to afternoon teas, it’s the perfect place to indulge while enjoying quality time with loved ones. Seamless train connections to Wightlink’s ports mean that visitors can enjoy the odd tipple and reach the Island in just 22 minutes on foot from Portsmouth. Or take the car to load up with gastro gifts from Portsmouth and Lymington, with crossings from 40 minutes.

Some of Wightlink’s top culinary Isle of Wight Christmas recommendations include:

• Festive Afternoon Tea at The George: The George Hotel is a magnificent 17th Century townhouse with a rich history. This Christmas, visitors can dine in style and enjoy delicious seasonal menus and events, or even a festive afternoon tea. Taking place throughout December and priced at £23, it’s a great chance to get into the Christmas spirit. Guests can call 01983 760331 to book.

• Christmas Cheer at traditional Island pubs: As a traditional 16th Century pub, The Bugle Coaching Inn oozes the Island’s olde worlde charm. Guests can enjoy a range of Christmas menus, or just a glass of mulled wine in a cosy corner of this welcoming pub. Or to sample legendary Christmas pudding cheesecake, visitors should head over to The Taverners to settle by the fire and enjoy delicious food. To book at The Bugle, guests can call 01983 760272.

With all of this and more, there are plenty of festive treats to enjoy on the Isle of Wight this Christmas, and this doesn’t stop once guests head home. Wightlink’s onboard Wight Taste shops stock a range of the Island’s best local produce including Island produced gin, ales, biscuits and cake. For families looking to travel in search of Christmas cheer, Wightlink’s Kids Go Free offer means that passengers can take up to two children aged 5-15 for free with every adult travelling by foot over the Christmas holidays.* So why not head over to the Isle of Wight to escape from Christmas madness and indulge in some festive treats.

Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator carrying almost 4.5 million holidaymakers and Islanders across the Solent to the Isle of Wight every year. Eight ferries on three routes complete over 45,000 sailings a year, giving Islanders an easy and frequent service to mainland Hampshire, and tourists an accessible way to enjoy a taste of Island life. More Routes, More Ferries, More Often - see www.wightlink.co.uk/dlsm

*Between 15 December 2018 and 6 January 2019. Photo: Pixabay