Southlands IOW

I suspect the answer is that you are dealing with two elements of the Club operation. The sites side and the ferry bookings which I think comes under the Overseas Touring section. Did you actually ask whether there was a latter crossing? The operative might well have just offered the first crossing of the day that appeared on the screen and waited for you to ask if there was a later one. I imagine arrival times at Southlands is no different to those on the mainland  and its up to the member to arrive at those times. As to cost, yes Wightlink are very expensive, it cost us £155 to Yarmouth last year in just a motorhome. Red Funnel from Southampton is usually better value. A lot of independent sites on the Island seem to have an arrangement with Red Funnel where they use discounts based on quieter crossings and for fixed lengths of stay. I am still searching for the perfect site in the IOW with easy, level, access to public transport.

David

According to my Brother most sites on the IOW have an arrival time at 1200 and later to give staff time to get pitches serviced 

The ferry companies know the busy times as their fares reflect,

Later being 1400 usually. 

With a motorhome one could go direct from the ferry to Osborne House or Mottistone gardens and park and visit there - then go leisurely and later to a chosen campsite . Both those car parks can accommodate reasonably sized motorhomes - though car and caravan might be more problematical but worth a phone call to ask.

maybe Reed could have looked for & parked up in one of these mythical lay-byes we're always being told exist! 

When I've looked at & wandered around Southlands - we stayed elsewhere on a CL - it's hardly been busy! 

 IOW ferries are usually cheaper later and earlier in the day. It does seem silly not to coordinate a different arrival time to help people out on these very short and very expensive ferry journeys. I would definitely check out other offerings or enquire about CLs and how they operate on the IOW.

I suppose that Southlands is different to the majority of sites and perhaps there is the option for more leeway. I also recall there is quite a large parking area at the entrance where probably half a dozen units could park up out of the way until reception opens for the new day arrivals? Would it be too much to ask that when someone books a ferry with the specific use of Southlands that the contact team actually mention arrival times? Its not too bad for motorhomes as they could probably park up at Morrisons at Lake or even ASDA at Newport but more difficult with a caravan on the back. 

David

Last time we went to southlands there wasn’t a fixed arrival time the wardens knew and appreciated the situation with ferry travel and they either let you in or helped you park up in entrance waiting area.

Thats what I call good site and member management not all sites are the same last thing you want is to be told to clear off and come back at 1pm then find a mile long queue when you have driven to a port caught your ferry etc.

If you had read the review David you can see that I asked for a later ferry which was twice the price they offered me so I took the earlier ferry, which most people would have took.

We went 4 times last year to Southlands and always got in earlier that 12.00 with NO problem 

There does seem to be a need for joined up thinking within the various departments of the club, Reed.