We have always loved the IoW but have previously stayed in hotels or self-catering cottages. Quite by chance, I had seen that one of our favourite stand-up comedians was performing at Shanklin Theatre on the island, and booked 2 tickets for me and hubby - to cut a long story short, my husband, our 3 children (aged 5, 7 and 8) and my sister and BIL (babysitting duties!) travelled over together for 2 nights and needed somewhere reasonably priced that could accommodate us all. We have never camped as a family, and my husband has always joked that he would book himself into a hotel close by any campsite I chose, rather than sleep in a tent - the kids, however, have always been bewitched by the idea of sleeping under canvas, so I persuaded him to give Red Squirrel a try. The site is pretty isolated, on lovely farm near Shalfleet (it's one and half miles down a private unadopted road from the main road). There are a couple of friendly, well-behaved dogs (in case that's important to you) and loads of chickens wandering round - you are welcome to help yourselves to freshly laid eggs from the coop - but the most amazing thing is the gorgeous view down to the sea. The site has access to its own private beach a 10-minute stroll away - we never actually got to see this - and the two "tents"...We have always loved the IoW but have previously stayed in hotels or self-catering cottages. Quite by chance, I had seen that one of our favourite stand-up comedians was performing at Shanklin Theatre on the island, and booked 2 tickets for me and hubby - to cut a long story short, my husband, our 3 children (aged 5, 7 and 8) and my sister and BIL (babysitting duties!) travelled over together for 2 nights and needed somewhere reasonably priced that could accommodate us all. We have never camped as a family, and my husband has always joked that he would book himself into a hotel close by any campsite I chose, rather than sleep in a tent - the kids, however, have always been bewitched by the idea of sleeping under canvas, so I persuaded him to give Red Squirrel a try.
The site is pretty isolated, on lovely farm near Shalfleet (it's one and half miles down a private unadopted road from the main road). There are a couple of friendly, well-behaved dogs (in case that's important to you) and loads of chickens wandering round - you are welcome to help yourselves to freshly laid eggs from the coop - but the most amazing thing is the gorgeous view down to the sea. The site has access to its own private beach a 10-minute stroll away - we never actually got to see this - and the two "tents" share a massive safe field with a rope swing. Each tent has a BBQ (gas) and a fire pit, with firewood and kindling supplied, as well as outdoor bean bags and deckchairs, etc.
Inside is quite a revelation. There is a proper, well designed bathroom with loo, shower etc at the back of the tent, and towels etc, are provided. There are two "bedrooms", one with a proper double bed and one with a bunk bed and a trundle bed; in addition there is a nice sofa bed in the "lounge" - 7 people were easily accommodated, and the beds were very nicely made up before we arrived. There is a dining table and 6 chairs, a selection of games and books, a small kitchen area (kettle, hob, sink, fridge) as well as a log burner for cooler weather.
We were welcomed warmly by the owner, who showed us around and then left us to it - a lovely touch was the welcome fruit, milk, biscuits, cereal, juice, bread etc. They were very easy-going generally and we had no issues with booking, arriving or leaving.
We all had a great time, slept really well and the only problem we had was persuading the kids to get in the car so we could leave! This is uber-glamping with a difference; a proper mattress and fluffy towels (hotel style) combined with the great feeling of being in the outdoors and "back to nature". Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and even my husband is keen to go back again. Result! And the price? £220 for 2 nights for 7 people - bargain! Congratulations Red Squirrel - we'll back soon.More