The Isle of Wight Festival Motorhome and Campervan Hire
Campervan Hire and Campsite Guide
The Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park, Newport. It’s one of the UK’s best-loved festivals, with a history going back to 1968 and legendary performances from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Who and Bob Dylan. Other big names such as Calvin Harris and Lewis Capaldi draw in big crowds meaning you get a lot for your money when it comes to buying tickets.
If you’re planning to go, doing it in a motorhome or campervan is one of the most comfortable and practical ways to experience the weekend – especially if you’re travelling as a couple, group of friends or a family.
Why the Isle of Wight Festival is perfect for motorhome and campervan hire
Unlike some UK festivals that are strictly “tent only”, the Isle of Wight Festival actively caters for campervans and motorhomes:
You buy a weekend festival ticket as normal.
Then add a campervan pass as an extra via Ticketmaster – it’s an add-on to your main ticket, and it must be bought in advance.
paces for live-in vehicles are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so anyone hiring a motorhome is wise to get their tickets and campervan pass sorted nice and early.
The big advantages of going by motorhome
Proper bed every night
Hot shower and your own loo which is essential. By day three you’ll be happy you made the choice.
Secure, dry base for your belongings instead of leaving it in a tent.
Great if you’re bringing kids or just like a bit more comfort and privacy.
If you’re hiring a motorhome or campervan with Luna Motorhome Hire, this gives you a long weekend of:
Thursday – travel and set up
Friday to Sunday – full festival days
Monday – relaxed pack-down and back home. Luna allows you to drop off before 14:30 which means the trip back is not rushed.
Staying nearby: campsites close to the festival
If you don’t manage to get an official campervan pass for the festival site, or you’d simply prefer a quieter base nearby, there are several excellent campsites within a short drive of Seaclose Park.
Distances below are approximate from the festival site in Newport.
1. Springfield Oaks – approx. 1.1 miles away
Distance from festival: around 1.1 miles
Website: Springfield Oaks Camping
Springfield Oaks is a small, friendly campsite just outside Newport, making it one of the closest options to Seaclose Park. It offers:
Touring pitches suitable for campervans and motorhomes
A peaceful, countryside feel while still being very handy for town
Family-friendly setup, with beaches and attractions around 20 minutes’ drive away
It’s a great choice if you want to dip into the festival but still retreat somewhere quieter at night.
2. Thorness Bay Holiday Park – approx. 3.9 miles away
Distance from festival: around 3.9 miles
Website: Thorness Bay Holiday Park – Parkdean Resorts
Located on the north coast of the Island near Cowes, Thorness Bay Holiday Park sits on a woodland hillside overlooking the Solent. The campsite has;
Touring and camping pitches, along with caravans and lodges
On-site facilities like a heated pool, entertainment and a shop
A scenic coastal location
Thorness Bay is ideal if you’re making the festival part of a longer Isle of Wight break – enjoy the music, then stay on a few extra days to explore the Island.
3. The Chequers Inn – approx. 4.1 miles away
Distance from festival: around 4.1 miles
Website: The Chequers Inn – Motorhome Site
The Chequers Inn is a traditional country pub at Rookley with its own motorhome pitches just a short stroll away from the pub itself. They offer:
12 spacious hardstanding pitches with water and electric hook-up
A relaxed, countryside setting with walking and cycling routes nearby
A well-regarded pub and carvery on your doorstep for post-festival meals and drinks
Local taxis in Newport, Isle of Wight
If you’re staying off-site at one of the nearby campsites, it’s handy to have a couple of local taxi numbers in your phone.
Here are some Newport-based taxi services that may be able to help with festival runs (always pre-book during festival weekend):
Alpha Taxis (Isle of Wight) – based in Newport and covering the whole Island Phone: 01983 280280
David’s Taxi Service – taxis based in Newport Phone: 07969 436 870
Newport Taxi useful, which operate booking lines and online booking for multiple drivers: Phone: 01983 864000
Ensure you book in advance, try not to leave it too late.