WHILE YOU WAIT
Spend a day or a week discovering the island whilst your vehicle is being converted
The While you wait service (WUW)
Whether you would like a rear conversion, an elevating roof, a day van conversion or any other conversion, why not make the most of it and spend a day or a week on the Isle of Wight.
The While you Wait Service is the ideal opportunity to make the most of your visit to the Isle of Wight.
We have tried to make it as easy as possible for you to come over to see us.
Ferry travel:
Northstar will book your ferry tickets and they will be sent directly to you by email from Red Funnel. Just let us know your preferred times and dates of travel.
For the timetables for Red funnel please follow the link below:
http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/ferry-travel/passenger-vehicle-ferry-service/timetable/
We advise customers to arrive as early as possible on the day (we open at 7.00), but you can also arrive the day before to make the most of your trip and even stay a few extra days.
Courtesy Cube or Camper
We will give you a courtesy camper or one of our famous Nissan Cubes to explore the island
WHERE TO STAY
Top tip…. Do not forget to quote “Northstar”
Stay in a self catering apartment, this one is centrally located in Cowes and highly recommended – Please do quote Northstar https://bluewindsandwaves.co.uk/
Speak to our friend Sue for this lovely place, and enjoy the sounds of nature when you wake up in her pine clad eco lodge https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/
Stay in a B&B, here is the link for the lovely B&B we have 5 minutes down the road in Cowes centre. You also get an extra discount for being N* customers with the unique booking code ‘northstar5’ to use on the website www.the-Caledon.co.uk.
Make full use of our camper van, this is a good link for campsites on the island.
https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/accommodation/campsites
Our favourite is Grange Farm on the South coast of the island (about 30 minutes from Northstar) with amazing sea views
http://grangefarmcamping.co.uk/
….. and the quirkiest is … with amazing views of Carisbrooke Castle (about 20 minutes from Northstar)
https://www.windmillcampersite.com/
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND: Alverstone Pond. A little hidden gem of a campsite, offering pitches and log cabins (Highly recommended by several customers). Just call Paul and let him know Northstar recommended the site.
https://www.alverstoneponds.co.uk/
Our latest addition… Highly recommended for an amazing experience: Brook View Camping
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560663230543
Brook View offers offers a 10% Discount if you mention Northstar (no hook up available)
The practical bits
WHERE DO I CATCH MY FERRY?
Please make sure you arrive in time and if you are really early you can normally be put on an earlier ferry with no extra charge.
The journey time is 55 minutes. Food and refreshments are available on board, there is also a “pet” lounge. If if is sunny, enjoy your mini cruise to the island from one of the sun decks.
Southampton to East Cowes
The address of Red Funnel in Southampton is:
Terminal 1, Dock Gate 7, Town Quay Road, Southampton SO14 2AR.
East Cowes to Southampton
The address of Red Funnel in East Cowes is
Trinity Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6RF
HOW DO I GET TO NORTHSTAR?
You will land in East Cowes (Osborne House is just up the road from the terminal)
The address for Northstar is:
The Romahome Factory
Prospect Road
Cowes
PO31 7AD.
It would be great if you call us on 01983 530124 once you are on the ferry to confirm your arrival time. We will be at the factory to welcome you and swap vehicles.
You can then either:
Catch the floating bridge (£2.40 one way) – https://www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk/ It is only a 5 minutes journey. This little app created by our friends from Wight Hat will allow you to see if the “Floatie” is operational….. http://floatyfinder.com/
Travel via Newport
Here are the travel instructions via Newport
Aim for Newport first
Head for Cowes
At the fork of Northwood petrol station, keep left and
You will pass ‘The Range’ on your left
After which, take the next turning right into Place Road
Follow the road round
When you see TA Readers (big blue lorries), take a right (just before the entrance of their site), into Prospect Road.
Northstar is located at the end of Prospect Road on the right hand side.
Parking:
You can park your car inside the compound at the front or side of the building.
