Hovertravel has announced 4 additional special summer hovercraft services between Ryde and Lee-on-Solent after receiving more than 3,000 customer enquiries about the route.
The original flights, scheduled for 28nd June and 22nd August, generated an overwhelming level of interest from people across the Solent and beyond, prompting Hovertravel to undertake an intensive period of operational planning to identify further opportunities to operate the service.
As a result, passengers can now enjoy special day trips between the Isle of Wight and Lee-on-Solent on:
- 28th June
- 9th July
- 23rd July
- 7th August
- 21st August
- 22nd August
- 5th September
The additional dates have been carefully selected to provide the best possible operating conditions, taking into account tides, beach access and the availability of Hovertravel’s fleet during what is already one of the company’s busiest periods of the year.
The special flights reconnect 2 historic hovercraft locations and offer Isle of Wight residents a fast and memorable way to explore the Hampshire coastline.
Departing Ryde at 10:00 and 15:00, the special services arrive in Lee-on-Solent just 15 minutes later, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the seafront, independent shops, cafés and attractions before returning to the Island.
Visitors travelling on 21st and 22nd August will also be able to enjoy Summer in Lee, a popular free community event featuring family entertainment, live performances, exhibitors and a spectacular aircraft display over the Solent.
Hovertravel is also working with local attractions, including the Hovercraft Museum and waterfront hospitality venues, to create exclusive offers for passengers.
Loretta Lale, Head of Marketing at Hovertravel, said:
“The response to our initial Lee-on-Solent flights has exceeded all expectations. We have received more than 3,000 enquiries from across the Solent and beyond from people who are excited by the opportunity to travel on this historic route.
“Finding additional dates has required a significant amount of planning. We have needed to identify days that offer suitable tidal conditions while also fitting around the intensive summer programme operated by our fleet. We are delighted to have been able to add these extra services and make the experience available to even more people.
“We would also like to thank the local MPs and councillors who have supported this initiative from the outset. Their enthusiasm for seeing hovercraft return to Lee-on-Solent has been invaluable and demonstrates the significant community support behind these special services.”
The special services will operate to the following timetable on each date:
- Depart Ryde – 10:00
- Arrive Lee-on-Solent – 10:15
- Depart Lee-on-Solent – 10:25
- Arrive Ryde – 10:40
- Depart Ryde – 15:00
- Arrive Lee-on-Solent – 15:15
- Depart Lee-on-Solent – 15:25
- Arrive Ryde – 15:40
Tickets are available now through Hovertravel at https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/experiences/lee-on-the-solent-summer-flights/ and early booking is recommended due to the exceptionally high level of interest.
