If you're lost for ideas of what to do with the kids these school holidays then how about a Treasure Hunt ? The Great Isle of Wight Treasure Hunt is a Castle and Kings themed mystery tour through an especially beautiful and historic part of the Isle, with a scattering of clues to solve related to the places you will visit en route. It's everything you need; entertaining, educational and even exciting as it requires a short sea trip to get there!

Despite its name Cowes, your first port of call, has nothing to do with bovines, and everything to do with bowlines. Every August it stages the world’s premier sailing regatta, when ruddy-cheeked young things gather to race their yachts, splice the mainbrace and party till the cows come home. It’s a rollicking sort of town all year round, a hive of youthful exuberance, with live music tumbling out of the pubs along the jaunty main drag, and a general buzz of boaty activity on Town Quay.

Completing the Treasure Hunt entails finding the answers to a dozen questions - some of them mildly cryptic, but nothing that should give you brain-ache. Just bear in mind that all the questions have a nautical connection! The trail involves about 25 miles of driving (or cycling, if you're feeling fit!), plus a bit of gentle strolling here and there. Sensible shoes and a basic road map of the Island should be enough to keep you on the right track. I recommend using the trail as a focus for a leisurely day out - or even a fun weekend break.

Before you set off though, a few general pointers. For cars and bikes, the ferry crossing between Southampton and East Cowes takes 55 minutes with sailings every hour in both directions. Foot passengers can catch the Red Jet service between Southampton and West Cowes in 22 minutes, departures every 30 minutes. To make life easy you can book your tickets online at Red Funnel ferries.

If you complete the Treasure Hunt before 31 July 2006 you can enter a competition organised by the ferry company. Correct answers could win you an Apple iPOD Video 30GB and all correct entries will also be entered into an annual draw to win a week's self-catering accommodation at New Year, including return ferry travel for 5 people staying in a lighthouse keeper's cottage at St. Catherine's Lighthouse on the Isle of Wight! A leisurely day out or a fun weekend break with the potential to win a self-catering holiday - what more do you want!?

About the author:
Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.