Summer Solstice on the Island
Summer Solstice Garlic and Ghosts
Visit the Garlic Farm Restaurant on 21st June for an evening of garlicky goodness. Tuck in to a two-course dinner, served in the restaurant before listening to ghastly tales from Marc Tuckey about the ghosts supposedly haunting the local surroundings. You’ll then set off on a walk to the famously haunted ‘Knighton Gorges’. It’s less than a mile away across ancient footpaths through the fields as the sun sets, so we recommend some comfy shoes.
Midsummer Nights Steam
Relax in midsummer with a peaceful steam train ride through the stunning evening countryside at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. On Saturday 22nd June they have a special evening service running ‘The Sundowner’ which takes in the 10 miles track through ancient woodland. If you’re feeling a little peckish there’s a hog roast available from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. If you are looking for something a little different, why not opt for a combined ticket and join in with the Railways first ever SteamPunk event. Fancy dress optional.
Grab your grub
The solstice is seen by druids and pagans as a particularly fertile time of year, it is thought that collecting flowers and herbs on the evening of the solstice and hanging them in doorways can help someone find a partner.
Maybe not quote for you, but you can forage the local fauna to spruce up your salads, baking and more. As always don’t forage without knowing whether the plant is safe to eat.
Alex, Island Wild Food is a foraging expert and also runs courses to help you forage safely.
Did you know? That lemon, honey and peaches are traditionally foods eaten on solstice as they are a symbol of the sun and seen as an offering to the sun gods. Why not make something scrummy to eat or a refreshing drink to enjoy on the (hopefully) warm solstice day. Why not try the below recipe, a perfect taste of summer:
Lemon and Lavender Mojitos
Ingredients
- 5 mint leaves (fresh is best)
- 1 teaspoon icing sugar
- ½ juice a good size lemon
- ½ tsp dried culinary lavender (or 1 tsp of fresh lavender if you have it)
- 30 ml light rum
- ice to fill glass (crushed is great for mojitos)
- fizzy water to fill the glass
You’ll also need:
- Mason Jar/any jar with a lid or cocktail shaker to mix ingredients
Instructions
- Take your shaker/jar and place inside the mint leaves, icing sugar, lemon juice and lavender.
- Shake up until mixed together. Then strain into a highball glass
- Fill up your glass with the ice
- Pour the rum over the ice and top up with fizzy water.
- Feeling a little fancy? Garnish your drink with a sprig of lavender, a sprig of mint and/or a slice of lemon
- Settle back in the solstice sunshine and enjoy!
