Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Ryde to Ryde in Isle of Wight, England.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with no car (this is a drive-free route).

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Coastal, Beach, Drive-free, Scenic, Culture.

Isle of Wight Without a Car: An Island Circuit by Train, Bus and Ferry

Q: How long is the Isle of Wight Without a Car: An Island Circuit by Train, Bus and Ferry route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 6 stops.

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The route · 6 stops

5 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Ryde

1 night

The island's foot-passenger gateway and a fine first base. The FastCat and hovercraft land here, and the Island Line train runs from the pier head. Walk the half-mile Victorian pier, swim off the long sandy beach at low tide, and pick up a Southern Vectis Rover ticket before you head off.The island's foot-passenger gateway and a fine first base. The FastCat and hovercraft land here, and the Island Line train runs from the pier head. Walk the half-mile Victorian pier, swim off the long sandy beach at low tide, and pick up a Southern Vectis Rover ticket before you head off.

Recommendations

11m · 13 km drive to Cowes & East Cowes

Cowes & East Cowes

2 nights

The home of British yacht racing and Cowes Week. Watch the boats on the Solent, then take the chain ferry across the Medina to East Cowes for Osborne House, Queen Victoria's Italianate seaside palace and gardens. Two nights gives time for the waterfront, the house and a slower morning.The home of British yacht racing and Cowes Week. Watch the boats on the Solent, then take the chain ferry across the Medina to East Cowes for Osborne House, Queen Victoria's Italianate seaside palace and gardens. Two nights gives time for the waterfront, the house and a slower morning.

Recommendations

20m · 24 km drive to Freshwater Bay & The Needles

Freshwater Bay & The Needles

1 night

The island's wild west end. Ride the open-top Needles Breezer bus to the chalk stacks and lighthouse, walk the springy turf of Tennyson Down for the best views, and see the layered coloured sands of Alum Bay. Pretty Freshwater Bay and the harbour town of Yarmouth make an easy base for a night.The island's wild west end. Ride the open-top Needles Breezer bus to the chalk stacks and lighthouse, walk the springy turf of Tennyson Down for the best views, and see the layered coloured sands of Alum Bay. Pretty Freshwater Bay and the harbour town of Yarmouth make an easy base for a night.

Recommendations

26m · 31 km drive to Ventnor

Ventnor

2 nights

A Victorian resort built into the cliffs of the Undercliff, with a famous warm microclimate. Spend two nights exploring the subtropical Ventnor Botanic Garden, the tiny cove at Steephill, and leafy Bonchurch. The scenic Island Coaster bus along the south coast is a highlight in itself.A Victorian resort built into the cliffs of the Undercliff, with a famous warm microclimate. Spend two nights exploring the subtropical Ventnor Botanic Garden, the tiny cove at Steephill, and leafy Bonchurch. The scenic Island Coaster bus along the south coast is a highlight in itself.

Recommendations

5m · 6 km drive to Shanklin & Sandown

Shanklin & Sandown

1 night

The island's classic sandy resorts and the south end of the Island Line. Wander thatched Shanklin Old Village, follow the wooded gorge of Shanklin Chine, and walk the long beach to Sandown Bay. Detour inland on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway from Smallbrook Junction.The island's classic sandy resorts and the south end of the Island Line. Wander thatched Shanklin Old Village, follow the wooded gorge of Shanklin Chine, and walk the long beach to Sandown Bay. Detour inland on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway from Smallbrook Junction.

Recommendations

On the way

Ryde
12m · 14 km
Close the loop back at Ryde. The Island Line train returns you to the pier head for the FastCat or hovercraft to the mainland. Leave time for a last walk on the sands or a coffee on the esplanade before the crossing.Close the loop back at Ryde. The Island Line train returns you to the pier head for the FastCat or hovercraft to the mainland. Leave time for a last walk on the sands or a coffee on the esplanade before the crossing.
Recommendations

Isle of Wight Without a Car: An Island Circuit by Train, Bus and Ferry

The route · 6 stops