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Our weekend getaway to the Isle of Wight was a spontaneous adventure – we booked our accommodation and transport just a day before, but it turned out to be an amazing experience!
For those unfamiliar, the Isle of Wight is a picturesque island off the south coast of England, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Portsmouth. Traveling there is easy; you can buy an all-in-one ticket from London Waterloo to Ryde Pier Head via Trainline. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, with a change at Portsmouth Harbour station where you board the ferry. Pro tip: Book your tickets in advance to save money – we found it was £20 cheaper to book beforehand rather than on the day.
Day 1 Highlights
Shanklin → The Needles → Ventnor
Bluberrys Café in Shanklin
After checking into our hotel, we headed to the award-winning Blueberrys Café for lunch. The views were spectacular, and the food was good, though the service was a bit slow during peak lunch hour. The walk to the café from our hotel was hilly but offered amazing views.
The Needles
Next, we took a bus to The Needles, a scenic 1h 35m ride from Shanklin with a change at Newport bus station. The Needles are three chalk stacks rising out of the sea on the western end of the Isle. The Needles Landmark Attraction offers a chairlift experience, boat trips, scenic walks, and a beautiful bay. We took the chairlift down to the bay and explored the area before taking the chairlift back up (£18 return tickets). We also enjoyed walking along coastal trails to the Old and New Battery, which were easy and offered breathtaking views.
Ventnor and Smoking Lobster
Our final stop for the day was Ventnor, an hour's bus ride from The Needles. Ventnor's charming seaside promenade was perfect for an evening stroll. We dined at Smoking Lobster, a 2-Rosette Restaurant. Despite being busy, we got a table without a reservation and enjoyed an excellent meal. Ventnor to Shanklin is a quick 25-minute bus ride, and we ended the day with a leisurely walk around Shanklin.
Day 2 Highlights
Shanklin → Sandown → Ryde
Shanklin Old Village
Our day began at Shanklin Old Village, known for its storybook thatched cottages. We visited charming cafés and shops and enjoyed delicious donuts from The Donut Shop.
Sandown
Next, we headed to Sandown, a classic seaside resort with a pier and promenade. It was bustling with activity on Sunday afternoon. After a quick lunch at a local restaurant (unremarkable, but decent), we set off for Ryde.
Ryde
Our time in Ryde was brief, mainly for a bathroom break before catching the ferry back to Portsmouth. However, we did stop at Chocolate Apothecary for an exceptional mint hot chocolate – a must-try!
Travel Tips!
Traveling by car can save time and add convenience, but it's not essential.
The Isle of Wight is easily navigable by public transport. We purchased the 48-hour Rover + Breezer ticket via the Southern Vectis app (£18.50 per ticket), giving us access to all the island’s buses.
The Needles Breezer bus from Yarmouth to The Needles is a great option.
Train travel between some towns is faster than buses. We used Trainline to book our train tickets (£2-5 per trip between Shanklin and Sandown).
A 3D2N stay is ideal for exploring more of the island.
Where We Stayed
Town: Shanklin – A seaside town with a mix of cafés, restaurants and shops as well as beautiful coastal walks.
Hotel: Gracellie Hotel
Booked last-minute via Expedia (£100, discounted to S$175 using points).
Less than a 5-minute walk to the beach.
Homely and cozy with cheerful staff, free breakfast, and parking.
Request a room with a sea view if booking in advance.
We’re already planning our next trip to the Isle of Wight to explore even more. Until next time!
Share Your Adventures!
Have you been to the Isle of Wight? Share your experiences and tips in the comments! Or suggest other great weekend getaway ideas!
