In Adventures, Attractions, Beaches, Family, Ideas, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Travel

Getting about on the Isle of Wight is easy thanks to a regular bus service that crisscrosses the Island. Whether you have somewhere you need to be or just fancy taking the scenic route and taking advantage of not driving, Southern Vectis has a route for you…

Needles Breezer - Southern Vectis bus route, Isle of Wight

1. Needles Breezer

The Needles Breezer is one of the most spectacular bus rides in all of England. Hop aboard for an open-top ride with views that need to be seen to be believed.

Enjoy a cliff-hugging, dizzy climb from Alum Bay right up to the Needles Battery, high up where the vista out to sea is mesmerising. The route also links Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay, Dimbola, Farringford and, Fort Victoria Country Park, as well as a wide range of the Island’s designated Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) land.

2. Route 12

A delightful trip from Newport to Alum Bay across the rural West Wight. Take in pretty villages including Carisbrooke, Shorwell, Brightsone and Mottistone. Watch beautiful landscapes go past, spot thatch cottages and some great pubs along the way! This route links to some of the Island's popular heritage sites including Carisbrooke Castle, Mottistone Gardens and Dimbola Museum and Galleries. Hop off to visit the quieter secluded beaches and catch the surf at Compton or discover the hidden caves at Freshwater Bay.

Route 12 - Southern Vectis bus route, Isle of Wight

3. Island Coaster

An ever-popular summer service linking Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin with the West Wight area via Ventnor, Blackgang and Alum Bay, the Island Coaster is the longest bus route on the Island.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the ‘Back of the Wight’ as you head down the Military Road, one of the most famous roads in the UK - the views of the coast from the upper deck are not to be missed. Once in Yarmouth, you can pick up the Needles Breezer for even more stunning coastline sights.

4. Route 8

A popular route between Newport and Ryde, this is the route to get if you want to visit Seaview, St Helens and Bembridge. The easterly point of the Island is tranquil with sandy beaches, harbours and marvellous marine life. You might even spot a seal off the coast if you’re lucky. There are plenty of places serving delicious, freshly caught seafood as well as great foodie spots with even better views. Route 8 also takes you through the Arreton Valley where you can visit Amazon World and Arreton Barns.

Route 8 - Southern Vectis bus route, Isle of Wight

5. Route 3

Running from Ryde to Newport along the east coast of the Island, Route 3 takes you along the Bay area of Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor. In Sandown, visit Dinosaur Isle or The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. Enjoy views of the English Channel and Bonchurch Downs before going inland and past the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary towards the pretty village of Godshill. Here you can hop off for a cream tea and be a giant for the day while walking around the model village.

6. Route 6

This route from Newport to the south point of the Island takes in the villages of Chillerton, Gatcombe, Chale, Niton and Whitwell before ending in Ventnor. This route takes you to the land of imagination – Blackgang Chine. There are some excellent walks along the way and don’t miss the annual scarecrow festival in Chillerton. A walk from Ventnor to Steephil Cove is a must and is definitely one of the Island's best-kept secrets.

7. Downs Breezer

The Downs Breezer follows a circular route through pretty rolling countryside, across the tops of the Downs with stunning views out over the English Channel, across the Island and further on towards mainland England. This route links the Esplanade with Ryde Town, Wootton Station, Sandown seafront, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Dinosaur Isle and Bembridge.