Seven reasons to leave your car at home

Ditching the car and choosing slow travel is the perfect way to truly discover the Isle of Wight. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, stress-free holiday to our island this year, here are seven fantastic reasons to leave the car at home and experience the unique beauty of the Isle of Wight.

1. Travel along the Isle of Wight’s Island Line

After a £26 million transformation in 2021, the old 1938 tube trains, which had served our Island since 1989, have eased into a well-earned retirement.

The trains have been replaced with the new Class 484 fleet, transforming the customer experience with upgraded interiors, plug sockets, wheelchair spaces, and free WiFi. In keeping with Island Line’s tradition, these trains are former London Underground trains.

The line operates between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, serving Smallbrook Junction, Brading, Sandown and Lake stations along the way.

The Island Line may only be approximately eight miles long, but it serves the north and east of our Island - making it a key part of sustainable travel on the Isle of Wight.

2. Our Hovercraft is the only commercially run passenger vessel of its type in Europe

Thanks to Sir Christopher Cockerell’s experiment with two tins and a hairdryer in the 1950s, our island is now home to the only hovercraft service of its kind in Europe, and this year we celebrate the 60^th anniversary of Hovertravel.

Fancy a trip? This amphibious craft can transport almost 80 foot passengers at a time and takes less than 10 minutes to cross the Solent from Southsea to Ryde. It’s the fastest way to arrive on our island and a unique experience in itself.

3. Lonely Planet named the Isle of Wight as its top cycling destination in the world... and it's clear to see why

There are countless cycle routes on our island, and you’re sure to find one to suit you—whether your children are taking their first bike for a spin or you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled challenge.

With its diverse landscapes, breathtaking coastal paths, and the 65-mile-long Round the Island cycle route, our Island is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. There’s a reason it is often called the ‘Bicycle Island’!

4. We have award-winning bus routes

The award-winning Needles Breezer is one of the most spectacular bus rides in all of England, an open-top ride with views that will simply take your breath away, with buses running hourly. It was named among the nation’s seven prettiest routes, by The Times newspaper in 2023. Enjoy a cliff-hugging, dizzy climb from Alum Bay right up to the Needles Battery, high up where the vistas out to sea are intoxicating.

Our double-decker buses stop at all major Isle of Wight attractions, including The Needles, Monkey Haven, Carisbrooke Castle, and Osborne House. It’s one of the best ways to see our island without the hassle of driving.

With a range of single and group rover tickets available, you can hop and off of the buses during your stay.

5. We host one of the UK's longest-running walking festivals

Every Spring and Autumn, our island celebrates its ever-popular Isle of Wight Walking Festival. Whether you enjoy a light stroll, are looking for your next heart-racing challenge, or simply want a new destination to explore, take inspiration from local experts who share their favourite routes across the Island.

From scenic coastal hikes to historic countryside trails, the Isle of Wight is a walker’s dream. It’s no wonder our island has been named one of the best places for walking in the UK!

6. You can get around the Isle of Wight by e-bike and scooter

If you don’t fancy walking or want to see the beauty of our Island up close, you can travel around by e-bike or scooter. Available to hire in Cowes, Newport, Ryde, Shanklin, and Sandown, you can cover six miles in just 30 minutes—approximately the distance between Newport and Cowes. Download the Breeze Travel app to plan and pay for your journey. making your Isle of Wight adventure even more fun and eco-friendly.

7. Integrated travel tickets

Look for ‘All in One’ or ‘joint tickets’ that include, train or coach travel to the port, ferry or hover crossings, and even connecting bus services on our island. These comprehensive tickets offer great value for money and take the hassle out of planning. Travelling by train or coach to the Isle of Wight couldn’t be easier.

By choosing slow travel and embracing green travel options, you’ll not only reduce your carbon footprint but also immerse yourself in everything that makes our island so special.

So, why not leave the car behind and explore our island the way it’s meant to be discovered?