Yarmouth town

The approach from Lymington on the Wightlink ferry is perhaps the prettiest of all the Solent crossings and it is the second smallest town in Great Britain, so why not visit the characterful community of Yarmouth.

From its lovely harbour to its ancient church and picturesque pier, this West Wight town has something for everyone.

There are plenty of things to do, some great pubs, cafes and restaurants, and lots of super attractions in the area for all the family.

Many Islanders think West is Best (usually those who live there!) and it is hard to argue, Yarmouth is a very special place.

Things to do

The wooden pier is a great way to start your visit. Grab an ice cream from Gossips Café and pay your small toll fee to help with pier maintenance before strolling along this quaint pier to the small Roundhouse Museum at the sea end.

Enjoy the attractions at Fort Victoria Country Park. The park is a short walk away across the bridge over the River Yar and boasts an exhibition detailing the HMS Gladiator disaster of 1908, a reptilarium, and imaginarium, plus visitor room detailing the fort’s history, as well as Café Verdi, where you can grab a hot meal or just a cake and a cuppa. There are also picnic and barbecue areas overlooking The Solent and a large car park.

History buffs can explore Yarmouth Castle, an English Heritage attraction in the centre of the town and just steps from the ferry terminal and bus station. This was the first “arrowhead” castle in Britain and was built nearly 600 years ago.

If you want to check out the natural beauty of the area, a walk along the former railway track to Freshwater is ideal for seeing birdlife such as the visiting spoonbills.

Nearby Tapnell Farm Park has become one of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions over the past ten years. From its Aqua Park to football golf, zipwires, falconry and children’s play areas, it’s a full day out for all the family.

Another close-at-hand fantastic day out with super views is The Needles. Walk up to the top of Tennyson Down to enjoy spectacular views of the iconic pinnacles and the Western Solent or spend a few hours in the Needles Landmark Attraction, where you can watch sweets being made, play adventure golf, take a ride on the Victorian Carousel, or fill glass ornaments with sand from the famed multi-coloured cliffs nearby.

Places to eat

Yarmouth has some wonderful pubs and more than its fair share of restaurants, from the The Terrace to Off The Rails, a quirky eatery housed in the town’s former railway station.

But these are just two of many great places to eat in the Yarmouth area.

Places to stay

Yarmouth has several independent hotels and bed and breakfasts, plus there is lots of self-catering accommodation in the area. The excellently presented Orchards Holiday Park is a fantastic base from which to explore the west Wight area and boasts a fantastic range of high standard facilities.

Events

The town comes alive for Yarmouth Carnival Week, which usually takes place every August.There are events on and off the water, with tug-or-war on the green and lots of other great things to participate in. Check out our What's On page for a full events calendar.

Tourist information

You can find out all the information you need at the Tourist Information Point in the Yarmouth Harbour office.

Getting there and getting around

The Yarmouth-Lymington vehicle and passenger ferry docks in the heart of the town.

To see the best of the Island’s coastline by bus, hop on Southern Vectis’s Island Coaster service that goes all the way to Ryde, via Ventnor, Shanklin, Sandown and many other places of interest.There is also the Needles Breezer to take you to the landmark and the regular service 7 to the Island’s capital, Newport.