{"id":19963,"title":"Summer days and Island adventures","description":"Our guide to summer in Yarmouth and West Wight features a host of ideas for family fun, from beach picnics, farm parks and pleasure parks to historical piers, Tudor castles, and coming face-to-face with dinosaur footprint casts on stunning beaches.","content":"

Our guide to summer in Yarmouth and West Wight features a host of ideas for family fun, from beach picnics, farm parks and pleasure parks to historical piers, Tudor castles, and coming face-to-face with dinosaur footprint casts on stunning beaches.<\/strong><\/p>

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Visitor berthing\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>

Set sail or motor over to Yarmouth Harbour in northwest Isle of Wight and you\u2019ll be given a warm welcome by our\u00a0friendly Berthing Masters<\/a>\u00a0who are always on hand to help you ease smoothly into your allocated berth. We have 150+\u00a0visitor berths<\/a>\u00a0available daily, and whilst Yarmouth can get pretty busy, you can access the harbour at all states of tide and our Berthing Masters will always go that extra mile to try and find you a suitable berth. And why not stay for more than a night? Yarmouth makes a great base for\u00a0holidaying in West Wight<\/a>\u00a0and enjoying the many attractions and summer activities to be found close by.<\/p>

Getting around\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>

Getting around is easy. Quiet country lanes and scenic off-road routes make Yarmouth and West Wight ideal for a family day out cycling and there\u2019s\u00a0discounted cycle hire<\/a>\u00a0available from Wight Cycle Hire with bikes delivered to the harbour quayside. If cycling isn\u2019t for you, and you don\u2019t want the hassles of waiting for taxis or public transport, then try our convenient\u00a024\/7 car hire<\/a>\u00a0at the Harbour Office via Enterprise Car Club.<\/p>

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Days out in Yarmouth\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>

Just step off your boat and straight away there\u2019s plenty to do within a stone\u2019s throw of the harbour! A visit to\u00a0Yarmouth Pier<\/a>\u00a0is a must to soak up the atmosphere of this quaint coastal port and watch all the comings and goings on the water. Grab a delicious treat from the ice cream booth opposite\u00a0The Gossips Caf\u00e9<\/a>, and please remember to pay your pier toll which helps fund the maintenance and repairs needed on this impressive 19th century Grade II Listed pier.<\/p>

No visit to Yarmouth is complete without discovering\u00a0Yarmouth Castle<\/a>, one of Henry VIII\u2019s most sophisticated coastal fortresses. Make sure to bring a family picnic with you because you can climb up to the battlements and take in the breathtaking views across the Solent whilst enjoying an alfresco meal in the picnic area by the cannons!<\/p>

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If a\u00a0beach picnic<\/a>\u00a0is more your style, then you\u2019re in luck! Just a few steps from the moored boats is Yarmouth Harbour\u2019s beach at The Sandhard. It\u2019s a pretty sand and shingle, gently shelving beach that\u2019s perfect for a quick swim and sandcastle building before eating in the picnic area with seating next to the beach. Please be careful and after you\u2019ve finished your picnic, dispose of any rubbish in the bins provided.<\/p>

Cross over the road by the Harbour Office and\u00a0Yar Swing Bridge<\/a>\u00a0and you\u2019ll find yourself in beautiful countryside. A walk (or run!) along the lovely Western Yar Estuary is a great way to stretch your legs. The full\u00a0Western Yar Estuary Walk<\/a>\u00a0is an easy access circular ramble about 3.8 miles long, or, choose to stroll a shorter distance as you like.<\/p>

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Photo: Chris Taylor<\/p>

In need of a bit of retail therapy? Just walk 2 minutes from the harbour into the town where there\u2019s a host of quaint and unique\u00a0shopping<\/a>\u00a0opportunities for the whole family.<\/p>

Dining out\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>

After all that activity, you\u2019re bound to be hungry and thirsty, and there are plenty of really excellent town, village, or seafront places to eat in West Wight. In Yarmouth, you are spoilt for choice and we suggest trying any (or all!) of the following:\u00a0The Terrace<\/a>\u00a0restaurant overlooking the harbour, a great place to experience Yarmouth\u2019s famed sunsets with a drink in hand; the exciting\u00a0On The Rocks<\/a>\u00a0restaurant;\u00a0Salty\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0bar and restaurant with its fun, coastal vibe;\u00a0The Bugle Coaching Inn<\/a>\u00a0for great pub food; the 17th century\u00a0George Hotel<\/a>\u00a0in a spectacular location on the water\u2019s edge between Yarmouth Castle and the Pier; the quirky and informal\u00a0Wheatsheaf Inn<\/a>; the\u00a0King\u2019s Head<\/a>, well known by locals and tourists alike; or\u00a0The Blue Crab<\/a>, for take away fish and chips to enjoy back on your boat.<\/p>

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The Terrace, Yarmouth.<\/p>

Other dining highlights in West Wight include\u00a0Off the Rails<\/a>, a 5 minute stroll from the harbour at Yarmouth\u2019s former train station;\u00a0The Cow<\/a>\u00a0at Tapnell Farm;\u00a0The Piano Caf\u00e9 and Mezze Bar<\/a>\u00a0in Freshwater, once owned by Queen Victoria\u2019s piano tuner; and the beachfront restaurant\u00a0The Hut<\/a>\u00a0at Colwell Bay. Read more in our\u00a0Eat and Drink<\/a>\u00a0guide.<\/p>

Things to do in West Wight\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>

Why not go on a sightseeing\u00a0boat trip<\/a>\u00a0from Yarmouth Harbour, or Alum Bay? It\u2019s a fantastic way to see The Needles, Alum Bay beach and cliffs, and the impressive West Wight coastline.\u00a0Fishing trips<\/a>\u00a0from Yarmouth to The Needles are also very popular and suitable for anyone from beginners to salty sea dogs!<\/p>

Just 4 miles down the road from Yarmouth is the popular all-weather attraction\u00a0Tapnell Farm Park<\/a>, which has a wide range of animals in the paddocks, as well as a whole variety of indoor and outdoor play suitable for entertaining children and adults. Explore the extraordinary at the world-famous\u00a0Needles<\/a>\u00a0rocks, one of the Isle of Wight\u2019s most iconic sights. From family attractions to catering facilities, retail outlets to \u2018Magic in the Skies\u2019 fireworks displays,\u00a0The Needles Landmark Attraction<\/a>\u00a0offers something for the whole family to enjoy.<\/p>

Fort Victoria<\/a>\u00a0and beach on the outskirts of Yarmouth are hidden gems. Attractions at Fort Victoria include the\u00a0Isle of Wight Reptilarium<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0The Island Planetarium<\/a>. Hugely popular with families is\u00a0West Wight Alpacas and Llamas<\/a>, offering alpaca and llama walks, farm visits, The Llama Tree Pizzeria and alpaca inspired gifts.<\/p>

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Photo: Visit Isle of Wight<\/p>

You\u2019ll find many of the Island\u2019s best beaches in West Wight, with something to suit everyone. From the hidden beach at The Sandhard by Yarmouth Harbour, and the famous, coloured sands of Alum Bay, to Colwell Bay, which is one of the safest beaches for swimming and has traditional seaside caf\u00e9s and beach shops. A journey south to Compton Bay is a must for the dinosaur enthusiast. 125-million-year-old dinosaur footprint casts can best be seen at low tide on the beach in Compton and Brook bays, with the biggest concentration at Hanover Point. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might find your very own piece of dinosaur bone amongst the pebbles! Read our guide to more\u00a0West Wight beaches<\/a>\u00a0and plan exciting family days out at the seaside.<\/p>

For literary, history and photography fans, there are three fascinating West Wight locations to visit: Farringford, Mottistone, and Dimbola.\u00a0Farringford<\/a>\u00a0gardens are utterly beautiful, and the stunning Grade 1 listed house is open for pre-booked tours and was the home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the renowned Victorian poet.\u00a0Mottistone<\/a>\u00a0has peaceful and magical gardens surrounding a gorgeous Elizabethan manor house that was once home to its very own \u2018war horse\u2019,\u00a0Warrior<\/em>, and his owner \u2018Galloper\u2019 Jack Seely.\u00a0Dimbola<\/a>\u00a0was Julia Margaret Cameron\u2019s home, one of the most important early photographers and recognised as a pioneer of photography as art. It is now a museum and gallery showcasing exhibitions from photographers around the globe, with a lovely tearoom that\u2019s popular with locals and visitors alike.<\/p>

Walking\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>

West Wight is a veritable\u00a0walker\u2019s paradise<\/a>, situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and enjoying miles of Heritage Coast. Discover the panoramic views from the high downs, the tranquillity of ancient forests, the picturesque farms and villages nestling in fertile valleys and some 60 miles of unforgettable, unspoilt coastline.<\/p>

From Yarmouth Harbour, you can explore the beautiful and peaceful\u00a0Western Yar Estuary<\/a>\u00a0which has a wealth of wildlife and heritage to discover, or take on the 8.5 mile\u00a0Robert Hooke Trail<\/a>\u00a0that\u2019s a fabulously scenic, circular walk around locations in West Wight associated with the great 17th century Freshwater scientist Robert Hooke. Visit our website for lots more\u00a0West Wight walks<\/a>\u00a0through glorious coast and countryside.<\/p>

Cycling\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>

Wherever you are in West Wight you will find well signposted and carefully maintained cycle routes. Bikes can be hired from Wight Cycle Hire with our\u00a0special code<\/a>\u00a0to get 10% off. There are so many cycle routes to choose from in West Wight; here are some of\u00a0our favourites<\/a>\u00a0and why not purchase a cycle map from\u00a0Cockpit Essentials<\/a>:<\/p>

The Yarmouth Town and Fort Victoria route (1.6 miles) takes you over the Yar Bridge to Fort Victoria Country Park, with amazing views over the Solent to Hurst Point and a handful of small visitor attractions. The Wellow Loop (7 miles) goes down quiet country lanes and through villages on mostly flat ground. The Freshwater Bay route is a family friendly and flat (6.5 miles) return trip on the old railway line alongside the River Yar from Yarmouth to Freshwater. The Needles route (13.1 miles) involves some busy country lanes and is undulating, so one for the more confident cyclist. The Newtown route (13.7 miles) winds through quiet country lanes and is a peaceful, stress-free ride to explore the Newtown Nature Reserve. The Coastal Explorer (16.7 miles) is for confident riders taking in breathtaking views of the West Wight and is also a good choice for those on electric bikes as it involves some challenging climbs, but you are rewarded with amazing vistas of the Island\u2019s coastline and beaches.<\/p>

What\u2019s on\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>

We recommend checking our online\u00a0events calendar<\/a>\u00a0to see what\u2019s going on in West Wight and the wider Island during your stay.<\/p>

Tour of Britain on the Isle of Wight\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>

We are so excited to tell everyone that not only will the Tour of Britain have a spectacular finish at The Needles on Sunday 11th September, but the 150km Stage 8 gruelling route from Ryde and around the Island, goes through Yarmouth, straight past the Harbour Office, and over the Yar Swing Bridge! And we\u2019ll be hosting a brilliant pop-up \u2018Cycle Hire & Repair Hub\u2019 in front of the Harbour Office in partnership with Wight Cycle Hire who will be offering some super promotions to encourage everyone to \u201cjump off their boat and onto a bike<\/em>\u201d! If you\u2019re looking to hire a bike on the day, we recommend pre-booking at\u00a0wightcyclehire.co.uk<\/a>. More news coming soon.<\/p>

But why not \u201cride the roads before the pros<\/em>\u201d ahead of the Tour of Britain? You can now find the Tour of Britain Stage 8 route on Strava via the\u00a0Visit Isle of Wight website<\/a>, with separate sections so if you don\u2019t fancy taking on the full 150km, there are smaller sections of the route for everyone to try out too!<\/p>

Holiday essentials\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>

Before your next visit to Yarmouth Harbour, why not update your summer wardrobe with one of our unique, locally designed T-shirts? We\u2019re proud to say our printed T-shirts are certified organic cotton, GM free, not tested on animals and without any animal-derived products. All T-shirts are printed in the UK with low waste printing tech and made in a renewable energy powered factory audited for a wide range of social and sustainability criteria. Visit the\u00a0Yarmouth Harbour T-Shirt Shop<\/a>\u00a0to find out more.<\/p>","urlTitle":"summer-days-and-island-adventures","url":"\/blog\/summer-days-and-island-adventures\/","editListUrl":"\/my-blogs","editUrl":"\/my-blogs\/edit\/summer-days-and-island-adventures\/","fullUrl":"https:\/\/yarmouthharbouryhc.teemill.com\/blog\/summer-days-and-island-adventures\/","featured":false,"published":true,"showOnSitemap":true,"hidden":false,"visibility":null,"createdAt":1659952510,"updatedAt":1659968713,"publishedAt":1659968713,"lastReadAt":null,"division":{"id":168662,"name":"Yarmouth Harbour YHC"},"tags":[{"id":1844,"code":"blogs","name":"Blogs","url":"\/blog\/tagged\/blogs\/"}],"metaImage":{"original":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/oeyda4a4684rztj8lqdw9eouh1lj3ur8flmbamrcgcc8wl22.jpeg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/oeyda4a4684rztj8lqdw9eouh1lj3ur8flmbamrcgcc8wl22.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/oeyda4a4684rztj8lqdw9eouh1lj3ur8flmbamrcgcc8wl22.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"metaTitle":"Summer days and Island adventures","metaDescription":"Our guide to summer in Yarmouth features ideas for family fun, beach picnics, farm parks, pleasure parks, historical piers, Tudor castles, and stunning beaches.","keyPhraseCampaignId":null,"series":[],"similarReads":[],"labels":[]}