Fort Victoria Cottages
Restaurants
Really great food at the old Yarmouth railway station in an absolutely stunning location overlooking the marshland and woodlands behind the town. Very dog-friendly, and the kids will love feeding the ducks. Fantastic comedy-themed events for those that ever dreamed of having their dinner served by Basil Fawlty. Worth combining with a walk along the river.
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Off The Rails
Station RoadReally great food at the old Yarmouth railway station in an absolutely stunning location overlooking the marshland and woodlands behind the town. Very dog-friendly, and the kids will love feeding the ducks. Fantastic comedy-themed events for those that ever dreamed of having their dinner served by Basil Fawlty. Worth combining with a walk along the river.
Posh seafood restaurant at Colwell Bay that has grown both in reputation and floorspace in recent years. It’s a super spot for watching the sun go down as you wrestle with a lobster, although on sunny summer days you will need to book well in advance. Superb for after-beach cocktails, and a good spot for spotting celebrities in salmon trousers.
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The Hut
Colwell Chine RoadPosh seafood restaurant at Colwell Bay that has grown both in reputation and floorspace in recent years. It’s a super spot for watching the sun go down as you wrestle with a lobster, although on sunny summer days you will need to book well in advance. Superb for after-beach cocktails, and a good spot for spotting celebrities in salmon trousers.
An interesting experience cooking your own food at the table on hot volcanic rocks. The quality of the locally-sourced ingredients is superb, the quality of the end result depends somewhat on you.
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On The Rocks
Bridge RoadAn interesting experience cooking your own food at the table on hot volcanic rocks. The quality of the locally-sourced ingredients is superb, the quality of the end result depends somewhat on you.
Another superbly-located restaurant overlooking the harbour in Yarmouth. The Terrace spent its opening months only being able to serve take-away meals, but based on these alone we can certainly recommend.
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The Terrace
Quay StreetAnother superbly-located restaurant overlooking the harbour in Yarmouth. The Terrace spent its opening months only being able to serve take-away meals, but based on these alone we can certainly recommend.
Pubs
Excellent pub in a very picturesque setting at the end of an hour’s walk alongside the River Yar, or a much less pretty five minute drive. The setting is truly idyllic, the food is pretty good, and dogs are most welcome.
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The Red Lion
Church PlaceExcellent pub in a very picturesque setting at the end of an hour’s walk alongside the River Yar, or a much less pretty five minute drive. The setting is truly idyllic, the food is pretty good, and dogs are most welcome.
Slightly further afield (Hulverstone, near Compton Beach, the Sun Inn was named one of the ‘Top 10 Cosy Pubs’ in the UK by the Daily Telegraph. The food is really good here, but at a 15 minute drive away it’s probably worth combining with a trip to the wonderful Compton Beach or Mottistone Gardens and Estate.
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The Sun Inn
Slightly further afield (Hulverstone, near Compton Beach, the Sun Inn was named one of the ‘Top 10 Cosy Pubs’ in the UK by the Daily Telegraph. The food is really good here, but at a 15 minute drive away it’s probably worth combining with a trip to the wonderful Compton Beach or Mottistone Gardens and Estate.
Vegan
Run by a vegan chef and jazz singer couple, this amazing place is worth a visit for the music alone, even for committed carnivores. The venue regularly hosts live music a great network of local artists, and the food is served ‘tapas’ style. Frankly, it’s a great way to discover things you’ve never eaten before. Located on an old beaten track off Staplers Road in Newport, you’ll definitely think the GPS has sent you the wrong way. It hasn’t.
Django's
Staplers RoadRun by a vegan chef and jazz singer couple, this amazing place is worth a visit for the music alone, even for committed carnivores. The venue regularly hosts live music a great network of local artists, and the food is served ‘tapas’ style. Frankly, it’s a great way to discover things you’ve never eaten before. Located on an old beaten track off Staplers Road in Newport, you’ll definitely think the GPS has sent you the wrong way. It hasn’t.
Cafes
Not just coffee and cakes but also excellent mezze food. Wooden floors, leather armchairs, chalkboard menus and an abundance of natural light, the Piano Cafe feels like a hangout for poets and photographers. Probably because the homes of one of Britains most celebrated poets (Alfred Lord Tennyson) and one of its most celebrated photographers (Julia Margaret Cameron) are both a few steps away. Definitely visit them too.
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Piano Cafe
Gate LaneNot just coffee and cakes but also excellent mezze food. Wooden floors, leather armchairs, chalkboard menus and an abundance of natural light, the Piano Cafe feels like a hangout for poets and photographers. Probably because the homes of one of Britains most celebrated poets (Alfred Lord Tennyson) and one of its most celebrated photographers (Julia Margaret Cameron) are both a few steps away. Definitely visit them too.
While some bemoan the loss of Yarmouth’s old post office, those who love their coffee definitely don’t regret what it has become. Almost opposite the ferry terminal in Yarmouth, PO41 definitely has the best roast in town. Cakes are pretty good too.
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PO41 Yarmouth Coffee House
Quay StreetWhile some bemoan the loss of Yarmouth’s old post office, those who love their coffee definitely don’t regret what it has become. Almost opposite the ferry terminal in Yarmouth, PO41 definitely has the best roast in town. Cakes are pretty good too.
Not a cafe of course, but the sea-facing gardens next to Yarmouth Castle are a lovely spot to have afternoon tea and sandwiches, watch the yachts pass by and enjoy chilling with the rich. Please give the hotel advance warning if you are planning to arrive by helicopter.
33 os moradores locais recomendam
The George Hotel
Quay StreetNot a cafe of course, but the sea-facing gardens next to Yarmouth Castle are a lovely spot to have afternoon tea and sandwiches, watch the yachts pass by and enjoy chilling with the rich. Please give the hotel advance warning if you are planning to arrive by helicopter.
Beaches
Compton Beach was named as one of the best 50 beaches in the world by the Sunday Times. Famous for its excellent surfing, black sand and the dinosaur footprints that appear at low spring tides, it’s simply the best place on the island for active and adventure loving people. Equally wonderful late afternoon/early evening in the calm hot summer months (take a BBQ!), or on a bracing, windswept winter’s day. There are two car parks: the first is at Compton Farm on the left of the road as you come from Freshwater, and the main carpark on the right hand side about half a mile further. If you are fit it’s definitely well worth parking at Compton Farm, crossing the road and walking down the steep wooden staircase to the beach
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Compton Bay
Compton Beach was named as one of the best 50 beaches in the world by the Sunday Times. Famous for its excellent surfing, black sand and the dinosaur footprints that appear at low spring tides, it’s simply the best place on the island for active and adventure loving people. Equally wonderful late afternoon/early evening in the calm hot summer months (take a BBQ!), or on a bracing, windswept winter’s day. There are two car parks: the first is at Compton Farm on the left of the road as you come from Freshwater, and the main carpark on the right hand side about half a mile further. If you are fit it’s definitely well worth parking at Compton Farm, crossing the road and walking down the steep wooden staircase to the beach
Slightly closer to home is Colwell Bay, a short walk away through the woods. Turn right out of the cottage car park and walk the coastal path for about 15 mins. There are more shops, cafés and boat hire places here than at Compton, and plenty of rock pools for the kids to explore at low tide. The Hut, just past the main slipway is a great place to mum to grab a late afternoon mojito while dad is building sandcastles. It’s seven minutes by car but the long stay car park may be busy in the summer.
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Colwell Bay
Slightly closer to home is Colwell Bay, a short walk away through the woods. Turn right out of the cottage car park and walk the coastal path for about 15 mins. There are more shops, cafés and boat hire places here than at Compton, and plenty of rock pools for the kids to explore at low tide. The Hut, just past the main slipway is a great place to mum to grab a late afternoon mojito while dad is building sandcastles. It’s seven minutes by car but the long stay car park may be busy in the summer.
At the other side of the fort is Fort Victoria Beach, a super place for an early morning or evening stroll. It’s a great place for beach-combing and fossil hunting. You may also see a man carving fallen trees on the beach. That’s David, whose work is currently exhibited at the Royal Academy, and conversation with him is always very worthwhile. Because of the strong tides in this narrow stretch of water, swimming is not permitted here.
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Parque Nacional Fort Victoria
Westhill Lane At the other side of the fort is Fort Victoria Beach, a super place for an early morning or evening stroll. It’s a great place for beach-combing and fossil hunting. You may also see a man carving fallen trees on the beach. That’s David, whose work is currently exhibited at the Royal Academy, and conversation with him is always very worthwhile. Because of the strong tides in this narrow stretch of water, swimming is not permitted here.
Just beyond Compton Bay on the Military Road is Brook, which like its neighbour is sandy and wild and beautiful. Brook is popular with kite-surfers and fossil hunters.
Brook Bay
Just beyond Compton Bay on the Military Road is Brook, which like its neighbour is sandy and wild and beautiful. Brook is popular with kite-surfers and fossil hunters.
Walking
Yarmouth - Needles - Freshwater circular route (3.5 hours). There are stunning views on this extremely varied walk following the coastal path anti-clockwise to Totland, the Needles, Tennyson Downs and Freshwater Bay. At Freshwater Bay follow the footpath opposite the Albion Hotel (Coastguard Lane) until you reach another road (Blackbridge Road). Turn right on this road and the footpath continues about 50m on the left. When you reach Afton Road (the Co-op), cross over and continue until you reach the old railway track to the west of River Yar. This takes you back to Yarmouth. Pub stops: The Hut, The Highdown Inn, The Red Lion.
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The Needles
Yarmouth - Needles - Freshwater circular route (3.5 hours). There are stunning views on this extremely varied walk following the coastal path anti-clockwise to Totland, the Needles, Tennyson Downs and Freshwater Bay. At Freshwater Bay follow the footpath opposite the Albion Hotel (Coastguard Lane) until you reach another road (Blackbridge Road). Turn right on this road and the footpath continues about 50m on the left. When you reach Afton Road (the Co-op), cross over and continue until you reach the old railway track to the west of River Yar. This takes you back to Yarmouth. Pub stops: The Hut, The Highdown Inn, The Red Lion.
Newtown Creek and Shalfleet (2.5 hours + return bus). A fabulously secluded walk along woodland cliffs and through a nature reserve. Walk to Yarmouth and follow the High St (next to Harveys) to Yarmouth Green. Then follow the coastal path signs. Two hours later you should arrive at the main road to Newport. The bus to return back to Yarmouth is a short walk east from here on the other side of the road, and the The New pub is a little further in the same direction. Bus timetables are at www.islandbuses.info. Pub stops: The New Inn
Newtown River
Newtown Creek and Shalfleet (2.5 hours + return bus). A fabulously secluded walk along woodland cliffs and through a nature reserve. Walk to Yarmouth and follow the High St (next to Harveys) to Yarmouth Green. Then follow the coastal path signs. Two hours later you should arrive at the main road to Newport. The bus to return back to Yarmouth is a short walk east from here on the other side of the road, and the The New pub is a little further in the same direction. Bus timetables are at www.islandbuses.info. Pub stops: The New Inn
The Old Railway Line (2 hours) A lovely circular walk along both sides of the River Yar. Walk to Yarmouth, and once over Yarmouth Bridge turn right at the sailing club, following the path along the river (the old railway line). After about 45 minutes you should arrive at a small bridge. Cross the bridge and continue to the Red Lion. Take the footpath next to the church until you come to Kings Manor Farm, follow the road straight ahead and look for signs for the footpath back to Yarmouth. You should end up on Gas Works Lane, where you turn left, back to the coastal path east of the cottages. Pub stops: The Red Lion.
Western Yar
The Old Railway Line (2 hours) A lovely circular walk along both sides of the River Yar. Walk to Yarmouth, and once over Yarmouth Bridge turn right at the sailing club, following the path along the river (the old railway line). After about 45 minutes you should arrive at a small bridge. Cross the bridge and continue to the Red Lion. Take the footpath next to the church until you come to Kings Manor Farm, follow the road straight ahead and look for signs for the footpath back to Yarmouth. You should end up on Gas Works Lane, where you turn left, back to the coastal path east of the cottages. Pub stops: The Red Lion.
Fort Victoria Country Park (30-60 mins). Turn right at the back of the cottages and walk through the woodland until the Hurst Castle view point. Take the ‘high path’ back or return down the steps and instead of following the main path right, continue straight ahead onto the minor paths. Follow the minor paths closer to the shoreline, and perhaps onto the beach, back to Fort Victoria. Pub stops: none, but don’t let that put you off.
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Parque Nacional Fort Victoria
Westhill LaneFort Victoria Country Park (30-60 mins). Turn right at the back of the cottages and walk through the woodland until the Hurst Castle view point. Take the ‘high path’ back or return down the steps and instead of following the main path right, continue straight ahead onto the minor paths. Follow the minor paths closer to the shoreline, and perhaps onto the beach, back to Fort Victoria. Pub stops: none, but don’t let that put you off.
Things to do with kids
Tapnell Farm Park (12 min drive) On the Middle Road between Freshwater and Shalcombe lies Tapnell Farm, which is a godsend for parents of all types of children, but particularly those with energy levels that could power an industry. What started as a childrens animal farm with a few straw bales to climb is now a major complex of play zones and fun activities with a capital ‘F’. The animals are still there, but mostly the only kids they see is a fizzing blur between giant air cushion trampoline and the zip wires. If your kids are wannabe unicorns, Tapnell Farm has the best face painter we’ve ever seen. A water park is opening soon, which looks like it’s going to be brilliant.
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Tapnell Farm Park
Newport RoadTapnell Farm Park (12 min drive) On the Middle Road between Freshwater and Shalcombe lies Tapnell Farm, which is a godsend for parents of all types of children, but particularly those with energy levels that could power an industry. What started as a childrens animal farm with a few straw bales to climb is now a major complex of play zones and fun activities with a capital ‘F’. The animals are still there, but mostly the only kids they see is a fizzing blur between giant air cushion trampoline and the zip wires. If your kids are wannabe unicorns, Tapnell Farm has the best face painter we’ve ever seen. A water park is opening soon, which looks like it’s going to be brilliant.
Robin Hill (30 min drive) Another adventure park set in a beautiful rural environment, which mixes adventure, fun and thrills with gentle education about nature and wildlife, and a good excuse for walking in a beautiful setting. It’s generally a really good compromise between the things kids and adults typically like doing. Except for Jungle Heights of course, which both kids and adults can agree is simply awesome. As is the toboggan run. Probably worth bringing a picnic, unless they’ve dramatically improved on the catering.
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Robin Hill station
Robin Hill (30 min drive) Another adventure park set in a beautiful rural environment, which mixes adventure, fun and thrills with gentle education about nature and wildlife, and a good excuse for walking in a beautiful setting. It’s generally a really good compromise between the things kids and adults typically like doing. Except for Jungle Heights of course, which both kids and adults can agree is simply awesome. As is the toboggan run. Probably worth bringing a picnic, unless they’ve dramatically improved on the catering.
Blackgang Chine (25 min drive) is a theme-park in the quaint Victorian mould, rather than the adrenaline-fuelled, eyeball popping version of today. There are some roller-coaster rides, but they are definitely at the ‘tame’ end of the spectrum. Most of the attractions are about imagination and role-play, so if your kids are way too cool to play cowboys in the Wild West, then Blackgang Chine might be a bit of a bore. Kids under 10 mostly love it though.
122 os moradores locais recomendam
Blackgang Chine
Blackgang Chine (25 min drive) is a theme-park in the quaint Victorian mould, rather than the adrenaline-fuelled, eyeball popping version of today. There are some roller-coaster rides, but they are definitely at the ‘tame’ end of the spectrum. Most of the attractions are about imagination and role-play, so if your kids are way too cool to play cowboys in the Wild West, then Blackgang Chine might be a bit of a bore. Kids under 10 mostly love it though.
The Roman Villa at Brading (40 min drive) To your kids a trip to a Roman Villa may sound like just boring old history, but don’t let that put you off. The curators have cleverly supplied a wardrobe of Roman clothing at the entrance to the excavated villa, so the kids can feel like centurions and senators as they charge around these well-preserved remains of a posh villa. Even Dad can pretend he’s Cicero on the steps of the Senate. With any luck, the kids will refrain from bashing each other with plastic swords for a few moments, and actually learn something.
33 os moradores locais recomendam
Brading Roman Villa
Morton Old RoadThe Roman Villa at Brading (40 min drive) To your kids a trip to a Roman Villa may sound like just boring old history, but don’t let that put you off. The curators have cleverly supplied a wardrobe of Roman clothing at the entrance to the excavated villa, so the kids can feel like centurions and senators as they charge around these well-preserved remains of a posh villa. Even Dad can pretend he’s Cicero on the steps of the Senate. With any luck, the kids will refrain from bashing each other with plastic swords for a few moments, and actually learn something.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway (30 min drive) is a volunteer-run venture so incredibly charming it actually hurts. Trips in these lovingly restored Victorian and Edwardian-era carriages run every 60-90 minutes through some woods and back again. It’s a wonderful trip down memory lane for anyone over the age of 110, and for the kids, possibly the most exciting thing that ever happened outside of a game of Fortnight. Don’t tell the volunteers you used to have a Hornby Train Set. You’ll never get away.
48 os moradores locais recomendam
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Main RoadIsle of Wight Steam Railway (30 min drive) is a volunteer-run venture so incredibly charming it actually hurts. Trips in these lovingly restored Victorian and Edwardian-era carriages run every 60-90 minutes through some woods and back again. It’s a wonderful trip down memory lane for anyone over the age of 110, and for the kids, possibly the most exciting thing that ever happened outside of a game of Fortnight. Don’t tell the volunteers you used to have a Hornby Train Set. You’ll never get away.