Yarmouth
Yarmouth is located on the western side of the Island at the mouth of the Yar estuary and the harbour attracts international yachts and cruisers, and visitors who enjoy the lively range of shops, festivals and art exhibitions.
This is a bustling town which has an active community all year round with picturesque narrow streets and the town square are lined by flower decked shops and pubs.
Restaurants range from Michelin star quality through family-friendly pubs to cafes with outside tables for celebrating fine weather late into the evening, many meals having an emphasis on local produce and freshly caught fish. The George Hotel with its brasserie and lovely garden has views of the Solent. Fresh fish dishes are available at the famous ‘Salty’s’ restaurant, or try the ‘On the Rocks’ restaurant, where you cook the very best of island meat and fish on a lava stone at your own table. Yarmouth also has three pubs, each serving a varied menu. Relax in one of the bars and watch the Yachts in Yarmouth Harbour. There is a lovely Deli and a great cafe called Gossips with views of the Solent
From Yarmouth you can pick up a boat which will take you fishing in the Solent or perhaps off the Needles. There are also walks along the promenade and the former railway track, called “The Causeway”, which provides a delightful walk through trees and along the banks of the Yar. This will take you towards Freshwater and while you are walking you might see one of the Islands red squirrels, a fox or many species of birds.
Yarmouth town has its own beach, but there are four other beaches of different styles, within 3 miles of the town and buses serve 2 of them very well/frequently. They vary from rock pools and cave opportunities, to sandy, safe swimming for children or perhaps you may prefer the surfing and the long sandy beaches of Compton and Brook that are only 15 minutes drive away whilst the sandy bays of Colwell and Totland are within a 5 to 10 minute drive.
Freshwater Bay Golf Course is a 10 minute drive, and offers some of the most spectacular views across Freshwater Bay, the western tip of the Island and out into the Channel.
The Needles Park at Alum Bay is only a short drive, with many attractions. Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine are child friendly theme parks both within 30 minutes drive. Osbourne House, an English Heritage Property is open all year round in East Cowes which is also a 30 minute drive away.
The Pier at Yarmouth is also a great place to go fishing. Trips leave from there for various destinations, and in the later summer months, the Waverley, an old paddle steamer, collects people for a round trip of the Island. If you think the Island is beautiful now, wait until you’ve seen it from the sea.