Isle of Wight.

[Whatwouldnanado]

Never been before and have the chance to visit for two day or three days in September taking the ferry from Portsmouth. Not bringing a car and hope to use local buses. We would like to visit Osborne House, the maritime museum and do some walking. Where's best to stay, and any other hints?

Hey there, what age groups, please? No use me saying oh you must scramble down these mad paths to that beach if you have a babe in arms.

Good point, thanks! Husband and me. No mobility issues.

West of the island is lovely for walking. Anywhere along the Tennison trail, particularly around Mottison down and Brighstone forest is really peaceful, untrodden and has some stunning views. Piano cafe in Freshwater was one of my faves, there is also a very mellow walk from Freshwater to Yarmouth along the estuary, nice and flat/easy too.

Both your intended attractions are in the Owes area so stay near there. Buses are very good but they do take a bit of time to get around.
If you are going from Portsmouth, consider doing one way on the hovercraft: the only commercial one operating in the world, so fun to have a go! Only takes 10 minutes and was beautifully smooth when I went in July.

*Cowes

OP I love the Isle of Wight, it's my happy place. A few years ago we stayed in Newport where the main bus station is and you can get to pretty much anywhere from there. Please visit Godshill- the model village is amazing and it's full of lovely cafes and craft shops, plus a pub with a maze in the garden!

We went to the IoW for the first time last year & loved it - all except Newport which is very tired & a bit of a dump. Not sure about bus services, so you would probably need to be near Cowes for Osborne, but Brighstone is great.
Ventnor also worth a trip.
Tbh, I'd consider hiring a car when you are over there so you can get around the island easily.

Cowes have loads of good places to stay. Great high street with plenty of cafés, restaurants and pubs.

For Osborne House you would take the floating bridge across to East Cowes and either walk or get the bus to the house.

Buses from Cowes to Newport (to change to other areas ) are very frequent.

If you aren't driving check the train prices as they make the ferry cheaper (especially if you have a railcard). All the ferry ports on the IOW class as stations on the SouthWest Railway network so you can buy through tickets from anywhere on the rail network

We've done Lymington Yarmouth and went to Carisbrooke by bus but then went back another time via Southampton to Cowes to do Osborne. If you take driving licences with you then you can get rental e-scooters. We were off the ferry and across the floating bridge then picked a couple of scooters up and went up the hill to Osborne and there is a drop off zone just outside the entrance to Osborne

Though you may have to reach Southampton to do the ferry rather than Portsmouth but depends where you are coming from sorry. Just realised it doesn't let you do Portsmouth to either Cowes

We’ve gone lots of times by train and bus and it’s been really easy. The ferry from Portsmouth is very easy and connects straight on to the Wightlink trains (old tube trains), which run down the east coast as far as Shanklin.
Usually, we stay somewhere along that route, then explore further afield using the buses.

You can book through tickets on the train which include the ferry. That’s usually cheapest. Although I take no responsibility if you get ‘She’s got a ticket to Ryde’ stuck in your head all day.

Walking get the 12 from Newport to Freshwater Bay then walk up the down to the Needles via Tennyson Monument ( about 3 miles) . Catch breezer bus from Needles to Yarmouth ( you can get this from the Needles Battery ( has a nice cafe) . Ignore Alum bay leisure park, its tat. Wander around Yarmouth which is small and lovely.. and have lunch.. ( maybe at the Bugle or the Terrace) . Perhaps visit Yarmouth castle then go down the pier ,via ice cream shop at top of pier ( local ices, yum) .. Then catch No 7 back to Newport and then on to wherever you are staying .. make sure you sit 9n tje top of the buses! The views are spectacular especially on the 12 when it reaches the coast..
(We are fortunate enough to live here.). Buses are a little expensive..

Lots of people go to The Hut at Colwell bay and crab place at Steephill Cove near Ventnor.. Both are Really expensive.. you can eat just as well for much less.. The Italian at the bottom of Ryde high street is great, and Ryde has some pretty good restaurants ..

There's also a round the island Breezer bus, but only runs on the summer, you'll need to check if its on for the dates you are coming ...

Where are you travelling from op, there are a few options to get there.

If you want decent price fish or seafood ( they do lots of other stuff also ) go to The Highdown Inn in Totland .. They have rooms also...
The Sun Inn at Hulverstone is good as well .
Cowes restaurants are expensive in summer because its a sailing town / visitors, Seaview the same .. but as I said previously, Ryde does have a good choice.. Nice seaside cafes.. Dont miss the Chocolate Apothecary if its your thing.. The Boatman pub ( a bit further out but walkable along the seafront ) is also very good .

Ventnor also has some nice cafes, but its a bit put of the way

Shanklin Chine is really special, especially at night time.

Nothing to add but I'm watching this thread with interest as I'm going to the IoW next month for a week.

Wow, thank you for the replies and the great tips. So sorry I haven't been back to respond, busy with illness in the family. We are hoping to travel on the hovercraft one way. Really looking forward to it.