Isle of Wight Family Walking Adventure

Option 1: The Needles

Distance: 3 miles

The walk in a nutshell: A stroll along the coast path to Tennyson Down and the Needles. We'll return on the open-top bus with plenty of time to enjoy the pool at Freshwater Bay House.

Don’t miss: See the famous sands of Alum Bay with the opportunity to descend to the beach by chair lift. 

Option 2: Tennyson Down

Distance: 6 miles

The walk in a nutshell: A fabulous walk over the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down to the Needles and the Alum Bay; one of England's finest coastal walks.

Don’t miss: Discover the once secret rocket testing range on the Needles headland, and the area's role in the space race.

Option 3: Headon Warren

Distance: 8½ miles

The walk in a nutshell: Head to the coast at Totland Bay then soak up glorious sea view as you round the Needles headland and return over Tennyson Down.

Don’t miss: The heather-clad headland of Headon Warren is a real delight, and offers the best views of the Needles.

 Option 4: West Wight circuit

Distance: 12 miles

The walk in a nutshell:  A circuit of the western tip of the island. We’ll follow the Yar Valley to Yarmouth, then follow the coastal path to Alum Bay, before a glorious finale over Tennyson Down.

Don’t miss: The final section atop the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down is a fitting conclusion to this splendid walk.

Option 1: Around Carisbrooke

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

The walk in a nutshell: Follow the Shepherd's Trail through the fields and along an ancient trackway to Carisbrooke Castle.

Don’t miss: Take time to explore this well-preserved castle. Don't forget to walk around the walls and see the donkey powered well. During the Summer there are often special events such as jousting and treasure hunts.

Option 2: To Carisbrooke Castle

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

The walk in a nutshell: Cross the island's central hills from the picturesque village of Shorwell to the impressive castle at Carisbrooke.

Don’t miss: There's lots of time to explore the castle. A real highlight is watching the donkeys turn the treadmill to raise water from the well.

Option 3: Shorwell & Carisbrooke

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

The walk in a nutshell: Walk from Brightstone to the village of Shorwell village, then continue over the downs to Carisbrooke Castle.

Don’t miss: Explore picturesque Shorwell with its thatched cottages and historic church. There's also plenty of time to visit Carisbrooke Castle.

Option 4: Three Trails Challenge

Distance: 13 miles (21km)

The walk in a nutshell: Challenge yourself to this fantastic walk along the spine of the island from Carisbrooke Castle to Freshwater Bay. We’ll cross the hills to Shorwell then pick up the Tennyson Trail which runs along the top of the chalk downs.

Don’t miss: This is one of our most popular walks. There's a real sense of achievement when you cross the final hill to Freshwater Bay.

Option 1: Bembridge Windmill

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

The walk in a nutshell: Walk from the Bembridge Windmill to the coastal path which we follow over the chalk headland of Culver Cliff to Sandown.

Don’t miss: The walk finishes at the island's excellent Dinosoar Museum and large play area, or spend time on the beach at Sandown.

Option 2: Brading to Sandown

Distance: 6 miles (9½km)

The walk in a nutshell: Walk from the historic village of Brading to the Bembridge Windmill. We'll continue atop the chalk cliffs of Culver Down, near the eastern tip of the island, and follow the coast path to Sandown.

Don’t miss: The working windmill at Bembridge; one of the National Trust's smallest, but most fascinating, properties.

Option 3: Over the hills to Sandown

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

The walk in a nutshell: From Brading Down we descend into a shaded wooded valley to the historic Brading. We continue to Bembridge Windmill and along the coastal path to Sandown

Don’t miss: The Yarborough Monument on top of Culver Down commands a wonderful view over the Solent and English Channel.

Option 4: Over the Chalk Downs

Distance: 11 miles

The walk in a nutshell: Walk along the valley under the downs before ascending Brading Down and walking along the chalk ridge, enjoying the views across the Solent to the mainland. We’ll continue over Culver Down and along the coastal path to Sandown.

Don’t miss: There are great views over the Solent where vessels ranging from hovercraft to huge container ships complete this bustling scene.

Option 1: Ventnor Coastline

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

The walk in a nutshell: Walk along the promenade from Bonchurch to Ventnor, then continue along the coast path to the lovely beach at Steephill Cove and the Botanic Gardens.

Don’t miss: We'll stop to play in Ventnor's fantastic (and free) paddling pool, where you can paddle across the 'sea' to the minature Isle of Wight. Adults can join in or relax in the adjacent cafe.

Option 2: Niton to Ventnor

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

The walk in a nutshell: Walk from Niton to the village of Whitwell. Our walk continues to the inland cliffs with good views of the Channel. We then follow the coast path to Ventnor’s Botanic Gardens

Don’t miss: There's plenty of time to enjoy the Bontanic Gardens - explore the fish ponds, exhibitions and a great play area!

Option 3: The Undercliff

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

The walk in a nutshell: Soak up the sea air and views of the English Channel on a walk through the Undercliff from Niton, past Ventnor to Shanklin.

Don’t miss: Discover the Undercliff; a natural sun trap, rich with verdant vegetation, created by a series of landslips over the centuries. 

Option 4: Chale to Shanklin

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

The walk in a nutshell: A journey along the length of Undercliff. Starting at Chale we'll round St Catherine's Point before picking up the coastal path through Ventnor to Shanklin.

Don’t miss: The cliff-top section above St Catherine's Point is particularly impressive, with views down to the lighthouse far below.

Option 1: Yarmouth 

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

The walk in a nutshell: A gentle walk from Freshwater Bay House following the Yar Valley through a nature reserve and a disused railway line to the old harbour town of Yarmouth. 

Don’t miss: At Yarmouth there's time to walk on the pier, visit the castle, play on the green, or have an ice cream before returning on the open-top bus.

Option 2: Yar Valley

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

The walk in a nutshell: Walk beside the tidal River Yar to the historic town of Yarmouth with its bustling harbour and Tudor castle. We’ll return on the opposite side of the river back to Freshwater Bay.

Don’t miss: The salt marsh, reedbeds and mud flats of the Yar Estuary are a great place to see wildfowl and waders.

Option 3: Compton Bay

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

The walk in a nutshell: Walk atop the Downs east of Freshwater Bay. We then descend to the beach and follow the coastal path back to Freshwater Bay.

Don’t miss: There's time to paddle at then beach, then enjoy the sweeping views along the island's south-west coast, as you walk over the chalk cliffs of Compton Down.

Option 4: The Longstone

Distance: 13 miles (21km)

The walk in a nutshell: Walk over the Downs to the Neolithic Longstone, then descend to coast and follow the coastal path back to Freshwater Bay.

Don’t miss: The Neolithic Longstone on Mottistone Down; according to legend this 13ft stone was thrown here by a giant!

By ferry & transfer - great value!

We offer a reduced price ferry and transfer ticket - just £22 return for adults and £12 for children. This includes a foot passenger ticket for the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry, plus a connecting transfer to Freshwater Bay.

Our transfers operate every Saturday and Wednesday (Friday and Monday in the low season). These connect with the 1500 or 1600 ferries from Lymington. On departure day the transfer will get you back to Yarmouth in time to catch the 0845 or 1005 ferries to the mainland.

Book your tickets at least 7 days in advance by calling our Reservations team on 0345 470 7558.

By train:

The nearest train station is Lymington Pier on the mainland. This is immediately adjacent to the ferry terminal. For train times and general rail enquiries visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950 (from outside the UK call +44 20 7278 5240).

By ferry:

The Lymington to Yarmouth ferry is the most convenient for Freshwater Bay - see www.wightlink.co.uk

Alternatively the Southampton to East Cowes ferry is often the cheapest option if you want to take your car to the Isle of Wight - see www.redfunnel.co.uk

By car:

From Yarmouth turn right out of the ferry terminal onto the A3054 and over the bridge across the River Yar. After 1 mile turn left down Pixley Hill, signposted to Freshwater Bay. At the double roundabout by the Co-op turn left onto the A3055 and follow this road to the seafront at Freshwater Bay. Turn right passing the Albion Hotel on the left. The entrance to Freshwater Bay House is beyond on your left.

Alternatively leave your car on the mainland and travel to the Isle of Wight as a foot passenger. There is a pay and display car park at Lymington Pier - price £8.20 per day. 

Travelling from overseas

If you're travelling from Europe the most convenient airport is at Southampton. From Southampton Airport Parkway station (adjacent to the airport terminal) there are regular trains to Lymington Pier - journey time 40 minutes). See www.nationalrail.co.uk for details.

For most guests, travelling to either London Heathrow or London Gatwick airport is the best option. See www.nationalrail.co.uk for onward connections by train to Lymington Pier.