Isle of Wight day trips with Wightlink

In Adventures, Attractions, Autumn, Beaches, Family, Food, Ideas, Summer, Travel, Walking, Wildlife

Easy to get to and wonderfully unique, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place for a day trip.

With our island being just 23 miles wide, you can squeeze a lot into just one day – golden sandy beaches, charming chocolate box villages, breathtaking coastal walks and a bundle of family-friendly attractions.

And with Wightlink’s fast and frequent crossings from both Portsmouth and Lymington, you can get there in no time at all – just 22 minutes by FastCat or, if you want to bring your car, only 40 minutes.

Planning your ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight

A little bit of planning goes a long way. By booking your Wightlink ferry in advance, you can make sure you get the sailing time that suits you best.

For a day trip, that probably means leaving early so you can make the most of our island. When you’re bringing your car, travelling outside of peak hours (10:00 – 16:00) is a great way to make a saving.

Wightlink often has deals on throughout the year – if you’re a family travelling on foot in the school holidays, definitely make the most of its Kids Go Free offer. Up to two children aged 5-15 can travel across the Solent for free with every adult or senior foot passenger day return.

Wightlink ferry at Yarmouth harbour on the Isle of Wight

The morning: Arrive with a view

Part of the joy of an Isle of Wight getaway is that the fun starts the moment you step on board your Wightlink ferry.

With spacious passenger lounges boasting panoramic views out across the Solent, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Spinnaker Tower if you’re departing from Portsmouth.

And if you’re travelling from Lymington, head up to the sun decks for a beautiful view of the New Forest coastline. You’ll even catch sight of the Needles as you approach Yarmouth.

Getting around our island

If you’ve brought your car, you’re all set. The Isle of Wight is incredibly easy to get around in your vehicle, with main roads linking all the island’s main hubs like Newport, Ryde and Cowes.

For those of you travelling on foot, you can pick from a well-connected train service, linking Ryde with the seaside towns of Sandown and Shanklin, or a Southern Vectis bus network that travels to all corners of the 'Diamond Isle'.

If all you’re craving is sandy beaches, good food and good fun, then stick in Ryde, where Wightlink’s FastCats arrive. With the beautiful Appley Beach, a bustling high street and family-friendly attractions like a bowling alley and amusement arcade, it has everything you need for a day away.

View of The Needles rocks on the Isle of Wight

Must-see attractions on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight may be small, but it’s packed with iconic landmarks and unique attractions. A few highlights you can fit into a day include:

The Needles Landmark Attraction - No Isle of Wight visit is complete without seeing the famous chalk stacks rising from the sea. Ride the chairlift to the beach, watch glass-blowers at Alum Bay or take a short coastal walk for the best views.
Osborne - Queen Victoria’s beloved holiday home offers a fascinating glimpse into royal history. Explore the lavish state rooms, wander through the gardens or stroll down to the private beach where the royal children once learned to swim.
Carisbrooke Castle - Step back in time at this historic castle, where Charles I was once imprisoned. Children will love meeting the famous Carisbrooke donkeys and climbing the castle walls for panoramic views.
Blackgang Chine or Robin Hill Adventure Park - If you’ve got kids in tow, one of our island’s adventure parks makes for an unforgettable day out. From life-sized dinosaurs to thrilling rides, these parks deliver plenty of excitement.

Food breaks to savour

With all that fun, you’ll be ready to refuel at some point. And our island has no shortage of great places to eat.

For a traditional seaside lunch, grab fish and chips in Sandown or Shanklin and enjoy them overlooking the beach.

Prefer a slower pace? Head to a country pub in Godshill or Brading, where you can tuck into hearty Isle of Wight produce.

Or, for something unique, visit The Garlic Farm near Newchurch, which serves everything from garlic beer to garlic ice cream.

Mum and daughter walking on Sandown beach next to Sandown Pier on the Isle of Wight

Afternoon adventures

If you’ve still got room to squeeze something into the afternoon, depending on your pace, why not try:

Beach time - Pack a towel and head to one of our island’s golden beaches. Shanklin, Sandown and Ryde offer long stretches of sand and safe swimming, while Compton Bay is perfect for fossil hunting and dramatic sunsets.
Coastal walks - If you prefer to keep active, choose a short section of the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. The walk from Ventnor to Steephill Cove is especially rewarding, with hidden beaches and colourful beach huts.
Wildlife encounters - Visit Amazon World Zoo Park or the free-to-enter Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, both brilliant for families. Autumn visitors might also spot red squirrels in Borthwood Copse or Parkhurst Forest.

Seasonal inspiration

One of the best things about an Isle of Wight day trip is that it changes with the seasons.

Late Summer is perfect for beach days, coastal walks and lingering over dinner with a sea view. The warm evenings make it easy to squeeze in a sunset before your ferry home.

October half-term brings Autumn colour to the Isle of Wight’s countryside. Woodland walks, cosy pub lunches and Halloween events at family attractions make it a magical time to visit.

Man sitting on the deck of the Wightlink ferry, Isle of Wight