Driving on the Isle of Wight

When you step off the ferry you've got so much in front of you to explore - so why not rent a car for a day and take in even more of what the Island has to offer?

With miles of stunning coastline, and winding roads taking you on a magical tour of the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside, there is so much you can do by car - and you can even leave your own vehicle at home.

Night-time brings even more beauty, and the opportunity to take an overnight drive up onto one of the Downs with views reaching out across the Island. From great roads to drive on, to views you'll want to enjoy - and pubs and restaurants to try - renting a car for the day will open up new worlds for you to explore.

Roads not to miss

Middle Road takes you on a journey through the heart of the Island, passing through quaint Villages and offering views of the surrounding countryside. Starting on the outskirts of Newport, you can ride the full length of the road towards the west of the Island and the edge of Freshwater - close to the site of the original Isle of Wight Festival.

If you’re looking for coastal views, Military Road could be the answer for you. The road runs parallel with the southern coast of the Island, from Freshwater to Chale, offering unbeatable views as you go. The road was built by German Prisoners of War during World War 2, and has been rebuilt in areas in recent times due to erosion. 

Views to enjoy

The Island is also lucky enough to be home to some of the most interesting and beautiful Downs in the country - where on a clear day you are able enjpy views looking out across the Island - and is well worth taking a camera to capture some of the memories.

Reaching more than 700ft high at it's peak, St Boniface Down near Ventnor offers stunning views across the Island, as well as of the English Channel. Towards the western side of the Island you’ll find Tennyson Down, which runs close to the water and Freshwater Bay - allowing for stunning scenery as you travel. And if you are looking for something more inland - Brading Downs and Chillerton Down offer great views and scenery. 

Eat and Drink

The Isle of Wight is host to some fantastic pubs and restaurant which are off the beaten track, but well worth a visit.

The Highdown Inn, Totland, offers the perfect place to sit back and unwind - as well as enjoying some delicious local seafood. You could also sleep off the busy day with an overnight stay. The Inn is situated close to Alum Bay and The Needles Landmark Attraction, with plenty to see and do.

The White Hart inn, Havenstreet, is a stones throw away from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, offering the chance to stop off for a bite to eat - before checking out one of the only remaining stations from the old Island lines - and home to the Steam Railway for more than 40 years. Serving up homely meals and catering for all tastes, the White Hart Inn is a great place to refuel after a day on the road.

If you're looking for a place to stop off and eat, have a look at our Food and Drink section to find something which suits you.

Plenty to see and do

From long winding roads with plenty to see, to the hills which give stunning views of your surroundings, the Isle of Wight has to much to offer when travelling by road. Why not fill up a picnic hamper with some of the delightful local foods available across the Island - and then take yourself on a magical tour of the Island - stopping for a break and a bite to eat in some areas of outstanding natural beauty.Take a look at the map below and plan your day out on the road.

Isle of Wight Road Map

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Measuring approximately 23 miles by 13, the Island offers so much to explore and enjoy, with plenty of coastline and winding country roads to explore.

There are also many towns and villages all waiting for you to stop by. From the main town of Newport, offering a choice of shops and restaurants, to Cowes with it's sailing heritage, or Ryde, with it's Victorian pier and boutique shops to enjoy. Or you could unwind by visiting some of the wonderful villages such as Bembridge, known for it's fishing, Brading for it's Model Village - or even the old Shanklin Village with it's quirky tea rooms.

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