Driving on the Isle of Wight

When you drive off the ferry at Yarmouth, East Cowes or Fishbourne, the Isle of Wight’s road network is laid out before you.

So, why not take a tour around the magical coastline, or a scenic drive through our picturesque countryside and chocolate box villages.

And, if you have left the car at home, why not rent a vehicle. Head to this section at the bottom of this page for further information on Isle of Wight car hire. 

While you are out on the road, you will come across some lovely pubs and restaurants for a pitstop on your travels.

Roads to not miss

Military Road

Did you know that the Isle of Wight has one of the top five driving roads in the whole of Europe? Well, that’s what the travel team at the Telegraph said about the Military Road in 2016.

This stunning 13-mile route, from Freshwater Bay to Chale, takes in the magnificent south west coast and gasp-inducing views across the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down and to Dorset in the distance are the undoubted highlight. If you fancy pulling over, then the National Trust car parks at Compton Bay and Brook give easy access to the dinosaur fossil laden beaches that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

A cream tea at Isle of Wight Pearl near Brighstone is another treat to break the journey.

Middle road

This undulating route from Carisbrooke to Freshwater is framed by dramatic downland and pretty farms. At Calbourne, stop off for a pint at The Sun Inn, watch the cricket and divert into picturesque Winkle Street with its thatched cottages.

Further along, you will pass Tapnell Farm, now one of the Island’s top attractions with a great restaurant called The Cow.

But back in 1970, around a quarter of a million people descended on this farm to watch Jimi Hendrix, The Who and other rock gods play at the legendary Isle of Wight Festival.

The Downs road

As with most places, height gives an added dimension to views of the landscape.

One great road to explore for amazing vistas to all corners of the Island is The Downs Road, which leads from Downend on the outskirts of Newport (ask directions to The Hare and Hounds pub) across the spine of the Island before forking off to Brading or Ryde.

Before you reach this junction though, you can drop down into delightful Newchurch with its wooden spired church, Pointer Inn pub and The Garlic Farm, home of one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic products.

Along the route into Brading, you will find a pull-off car park where you can grab an ice cream and pause to enjoy the stunning vistas across Sandown Bay.

Other high spots!

There are lots of accessible downland spots on the Island and Culver Down on the eastern tip is a nice little drive with a car park and a pub, the Culver Haven, at the top next to the monument.

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. St Boniface is the Island’s highest point. 

Villages not to miss

Why not get out your map and plot a route through some of our lovely villages, and get your passengers to keep their eyes peeled, they may spot one of our native red squirrels.

Brighstone and Shorwell are two pretty villages worth a visit, each with their own pub and delightful cottages galore. Then carry on through equally lovely Mottistone, Hulverstone and Brook.

Godshill is another popular eye-catching settlement, boasting a lovely church, tearooms galore and even a model village. Park up here and take a stroll.

Over in the east, Bembridge, Seaview and St Helens are all worth a stop-off.

Eat and drink

Wherever you go on your travels, the Isle of Wight has some fabulous pubs and restaurants which may be off the beaten track, but are 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, or, if you are out west, how about the Wight Mouse at Chale, a favourite of Islanders and holidaymakers for many years, it looks out over the Military Road and West Wight coast.

The White Hart Inn, Havenstreet, is a stone’s 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 over at Bembridge, park at the nearby car park and take a short stroll to the Crab and Lobster, where you can enjoy the shellfish in its name while looking out over the ocean where they came from!

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

Plenty to see and do

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. 

Parking, petrol and electric vehicle charging points

We all know the perils of trying to park in an unfamiliar town and village but here, we have given a few hints and tips, like where you can park using the Isle of Wight Council permit and using the PaybyPhone app.

Petrol stations are to be found at major supermarkets around the Island and there are still some independent stations at Freshwater, Northwood and Sandford near Godshill among others. 

Additionally, the Island is becoming more EV-friendly with numerous electric vehicle charging points available at key locations, ensuring you can keep your battery topped up while exploring.

Isle of Wight car hire

If you're visiting the Island without a vehicle but feel the call of adventure, worry not! There are plenty of options to get you behind the wheel and off exploring.

Leslies Kia Rental, a family run business, offers a range of reliable Kia vehicles that provide comfort, fuel efficiency and modern features - ideal for families, couples and solo adventurers.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers a seamless experience, whether you need a car for just a few hours or a few days. Their self-service Car Club and Daily Rental services give you the freedom to roam the Island on your own schedule.

Or why not venture to South Wight Rentals near Shanklin? With over 45 years of experience, they’re experts at matching you with the perfect vehicle for your Island journey.

For even more choice, Premier Rental in Newport offers a wide range of popular models, with the added convenience of delivery and collection across the Isle of Wight. Wherever your heart desires to explore, they've got you covered. 

1st Call in Sandown offer a range of well-maintained vehicles - ensuring you'll have the freedom to explore every corner of the Isle with confidence. Whether you're planning a coastal drive or a journey through the countryside, 1st Call is ready to help you create unforgettable memories on the road. 

Prime Drive Cars offers a versatile selection of cars, vans, and minibuses tailored to your needs. Whether you're planning a solo journey, a family road trip, or a group excursion, they will ensure that you travel in comfort and style

Isle of Wight taxis

The Isle of Wight has an abundance of reliable and trusted taxi firms to choose from. Whether you fancy a trip around the Island or want to be dropped off at one of our attractions. Find a list of these companies below: 

• A1 Cars (Cowes) - 01983 240000. 
• Cowes Taxi (Cowes) - 01983 294444.
• TJ Taxi Services (Cowes) - 01983 520274.
• ASAP Taxis (East Cowes) - 01983 244444.
• Ashey Taxis (Ryde) - 01983 811233.
• Criss Cross Cabs (Ryde) - 01983 640240.
• Ryde Taxis (Ryde) - 01983 811111.
• Vectis Taxis (Ryde) - 01983 777007.
• Diamond Taxis (Wootton) - 01983 883888.
• Akar Taxis (Sandown) - 01983 401233.
• A Cabs (Shanklin) - 01983 866772.
• Ladybird Taxis (Rookley) - 01983 302010.
• Alpha (Newport) - 01983 280280. 
• Leader Cabs (Newport) - 01983 303000.
• OK Taxi (Newport) - 01983 771717.
• Wightline Taxis (Newport) - 01983 247444.
• Bay Taxi (Freshwater) - 07475 662350.
• Norton Taxis (Freshwater) - 01983 759955.

Isle of Wight road map