CAR FREE ITINERARY

Step onboard our vehicle ferry as a foot passenger and enjoy a scenic 1-hour cruise down Southampton Water and across the Solent, arriving at East Cowes on the northern tip of the Isle of Wight at 09:00. Why not enjoy a famous Red Funnel full English onboard?

When you arrive, take the no.5 Southern Vectis bus from opposite our terminal (outside Waitrose).

• Bus no.5 | Depart Waitrose 09:17 | Arrive Osborne 09:27

Make your first stop Queen Victoria’s beloved palace by the sea. Managed by English Heritage, explore exquisite sprawling gardens and a the monarch's private beach in addition to the grand house itself – allow a couple of hours to leisurely take in your surroundings before grabbing a bite to eat for lunch in The Terrace, the estate’s onsite restaurant. Make your way back to the bus stop and back onto the no.5 into Newport, changing to the no.9 for Ryde via Staplers.

• Bus no.5 | Depart Osborne 12:54 | Arrive Monkey Haven 13:37 (1 bus change)

Hop off at Monkey Haven, a peaceful rescue sanctuary home to over 19 species. Complete your visit with a cuppa and cake in Xhabu’s Tearoom, before heading back out to re-join the no.9 bus at 16:19, travelling on to Ryde. 

• Bus no.9 | Depart Monkey Haven 16:19 | Arrive Ryde Interchange 16:45
• Arrive in Ryde and change to Southern Vectis no. 3 for Sandown. 
• Bus no.3 | Depart Ryde 17:20 | Arrive Pier Street, Sandown 17:51

Arrive in Sandown for the evening, paddle in the surf and stroll along the beach towards the pier. Check out the retro arcades before indulging in fish and chips by the sea, followed by a drink or two should you wish. Rest your head in one of Sandown’s many hotels, such as the budget-friendly Premier Inn situated right on the beach. 

Start your day with a hotel buffet breakfast, before taking the no.8 bus from Pier Street towards Newport, changing at Newport Bus Station (B) for the no. 12 to The Needles. One of the longer bus rides of your trip, from the top deck you’ll have the opportunity to see the beautiful Island landscape as you travel from the coast through country. 

• Bus no.8 | Depart Sandown 07:34 | Arrive Newport 08:20
• Bus no.12 | Depart Newport 08:28 | Arrive The Needles Landmark Attraction 09:22

Spend some time taking in the sights, take the chairlift to the beach, or even jump on a thrilling 20-minute boat trip around the iconic chalk stacks. At The Needles Landmark Attraction you’ll find a traditional sweet factory, Alum Bay blown glass, and Taste of the Wight, where you can stock up on tasty Island produce and souvenirs. Rejoin the no.7 towards Totland War Memorial.  

• Bus no.7 | Depart The Needles 11:54 | Arrive Totland 12:00

Alight bus at Totland War Memorial and walk for 8 minutes towards the beach. Enjoy lunch at The Waterfront, with an extensive lunch menu in a picturesque seaside setting. Use any leftover time to enjoy the beach and clear blue sea. 

Return to the War Memorial and hop on the no.12 towards Newport. This route will feature fantastic scenery along the Military Road. Ask the driver for Carisbrooke Castle, and alight the bus at Cedar Hill, just a 10 minute walk from the castle. (There is a hill towards the castle)

• Bus no.12 | Depart Totland 14:30 | Arrive Cedar Hill 15:16

Immerse yourself in Isle of Wight history and majestic battlements of Carisbrooke Castle. Dating back nearly 1,000 years, the castle was once prison to Charles I. Take an hour or so to stroll the grounds, and when the castle closes at 17:00, head back to the bus stop. 

• Bus no.38 | Depart Cedar Hill 17:22 | Arrive Newport 17:33
• Change at Newport Bus Station (A) for the 17:45 no.1 bus to Cowes. 
• Bus no.1 | Depart Newport 17:45 | Arrive Cowes 18:08

Leave the bus at Carvel Lane, and wander down into the charming High Street, where you’ll find our West Cowes Red Jet terminal. Here you can decide whether to travel straight on back to Southampton or to stop for dinner – Cowes High Street boasts brilliant restaurants such as Smoking Lobster, The Garden, or Heron, and our Red Jet service will be running until 23:05.