The Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is located just off the south coat of England and is linked to the mainland ports of Lymington, Southampton, Portsmouth and Southsea by vehicle ferries, high speed passenger catamarans and hovercraft.  The Isle of Wight has three major ferry operators and the information about these and links to their web sites can be found below.

The main ferry terminals of Southampton and Portsmouth and both linked to London by fast rail and road services, the journey time taking between one and two hours.  The London terminus is Waterloo Station. Tickets can be purchased straight through to some Island destinations, to include the ferry crossing.

Island ferry operator information

Wightlink

www.wightlink.co.uk  0870 582 7744

Red Funnel

www.redfunnel.co.uk  0870 444 8898

Hovertravel

www.hovertravel.co.uk  01983 811000

Train services to the Isle of Wight

National Rail
www.nationalrail.co.uk   0845 748 4950

Train services on the Isle of Wight

Island Line
01983 812591 or 0845 748 4950

Bus routes to the Isle of Wight

National Express
www.nationalexpress.com  08705 808080

Bus services on the Isle of Wight

Southern Vectis
www.islandbuses.info  01983 827000

For a walking holiday  you'll always remember, no Island comes close.  Each season has its own special charm.  The Island boasts 60 miles of spectacular coastline, with picturesque coves and beautiful bays of golden sand with safe bathing.

Known as the "Garden Isle", this jewel of England indeed resembles a diamond in shape and is a treasure trove of historic and prehistoric interest.  Di nosaurs, ancient tribes, Romans and monarchs throughout the ages have left behind a fascinating trail into the past.  The Island was once a frequent haunt of many eminent and historically important people including Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, JMW Turner, Henry VIII and Queen Victoria.

The Isle of Wight is some 23 miles west to east, from the Needles to Bembridge, and 13 miles north to south, from Cowes to St Catherine's Point.  This, the smallest, and perhaps the most geographically diverse, of England's counties covers 147 square miles and is bounded by about 60 miles of coastline an ideal Cycling holiday destination.  Within this watery border of the Solent to the north and the English Channel to the south, lies an "England in miniature".  The natural processes of deposition, folding and erosion during the last 120 million years have resulted in the rich variety of the Island's surface geology.  The results are kaleidoscopic contrasts in the Island's scenery encompassing open download, beech woods, conifer forests, grazing land, wide sandy beaches, seer cliffs, rocky coves, creeks and estuaries.

The Island is a haven for wildlife, renowned for its rare flora and fauna such as wild orchids, Glanville fritillary butterflies, little egrets and the majestic buzzards circling above the ro lling farmland and, of course, the rare red squirrel are just a few of the delights you may well see.