You’ve got 24 hours and a ferry ticket from England in your sweaty palm? Grab the car and I’ll show you some of the most fascinating slants of this island off the South Coast of England. This Isle of Wight one day trip itinerary is all you need!
Isle of Wight one day trip itinerary
Bit of news here: a day isn’t a very long time.
Actually, to be honest, I totally ran out of time and should have allowed more for this little gem. Don’t think ‘it’s mini, I’ll zoom through it’ because the driving will take longer than you think, then there’s the ferry and all those ice cream stops … or is that just me?
How long does it take to drive around the Isle? From one end to the other would take around an hour without traffic. You could circle the entire perimeter in three hours. But then, that doesn’t include all the stops you want to make – so a day will actually feel pretty short.
That’s why this itinerary is short and sweet. Ideally, it’ll give you a real flavour for the top attractions that you do see, and leave you thinking a second visit is in order.
Getting there
You only have two real options: Southampton and Portsmouth. There is also the sweet town of Lymington in the New Forest, but if you’re already in the New Forest, why would you leave?
The ride from Portsmouth is the shortest, so if you get seasick, there’s no contest.
Southampton has more facilities and drops you at a very handy spot on the Isle of Wight (Cowes) so that would be the other option.
So can you drive to the Isle of Wight? Basically yes, as you can run your car straight up the ramp into the passenger ferry, leave it parked for the journey and then drive it off again once you dock.
Hop in the car and set the sat-nav for your first stop of the day.
Fun things to do on a day trip to the Isle of Wight
Osborne House
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It’s hard not to be curious about the world of Queen Victoria and Osborne House, her home on the isle, is the place to satisfy you. You’ll glide through elegant hallways, take in hauntingly staged rooms where a bassinette lies just as it was 100s of years ago and then squeeze through the underbelly of the house.
Down there in the servants’ quarters there’s unique plate for every single noble guest – quite a sight!
Resurfacing, you’ll find yourself suddenly transported into an Indian palace. Or at least, that’s what it looks like, right?
Parking is free at this National Trust spot and you’ll need to allow at least an hour for roaming the house and taking awkward selfies.
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Queen Victoria’s Beach
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Image via Elfike BY-NC-ND
This is a goodly walk of around 35 minutes from the main house, so allow another hour and 15 at least for this part of the trip.
But it’s worth it.
You might have heard plenty about the Isle of Wight’s other gorgeous beaches, but how many of them once housed a queen? It’s a proper sandy beach too.
The best time to visit is during the summer when the National Trust puts on the most English of all seaside activities, a Punch and Judy show.
Two absolute must-dos here are one, letting your jaw drop at the incredible bathing machine that the queen herself used to protect her modesty as she got into the water – isn’t it fabulous?
And two, a scrummy picnic on the beach. Jam, scones and sandwiches with all the crusts cut off.
The Needles
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The Needles are a series of incredible rock formations off the coast of the island. I know that might not sound exciting, but don’t be fooled. Imagine if a lonely giant dropped crumbs into the ocean. It’s a bit like that.
A lot like Land’s End, this part of the island has been, I reckon, rather spoiled by a theme park.
Eyes front. Just walk past, it won’t get in the way of the view. You can park for free right by the theme park and then walk over to a viewing platform on steps to get the best shots.
Which is just as awe inspiring as the shot above. It looks like you could just leap from one rock to another.
Got a stomach of steel? The hair raising views from the cable car right next door are even better, and worth watching your feet dangle alarmingly above the tree tops. The ride is only 5 pounds.
At the bottom is a pebble beach, where you can ride boats out to get an even closer look at the stormy waves crashing against The Needles and its lighthouse.
Afternoon tea in Ryde
You’ve earned a good cuppa.
Stop in Quarr Abbey Teashop in Ryde for a proper afternoon tea with all the extras and make sure you’re fueled for the way home. You’ve earned it after all that walking around the island!
Luckily you’re well placed for the ferry from here. Time to pack up and head home.
So that’s the end of your incredible one day trip to the Isle of Wight. Questions? Leave me a comment below! And if you’ve been to the isle, what was your favourite stop?
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Looks so quiet and peaceful Danielle. On my list. Excellent post.
Wow The Isle of Wight looks stunning! I would never have guessed this is in Britain. I think my favorite place to go would definitely be The Needles. I’ve always wanted to go a festival there, too!
This is so charming! I’ve always been curious about the Isle of Wight. Do you think 2 days or 3 days would be best to get the most out of it? Looks like you can hit the mains in a day, but figured I would ask : ) Looks like a great combo of nature and British history, so we wouldn’t get bored!
Totally, a two or three day Isle of Wight trip would be best, but this is for those with limited time. Thanks for stopping by!
Isle of Wight does look beautiful. You’re right, the Osborne House’s interiors do look like an Indian Palace! I’m not surprised though, India was a British colony at the time this house was built. Queen Victoria’s beach also sounds amazing, considering that the queen herself lived here at some stage! The Needles look so pretty – I’d love to take the cable car to enjoy amazing views of it.
I really need to explore more of England instead of just revisiting London haha. Isle of Wight looks so fun! I love the architecture at Ostborne House and the Needles is so spectacular! It reminds me a bit of the landscape on the 17 Mile Drive in Monterey, California.
Isle of Wight is a stunning place. We went there years back on a 3-nights break and it was lovely eventhough the weather was a bit harsh. Would love to go back to explore it again.
Please can you say How much cost of your whole Trip … & food also..
From an Islander: I think you could have mentioned all your icecream stops, especially those with fabulous views of both sides of the island at once!
Most of us would agree you could have taken a walk around Carisbrooke Castle in addition.
Hi we are going to Poole in November can you go to the Isle of Wight from there or what is the best option for a day trip, we will have a car.
Do we need a car to explore the Isle of Wight? If we choose to spend the night in a hotel, which is your top pick for a luxurious stay?
Many thanks.
W. Chaput
I love all these places! So much to do on such a tiny island. It’s definitely a hidden gem for visitors from outside the UK. Can’t wait to go back to the Isle of Wight
Locals would recommend a visit to Steephill Cove just outside Ventnor, bit of a hard walk down to the cove but well worth it. On the way drop in to Ventnor itself, a beautiful little town.
In fact, including almost secret out of the way places, the.re is too much to see and do on the Island. Try the Hideaway cafe overlooking Shanklin beach with views to Culver and Luccombe