The Classic Team recently spent a rather lovely 24 hours exploring the charming town of Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.
Pack an overnight bag and hop on board the Wightlink ferry to Yarmouth, just a short 40-minute sailing across the Solent from Lymington. Perfect for an Island escape throughout the year, you’ll find a vibrant town centre with a fabulous collection of independent shops, galleries and cafes, plus an historic castle, scenic pier and a myriad of walks close by.
We’ve collated our guide to 24 hours in Yarmouth, including a few of our best bits and cool places to eat. Enjoy!
Morning
From Lymington the Wightlink Ferry is a mere 40-minute crossing across the Solent, the most scenic of journeys and a wonderful start to the day. The ferry port is a short stroll from the heart of the town centre and upon arrival we headed for Gossips Café for delicious cakes and freshly brewed coffee with a view!
Next stop Yarmouth Pier, dating back to 1876 and Grade II listed, this beautifully preserved, iconic landmark offers spectacular views across the Solent and is definitely worth the £1 entry toll.
A treasure trove of boutique shops await in Yarmouth including Blue by the Sea (the owner Alison was very helpful with gift suggestions), PO41 for excellent coffee and freshly made cakes and Yarmouth Gallery where you will find some gorgeous, unique artwork. Harvey's of Yarmouth sells all manner of Island produce from fresh tomatoes to local honey, perfect for stocking up on provisions. And, don't miss Harwoods Chandlers, a charming olde world shop with a stone threshold worn concave by the steps of thousands of customers!
After a morning of shopping, a hearty lunch was enjoyed at The Bugle Coaching Inn and there are plenty of other options including On the Rocks, The Terrace and The George.
Afternoon
A five-minute stroll away, Off The Rails is a quirky café found on the old railway line in Yarmouth’s former train station. Offering an award-winning menu (there’s even an extensive dog menu for your four-legged friend), this is a great stop-off point with access to wonderful, scenic walks and cycle trails. And, you can even hire a bike at West Wight Cycle Hire next door, perfect for exploring the beaches of the south coast and The Needles.
In the afternoon we headed to St Andrew’s, a unique Classic getaway just a short drive away. This beautifully restored, converted church has retained many original features which marry seamlessly with modern touches. The panoramic views and expansive private grounds make this an ideal holiday base in West Wight.
Evening
The Hut at Colwell Bay, one of a handful of Michelin restaurants on the Isle of Wight, is located on the seafront and we headed there for dinner. The Hut Truck, a quirky Landover can be reserved to collect guests from Yarmouth and drive the short distance to The Hut, a fun start to the evening. Guests who arrive by boat from the mainland can be collected by a rib. The Hut at Colwell Bay sits directly on the waters edge, overlooking the clear blue waters of the bay with floor to ceiling windows and a gorgeous terrace for alfresco dining. The seaside vibe touches every aspect here, from the cream and blue hues of the interiors and bleached wooden floors.
From the beautifully crafted cocktails on arrival to a wonderful dinner created from the freshest local produce, all served with a backdrop of the Solent, our dinner was one to remember and definitely the highlight of our trip.
If you are inspired to visit the Isle of Wight for a short break away or longer, take a look at our collection of holiday cottages and start planning your Island escape.
