Days out in and around Yarmouth

The attractive coastal town of Yarmouth is located on the north west coast of the Isle of Wight and centres around a small harbour popular with keen sailors. Its name is derived from the Western Yar, a small river that flows out into The Solent at Yarmouth.

With a lovely selection of boutique shops selling a variety of gifts, jewellery and local produce, you will also find a selection of pubs and restaurants where you can pop in to sample some of the excellent seafood on offer.  Home to a seaside pier where you can watch the sailing boats and ferries from the mainland coming into the Harbour, it is also boasts the impressive Yarmouth Castle built by Henry VIII, now managed by English Heritage and open to the public.

Things to do in Yarmouth

Cycling and walking

Yarmouth is an ideal base for exploring the western end of the island and is a short drive or scenic coastal walk from the popular Alum Bay and The Needles Landmark Attraction. You can also take the footpath or cycle down to Freshwater Bay, returning via the huge chalky cliffs of the Tennyson Downs. The perfect place for a bracing seaside walk or bike ride, the west coast is one of the most picturesque areas on the island.

There is a pier at Yarmouth, and for a small stipend you can take a stroll along and watch the Wight Link ferry disembark for the mainland.  Watch yachts set sail from the marina and enjoy a windy walk along the Coast Path that winds through the town.

Tapnell Farm Park

A popular local attraction with families is Tapnell Farm Park. The site of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, it is a great place for children to meet a collection of farm animals and a bunch of wallabies in the park’s Wallaby Walkabout feature. Keep an eye out for the meerkats and a hungry herd of goats.  There is a soft play area and loads of opportunities for kids to run berserk. Under-five’s love the jumping pillows.

Fort Victoria Park

Fort Victoria Park is about a mile outside of central Yarmouth and offers potential for a great day out. There is a Victorian-era fort with exceptional views across The Solent, built to defend the island from the threat of a French invasion. There are also woodlands, and a coastal path that allows for superb viewing spots of Hurst Castle on the main land. The beach here is a great for rock pooling and fossil hunting.

Old Gaffers Festival

The Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival is the Island’s longest running festival.  The harbour will be filled with the colourful spectacle of the visiting gaff rigged vessels, some of which will race in The Solent on the Saturday. There is also a Sunday morning race from the Royal Solent Yacht Club with the Queen's Jubilee Race. Live entertainment, vehicle display, and street food will be available too! Best of all for drinkers is the ‘McGaffers’ Beer Tent’, which showcases ales from the local area and beyond. It’s one of the largest ale festivals on the island.

Other days out

Other local attractions include the enticing West Wight Alpacas where there are some great opportunities to hang out with some of these cuddly beasts. For hikers, there’s a fabulous walk through unspoilt open country along the coast path that runs parallel to the Military Road.  For such a small island you will be amazed at this slice of big sky country on the south side of the island.

Around Yarmouth

Yarmouth is connected to the larger towns on the island by the A3054 that runs eastwards to Newport, where all the main shops and evening entertainment venues are situated; also Ryde, Cowes and eastern seaside resorts of Shanklin and Sandown.

Stay in Yarmouth

If you're looking to explore Yarmouth and experience its many attractions, our Yarmouth holiday cottages offer the perfect place to stay nearby and somewhere relaxing to rest your head after a day of discovery.