Discover more on the Isle of Wight
Gardens, forts, a windmill, a National Nature Reserve, and 17 miles of coastline and over 5000 acres of countryside on this treasure island.
Sustainable travel on the Isle of Wight
Whether you're looking to travel by bus, bike or foot. Plan your day out on the Isle of Wight using greener travel options.
Getting to the Isle of Wight
Ferry travel options
One of the most convenient and sustainable ways to reach the Isle of Wight is by taking the high-speed Wightlink catamaran from Portsmouth Harbour, which connects directly with the mainline train station. This near-seamless journey makes it easy to leave the car behind.
For visitors travelling sustainably, arriving in Ryde is ideal. From here, there are excellent bus links across the Island and straightforward connections to Newport, where you can access the Red Squirrel Trail and explore the Island further by bike or foot.
Other routes include:
- Lymington to Yarmouth (Wightlink)
- Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Wightlink)
-
Southampton to East Cowes (Red Funnel)
Prefer to travel on foot? Dedicated foot passenger services run from:
- Southampton to Cowes (Red Funnel)
- Southsea to Ryde (Hovertravel)
25% off Hovertravel flights for National Trust Members
Travel from Southsea to Ryde in under 10 minutes with Hovertravel. It's just a short walk from the Ryde terminal to onward public transport links.
National Trust members can enjoy 25% off standard tickets using promo code NTMEMBER25 when booking online at hovertravel.co.uk. Valid for one member and up to four companions travelling together.
Important: You must present a valid National Trust membership card at the boarding gate or extra charges may apply. Offer valid until 31 December 2025. Terms and conditions apply.
Travel by bus
These services are subject to seasonal variations.
Mottistone Garden - Southern Vectis Route 12 stops at the front of the Manor and at the vehicle entry point. The route continues on to Alum Bay where you can reach The Needles.
The Needles Old and New Batteries - Southern Vectis Route 7 and 12 stops at Alum Bay (1 mile). This service may not operate year-round. Check the Southern Vectis Website for up-to-date information. The Needles Breezer operates as a site seeing bus service in Spring and Summer.
Bembridge Windmill - Southern Vectis Route 8 from Ryde to Newport stops in Bembridge at the Steyne Cross bus stop. From there it is a short 8 minute walk to Bembridge Windmill.
Borthwood Copse - Southern Vectis Route 8 passes through Winford (¼ mile)
St Catherine’s Down - Southern Vectis Route 6 service by the Viewpoint car park above Blackgang Chine (½ mile).
Compton Bay & Downs - Southern Vectis Route 12 stops at Compton Bay. Check the Southern Vectis Website for up-to-date information.
Newtown National Nature Reserve - Southern Vectis Route 7 bus from Newport bus station stops at St Michaels Close bus stop. Newtown National Nature reserve is then a 1.1 mile walk from there.
Cycle Routes
The National Cycle Network (NCN) is a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes, ideal if you’re looking to reach places by bike.
Mottistone Garden - NCN67. On the 'Round the Island' cycle route
The Needles Old and New Batteries - NCN67, ½ mile. 'Round the Island' route. From Freshwater Bay cycle along lanes and Bridleways via Farringford and Moons Hill to the Needles Battery.
Bembridge Windmill - NCN67. On the 'Round the Island' cycle route
Borthwood Copse - The 'Round the Island' cycle path passes along Alverstone Road between Winford and Queens Bower, alongside Borthwood Copse.
St Catherine’s Down - The 'Round the Island' cycle path passes by Blackgang Chine along the A3055.
Newtown National Nature Reserve - The 'Round The Island’ cycle route, passes directly past Newtown NNR.
Arrival by Foot
Mottistone Garden - 1 mile north of coastal path; 1 mile south of Tennyson Trail
The Needles Old and New Batteries - Alum Bay ¾ mile, well-surfaced path. Alternate 2 mile walk across the downs from High Down chalk pit car park.
Bembridge Windmill - 1 mile east of Culver Trail; accessible via footpaths from Brading Marshes bird reserve and Bembridge Down.
St Catherine’s Down - The waymarked Isle of Wight Coast Path passes through the Blackgang Chine viewpoint car park.
Compton Bay & Downs - The waymarked Isle of Wight Coast Path passes along the cliff tops at Compton Bay.
Newtown National Nature Reserve - The waymarked Isle of Wight Coast Path passes through Newtown; accessible via footpaths from Shalfleet and the Round the Island cycle path.