Discover the Isle of Wight by bus

The Isle of Wight is a stunning place and we are lucky to have so much amazing scenery and things to do on a small island which packs a punch. 

We are challenging everyone to get out and Discover a new or forgotten location by bus this spring and summer.  We are all hoping for better weather, but just being out in the open air (even if the sun’s not shining) can do wonders for our health and well-being.  Plus travelling by bus means you are also doing your bit for the environment and helping to ease congestion in the area.

Don’t forget all single bus fares on our normal routes (including the Summer Links route) are just £2 until at least 31st December 2024 or there are savings to be made with a Rover or group Rover if travelling with friends and family.  Dogs are welcome on board (paws on the floor please and not on the seats) and up to two children under 5 can go for free with an adult.

Please note our Breezer and Island Coaster routes are exempt from the £2 fare. 

Here are some of our top places to Discover by bus…

Discover the Sailing Capital of the World in Cowes

Cowes Week takes place every year and this years starts on the 27th July. The whole town will be buzzing with things going on across the town on The Parade, Northwood House and Cowes Yacht Haven.

Learn more about the Islands maritime History at The Classic Boat Museum. The Boat Shed is in Cowes and The Gallery in East Cowes.

The shops in Cowes are an excellent mix of Pick up a unique gift from one of the lovely independent boutiques.Take a trip into the heart of the action with Solent Cruises. Have a walk along the parade and seafront and watch the sailing boats from the green.

Get there every 10 mins on route 1.

 

Discover Donkeys and Delightful Views in Wroxall and Ventnor 

In Wroxall you can get up close to the Donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary. It is a great free day out for all the family and check out the special events they have running.

Wroxall is also home to Appuldurcombe House. Appuldurcombe was once the grandest house on the Isle of Wight. A masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, and though now a graceful shell, still retains more than a ghost of its former dignity, and many fine architectural details. The celebrated landscape designer 'Capability' Brown enhanced the rolling grounds in the 1780s.

Ventnor is said to have its own microclimate. It was popular as a health resort in Victorian times and on the site of the former respiratory hospital you will find Ventnor Botanic Gardens, which takes advantage of the mild climate to put on an incredible display of plants from around the world.

Ventnor has a delightful seafront with lots of places to eat. Not forgetting the famous Isle of Wight Paddling Pool.

The Island Coaster, routes 3 and 6 will get you there.

 

Discover Royalty and History in East Cowes

Discover Queen Victoria's holiday home Osborne were she lived with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children. Explore the extensive ground and private beach. See the newly renovated Swiss Cottage.

A must visit is the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre which supplies and maintains over half of the lifeboats for all of our lifeboat stations across the UK, as well as our lifeguard units. Tours are free and 2024 celebrates the 200 year anniversary of the RNLI. 

Learn more about the island maritime history of the Isle of Wight at the Classic Boat Museum Gallery. East Cowes also has a number of cute cafe's and pubs serving excellent food with views of the River Medina. East Cowes also is home to largest Union Jack in the world!

Route 4 and 5 will get you to East Cowes

Discover Unique Landscapes and Breathtaking Views at The Needles

The Needles Breezer is one of the most spectacular bus rides in all of England, an open-top ride with views that will simply take your breath away. Enjoy a cliff-hugging, dizzy climb from Alum Bay right up to the Needles Battery, high up where the vistas out to sea are intoxicating. The route also links Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay, Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Farringford Estate, Fort Victoria Country Park, as well as historic places of interest and areas of outstanding beauty.

Hop off at The Needles Landmark Attraction at Alum Bay, with its fairground rides, glass blowing, sweet manufactory and chairlift down to the beach.

The Needles Breezer, Island Coaster, route 7 and 12 will get you there

Discover Turquoise Seas in Freshwater

Freshwater Bay is one of the most picturesque beaches in West Wight. At low tide you can discover the Caves and it is great place for rock-pooling.  Freshwater is steeped in History and a must visit is to Farringford House and Gardens. A grade 1 Listed Building and was the main residence of the Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson from 1853 until his death in 1892. Farringford house and grounds have been restored to their Tennyson-era splendour. Nearby Dimbola Museum and Gallery was the home and workplace of the internationally acclaimed Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. St Agnes the only island Thatched Church is in Freshwater Bay too.

The Needles Breezer, Island Coaster and route 12 will get you there.

 

To plan your travel please click here 

The best value tickets are available via our mobile app. For single and day tickets we recommend you use Tap On Tap Off paperless ticketing.