The Isle of Wight is home to some of the best views in the country, and why not explore them when you come to visit us on the Island.
Wherever it is you are on the Island, whether it is the coastline or along the countryside, you will always find something worth admiring.
To help you plan your trip, Wightlink has five lookout highlights that should be on every itinerary.
Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Shanklin Chine & Fisherman’s Cottage | Visit Isle of Wight
Tucked away in the forestry of the Isle of Wight’s southeastern coastline is Shanklin Chine, a breathtaking natural gorge which has been carved out by waterfalls over thousands of years. It‘s a blissfully tranquil tree-lined path from Old Village to the sandy beach and esplanade below.
The chine is a marvel to witness by day, but pay a visit during its ‘Lumière Illuminations’ season each year to behold vibrant stunning nighttime colours. No matter when you visit, the views out over the beach and the sea beyond are as picturesque as it gets.
Shanklin Chine also has its own eatery offering up homemade cream tea — a local favourite for over 200 years.
Ryde, Isle of Wight
Ryde, Appley | Visit Isle of Wight
Arriving by Wightlink’s FastCat or Hovertravel’s Hovercraft into Ryde? You’ll immediately be blessed with views from the pier leading from the port to the shoreline, completely surrounded by the water. Ryde is a seaside town ideal for rambling beach walks, and whether you’re on the pier, the sandy coast, or up in the high street, you’ll love the northward views of the Solent and Portsmouth’s skyline.
Stroll to Appley Beach for some of the absolute best views in Ryde, especially when you climb Appley Tower, a distinctive gothic landmark doubling up as a fantastic seaward vantage point. Binoculars and 300mm camera lenses at the ready!
Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Ventnor | Visit Isle of Wight
Reach Ventnor Beach via Shore Hill (Cascade) and you’ll be welcomed by a sloping, winding, flower-lined road, a top-down view of scaled-down Isle of Wight, and beautiful south-facing views.
Don’t just gaze out from the beach, though — the circular structure on the promenade makes for a perfect lookout spot and is complete with paving markers showing you how far away various cities are, from Portsmouth to Sydney.
You can enjoy these views with some food or drink at The Spyglass Inn
The Needles & Alum Bay
Looking out to the Needles | Visit Isle of Wight
Head to the most-westerly tip of the Isle of Wight to explore the marvels of the natural coastline, discovering The Needles rock formations, the Trinity Lighthouse, and the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay’s cliff faces. For a truly unique scenic view, glide from the top of the cliffs to the beach below in the Island’s renowned suspended chairlift!
The sea is stunning, of course, but hop aboard a boat tour around the Needles and you’ll be just as blown away by the close-up views of the rock formations and the wider vantage point of the vibrant cliffs.
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
Yarmouth | Visit Isle of Wight
Travel across from Wightlink’s port in Lymington to Yarmouth (or if you’re already on the island, venture north of the Needles and Alum Bay), and you’ll find Yarmouth Castle overlooking the Solent. Watch the sea from the same spot King Henry VIII did — this castle was one of the final and most complex additions to his coastal defences.
The artillery bastion is the prime lookout spot. While you’re there, take the chance to gaze back in time through the lens of the castle’s atmospheric recreations of how rooms were used back in the 16th century. Oh, and the cannons make for a brilliant photo opportunity!
This article was initially posted on wightlink.co.uk/blog/top-5-scenic-views-on-the-isle-of-wight