From castles and carnivals to pubs and wildlife, there are plenty of things to enjoy in the historic harbour town Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.
For many visitors to the Island, Yarmouth is the first thing they see after leaving the Wightlink ferry.
Here are seven things to enjoy in Yarmouth!
Fort Victoria Country Park
Found just on the outskirts of Yarmouth, Fort Victoria Country Park and beach are hidden gems.
Fort Victoria was built between 1852 and 1855 as one of a series of defensive structures built to protect the Solent.
The fort is home to several small attractions, including the IW Reptilarium, Island Planetarium, and Imaginarium.
The beach is a stretch of unspoilt natural coastline with opportunities for rockpooling and fossil hunting.
Yarmouth Castle
Built by Henry VIII and completed in 1547, English Heritage's Yarmouth Castle can be found at the mouth of the River Yar.
Visitors can climb up to the battlements and take in the breath-taking views across the Solent or enjoy one of the best picnic spots on the Island.
Step inside the castle walls for an atmospheric recreation of how the castle was used in the 16th century.
There’s also an exhibition telling the story of the many shipwrecks that happened in the Solent, not far from the castle.
Food and drink
Yarmouth is also home to several popular eateries, from pub grub to fine dining, fish and chips to quick bites.
On The Rocks has been a feature of Yarmouth for almost two decades and is the town’s only hot stone steakhouse and seafood grill.
The Wheatsheaf Inn offers a unique and quirky bar and dining experience, offering a variety of craft beer and a hand-picked wine line, accompanied by small plates, lunch and dinner.
Nestled in the heart of Yarmouth Square, the Bugle Coaching Inn has been run by a four-generation Island family for three decades and promises a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Alternatively, hungry visitors can also enjoy Salty’s, The George, PO41 coffee house, The Terrace, Gossips Cafe, The Kings Head and The Blue Crab.
Events and festivities
Yarmouth is also home to various events throughout the year.
Between June 13 and 16, Yarmouth welcomes visitors to the Old Gaffers Regatta.
Thousands of revellers flock to the town to enjoy the street entertainment, live and local music, food and crafts.
The Yarmouth Carnival week takes place between August 10 and 17.
The week will include river sports, a treasure hunt, crabbing, kite flying, competitions and much more, with the parade itself taking place on the final day.
Walks and wildlife spotting
The 3.9km point-to-point Yarmouth to Freshwater is popular with cyclists and walkers seeking a scenic route.
The trail follows the disused Yarmouth to Freshwater railway, offering brilliant views of the Yar Estuary.
On the trail, visitors will find Off the Rails, one of the most unique places to eat and drink on the Island, and nearby is Wight Cycle Hire.
However, if you are looking for more of a stroll, look no further than the grade two listed Yarmouth Pier, which dates from 1876, or the harbour.
Enjoy stunning views of the West Wight coastline and watch the Wightlink ferry come into dock.
Many walks around Yarmouth offer chances for wildlife spotting, including at Bouldnor Forest and the nearby Newtown Reserve.
IW Fudge Company and independent shops
The Isle of Wight Fudge Company in Yarmouth Square opened its doors for the first time on Easter Sunday.
Visitors can enjoy watching fudge being made and purchase the mouth-watering handmade fudge – using Island dairy products.
The business offers unique flavours, including dark and salty, rum and raisin, southern roast triple espresso coffee and peanut butter, and even ice cream for sale.
Read more: New business where you can watch fudge being made opens in Yarmouth
Whilst visiting the square and surrounding area, be sure to visit one of several local businesses including:
- Harwoods, the yacht chandlers, trading for over 130 years, is THE place to go when staying at Yarmouth Harbour, which has been trading for over 130 years.
- Bank House Antiques Emporium offers a variety of antique items, from large furniture pieces to delicate jewellery.
- Martin Gotrel Jewellery doesn’t just offer spectacular jewellery but also recycles and remodels pre-loved pieces onsite. The shop also features Katherine Gotrel’s art, available to purchase.
- West Wight Framing is not only a beautiful gallery and shop but also provides bespoke picture framing services, boasting over 40 years of experience.
- XV Stripes is where you’ll find a variety of blankets, cushions and other home furnishings.
- Reflections, on the corner of Wheatsheaf Lane, boasts a vast variety of fossils, crystals, ornaments, jewellery and more.
- Blossoms offers beautiful flower arrangements to purchase, along with a selection of chocolates, ornaments, cards and even coffee.
- Fox & Robin, which opened its doors on Wheatsheaf Lane last summer, boasts a range of unique home interior furnishings.
- Yarmouth Gallery features wonderful art for sale, including sculptures, paintings, cards, jewellery and more.
- Plus, plenty of other local offerings.
Boat hire from Yarmouth
The number one outdoor activity in Yarmouth, according to TripAdvisor, Black Rock Charters and Fishing offers the chance to experience a fishing trip or a Needles cruise.
Alternatively, you could take in the stunning Island coastline during a day or sunset cruise to the Needles, passing Fort Albert, Hurst Castle and Alum Bay.
Rebel Marine also offers rib and cruise charter, with its luxury rib ‘Lightning Rebel’ able to take 12 passengers.
The boat hire service also has a smaller shearwater rib, ideal for cruising around the Solent.
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