A 3-hour getaway from London

The Isle of Wight is a perfect two-to-three day escape from the hustle and bustle in London. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a protected National Landscape, and a haven for wildlife. I went there together with my friends at the beginning of April. Bathed in sunlight, the island showed its true beauty.

Commute

• London – Isle of Wight

We booked tickets from Trainline or Trainpal. Setting off from Waterloo Train Station, we rode a two-hour train to Portsmouth Harbour and then from there took a twenty-minute ferry to Ryde Pier Head.

• Getting around on the Island

We mainly travelled by the Southern Vectics bus and local trains. I love the Island coaster, Southern Vectics’ summer service linking Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin with the West Wight area via Ventnor, Blackgang and Alum Bay. Via this route, I can explore the coastline from the east side round to the west. Remember to get a group ticket, because it might be cheaper than pay-on-the-go.

My Favourite Tourist Attractions

• The Needles

The Needles is a group of pointed chalk stacks that strech out into the sea on the far west side of the island, like the island’s tail. It’s a must-see, offering picturesque seaside views, chalk landforms, and attractions like a lighthouse, chairlift, boat tours, and other amenities. I enjoyed the view of bright yellow, spiky common gorse bushes covering the open moors and I was surprised that they were scented of coconut. I had fun picking up stones of various shapes - some perfectly oval, looking just like eggs. I also took a high-speed rib boat that brought me even closer to the “tail.” Since it’s on the west side, it’s also the perfect spot to catch a stunning sunset veiw if you decide to stay late.

• Hike to St Catherine's Oratory

Built on St.Catherine’s Down, the oratory is a remnant of a 14th-century stone oratory and lighthouse. It is the second oldest surviving medieval lighthouse in the British Islands, with the Roman lighthouse at Dover being the oldest. Locals call it the ‘Pepperpot’.

It’s located at the southernmost point of the island. I got off the bus near the Blackgang Chine amusement park and strolled up the hill. At the top, you can take in the sweeping landscape and the island’s unique chalk coastal scenery - it's truly breathtaking. You can DIY your own route down the hill: I took a wilder, bumpier path, but there are also smoother, more stable ones.

Make it your next trip!

The Isle of Wight is a perfect place for a short trip from London to soak up coastal scenery. In addition to visiting the Needles and the Oratory, I also explored the towns and beaches of Shanklin and Ryde. I visited Compton Beach near the Needles, where I watched people surfing. There are many places that I haven’t explored, waiting for you to discover!

Reference:

Isle of Wight’s official tourism website (https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/blog/read/2024/11/unique-things-to-do-on-the-isle-of-wight-b384)

St Catherine's Down and Knowles Farm (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/st-catherines-down-and-knowles-farm)