Isle of Wight afternoon tea

hock79

I'd like to take a day trip to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth. The ferry goes to Fishbourne or Ryde, is there much to do in these areas? Which would be best? Can anyone recommend a good place for lunch or afternoon tea near the ferry ports?

wealdroam

hock79 wrote: »

I'd like to take a day trip to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth. The ferry goes to Fishbourne or Ryde, is there much to do in these areas? Which would be best? Can anyone recommend a good place for lunch or afternoon tea near the ferry ports?

If you are travelling without a car then probably best to forget Fishbourne. There is nothing there but the ferry berth.
The Wightlink website says...

There are no direct public transport services to the Fishbourne Terminal. A Southern Vectis bus service operates from Kite Hill which is about 15 minutes walk from the Terminal.

Maybe consider the hovercraft from Southsea, near Clarence Pier, to Ryde Esplanade. Only takes about 10 mins and is a different experience.

The catamaran from Portsmouth Harbour station goes to Ryde Pier Head. Quite a walk down the pier, or you could catch a train, to Ryde town.

vikingaero

I would agree with the esteemed Mr Wealdroam - there is nothing within walking distance of Fishbourne. Ryde has a much larger town centre. The hoverport is probably 5-10 minutes walk to the town centre.

Have you considered the Southampton to East Cowes ferry?

hcb42

I had afternoon tea at royal hotel, was very nice, first time I ever had it!

hock79

We haven't decided if we're driving or not yet, depends if there is enough to do around Ryde.
Thanks Wealdroam, I think the hovercraft from Southsea does sound like the best option.
Vikingaero, I have looked at the Southampton ferry, but Portsmouth or Southsea would be easier for us to get to. Is there much more to see/do in East Cowes?
The Royal Hotel looks lovely, it's a bit of a way from Ryde/ the ferry ports though isn't it?

System

you could get the train from Ryde to other parts of the island.

kittywight

theres nothing in fishbourne

if youre walking go to ryde, its a big town with seafront. also has buses/trains and taxis there to travel to other parts of island


hope you enjoy your day on the island

xx

Ich_2

Is there much more to see/do in East Cowes?

Not a huge amount you would have to go across on a chain ferry to West Cowes. That is if you travel on the car ferry, the fast craft go to W Cowes from Southampton

vikingaero

hock79 wrote: »

We haven't decided if we're driving or not yet, depends if there is enough to do around Ryde.
Thanks Wealdroam, I think the hovercraft from Southsea does sound like the best option.
Vikingaero, I have looked at the Southampton ferry, but Portsmouth or Southsea would be easier for us to get to. Is there much more to see/do in East Cowes?
The Royal Hotel looks lovely, it's a bit of a way from Ryde/ the ferry ports though isn't it?

To be honest the IOW is best seen by car. Most attractions/sites are never more than 30 mins apart and none of them are large enough to occupy a whole day.

hcb42

nice pub at Ventnor also - spyglass? Worth it for the views alone.