Isle of wight

SHEILA54

Hi
I am thinking of taking my 8 year old granddaughter to the Isle of Wight for a couple of days in the Summer holidays. I don't drive but would like to take her to Blackgang Chine and anywhere else that is recommended and I can fit in.

I have looked at the bus map and it seems that the buses come out from Newport or you can take different buses around the coast.

Please can anyone suggest where to stay, with good transport connections?

Thanks

miss_scrooge

Ryde has good bus connections has a bus station Rydes a bit run down to stay there though. Isle of wight has the island line trains get it from ryde only stops as far as shanklin though.

On buses can't get returns only singles strange and expensive haven't been for couple of years so might of changed.

foxxylady57

we stayed at nodes point caravan park buses stop outside the park nice place to stay. buses go to newport and ryde from there.not sure but think you have to go into ryde to get the bus to blackgang.hope you have a nice time we loved it. google rover ticket for the buses. might work out cheaper.

Dunroamin

miss_scrooge wrote: »

Ryde has good bus connections has a bus station Rydes a bit run down to stay there though. Isle of wight has the island line trains get it from ryde only stops as far as shanklin though.

On buses can't get returns only singles strange and expensive haven't been for couple of years so might of changed.

Ryde isn't particularly run down, perhaps you're thinking of Sandown, which is a total dump.

Mattski19

You could stay in Ventnor - just short bus ride up the road from Black Gang - has some really nice B&B's, Hotels and restaurants to suit all budgets - nice beach also and has its own micro climate so weather should be good - If you do go be sure to get an Isle of Wight Tourist Card, iowtouristcard.com it could save you quite a bit and may give you some more ideas of things to do.

miss_scrooge

Dunroamin wrote: »

Ryde isn't particularly run down, perhaps you're thinking of Sandown, which is a total dump.

All of the Isle of wight is run down there I've said it was going to hold my tounge but to late.Agree with person above ventnor beach is nice a different beach to what I've seen and the nicest one on the isle of wight.Just getting up the ramp back from beach is quite hard going.

SHEILA54

Thanks for the advice. Do you think that Ryde, Shanklin or Ventnor are better for kids? Obviously Ventnor is nearest to Blackgang Chine but I wonder if Shanklin is better as it has more going on?

NPowerUser

Roads are in a shocking state whilst they await for the road PFI work to kick in, so if you intend to bring a car over, make sure nothing is lose or rattles or it will probably end up needing repairs.

Ryde, the most populated town on the Island lacks most of the big chains and shops. Friday night is chav night, so stay clear after 10pm. Two recent burglaries in the town, so crime is starting to increase.
Royal York Hotel is falling apart in Ryde and is closed and the main holiday camp, Harcourt Sands closed down and is a bit of an eyesore.

Most of the tourist information offices have been closed, large swathes of public toilets are also now closed down.

Wightlink (ferry co) are making it difficult to travel. After 10.15pm from Portsmouth they force you onto a car ferry if you are a foot passenger, you then have to pay for a taxi.

If you bring a car over in the summer allow £100+ depending on the time of year. Bus fares are expensive £2.50 for even the shortest journeys, although Rover Tickets work out cheaper. Taxis £30 for a 7 mile journey after midnight.

What was once a lovely place, growing petty crime, lack of work and prospects and a council with little idea how to improve the place as a tourist destination, other than to keep building social housing. Its not the Isle of Wight of 20 years ago

If it was me, I would head to Cornwall, save the ferry fare and get a better guarantee of weather.

Owl

You can get "rover" tickets on the bus.... One ticket takes you everywhere... A lot of buses go to Newport, but get a map, the routes are clearly colour coded!!!!! The booklets on the ferry will help you decide where else to go!!

davenport151

We went a couple of years ago and stayed in Ryde. Did not use the car at all for getting around. Used the bus (brought a daily family ticket). Also used the train as it runs late enough for a good day out.
The main thing that puts me off going again is the added cost of the ferry. Mind you as a foot passenger I assume its cheaper.

Marcia17

I am lucky enough to live on the Island, like many English resorts in the current recession some areas look a little tired but kids tend not to notice this especially if there's a beach and ice cream involved. If I were coming for a holiday I would probably stay in Shanklin or Ventnor. My kids love the beach at Steephill Cove which is walkable from Ventnor, and there's a little cafe that does fantastic cake. Shanklin has an amazing ice cream parlour called Pearly Boise, the sundaes are to to die for :0) The buses seem fairly reliable if expensive, but as others have mentioned it's worth buying a Rover ticket. Depending how long you re staying I would do the round the Island bus tour, including the trip along the military Road which has stunning views, so you don't miss the best bit of the Island which is the West Wight which is generally less spoilt.