A Perfect 2-Day Isle of Wight Getaway from London

Day 1: Arrival and Northern Isle Exploration

Isle of Wight, UK on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Departure from London to Portsmouth

Start your journey early by train or car from London to Portsmouth, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away, to catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight.
GBP30, 2h0m

10:30am

Portsmouth to Ryde Ferry

Take the Red Funnel or Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde, which typically takes about 22 minutes. Ferries run frequently throughout the day.
GBP17 return, 0h22m

11:15am

Breakfast at The Ayush Kitchen, Ryde

Enjoy a healthy and tasty breakfast at this popular spot known for fresh, homemade dishes and great coffee. Open from 8am.
GBP10-15, 0h45m

12:00pm

Explore Ryde Beach and Esplanade

Relax with a walk along Ryde’s expansive sandy beach and the lovely esplanade, perfect for fresh air and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h0m

1:15pm

Visit Carisbrooke Castle

Head to Carisbrooke Castle to explore this historic fortress with stunning views and the donkeys that draw the water wheel. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP10.50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Lunch at The Hut, Carisbrooke

Enjoy a cosy pub lunch with traditional British dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
GBP15-20, 1h0m

4:15pm

Visit Medina Riverside Country Park

Take a leisurely walk or cycle along the Medina River trails to enjoy the peaceful countryside scenery.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Cowes Hotel

Check into your hotel in Cowes to relax and freshen up before dinner.
GBP100+ per night, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Globe Inn, Cowes

Dine at this historic pub famous for fresh seafood and classic dishes with waterfront views. Open till 10:30pm.
GBP20-30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Southern Isle and Return

Isle of Wight, UK on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nautilus Coffee & Kitchen, Cowes

Start your day with great coffee and breakfast in a friendly café with harbour views. Open from 7:30am.
GBP10-12, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to The Needles and Alum Bay

Visit the iconic chalk stacks and colourful sand cliffs at The Needles and Alum Bay. The Needles Attraction is open 10am-5:30pm.
GBP15, 2h0m

11:30am

Ride the Needles Lift

Take the scenic chairlift down to the beach to enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and sea stacks.
GBP5.45, 0h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at The Seaview Hotel & Restaurant, Alum Bay

Enjoy a delicious lunch with sea views featuring locally sourced ingredients. Book ahead as it’s popular.
GBP20-25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Ventnor Botanic Garden

Explore exotic and subtropical plants in the sheltered microclimate of Ventnor Botanic Garden, open 10am-5pm.
GBP7.50, 1h30m

3:15pm

Explore Shanklin Old Village

Wander around the picturesque thatched cottages, boutique shops, and tea rooms in this charming village.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Ryde to catch ferry

Drive back to Ryde and prepare to return on the ferry to Portsmouth. Allocate sufficient time for journey and ferry check-in.
Included in ferry ticket, 1h30m

6:30pm

Ferry Ryde to Portsmouth

Catch a late ferry back to Portsmouth, enjoying views as you depart the Isle of Wight at sunset.
Included in ferry ticket, 0h22m

7:00pm

Dinner in Portsmouth at Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill

Enjoy a relaxing dinner of fresh seafood before heading back to London. Open till 9pm.
GBP25-35, 1h0m

8:30pm

Return to London

Travel back to London by train or car, concluding your memorable Isle of Wight trip.
GBP30, 2h0m
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