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Enjoy a whole day’s shopping in Portsmouth with our low-cost Day Shopping Trip from Cowes to Portsmouth landing at Gunwharf Quays Designer retail outlet with up to 6 hours to visit Portsmouth including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays Designer Retail outlet shops or take public transport to the city centre.

Take a trip around Portsmouth Harbour and view naval ships past and present on our 45-minute harbour tour departing from Gunwharf Quays.

All our vessels are available for private charter, for corporate events (Cowes Week, Round the Island etc.), private trips or special occasions, either cruising out into the Solent, around Portsmouth Harbour or the Isle of Wight.

We have an extensive fleet of vessels of different capacities from 75 to 500 passengers and to discuss any requirements in more detail please complete the contact form below or call us on 01983 564602.

Over 40 years’ experience

We are a well-known Isle of Wight based company operating in and around the Solent and Portsmouth area.

We operate boat trips from our terminals at Thetis Wharf in Cowes (next to the Floating Bridge), the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays Designer Retail Outlet.

Boats are now operating 7 days a week, weather dependant, throughout the 2024 season.

No booking required for group sizes of less than 20..

Alum Bay / Needles Trip aboard ‘Ramblin Rose’ or ‘Yarmouth Rose’

Alum Bay / Needles Trip aboard our High Speed RIBs ‘Summer Rose’ or 'Wild Rose'

The Yarmouth to Alum Bay or vice versa

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Enchanting and Unique Isle of Wight Boat Trips – Black Rock Charters

• August 13, 2023
• Blog , Isle of Wight , Lifestyle

90-Minute Isle of Wight Boat Trips from Yarmouth

A 90-minute cruise to the famous Needles Lighthouse along the coastline of the Isle of Wight.

After living on the Isle of Wight and taking photos from its shorelines the beauty of the Garden Isle is unforgettable. Seeing the majestic coastline from a boat off the coast of West Wight was a new experience.

If you are looking for a fun and exciting way to see the stunning coastline of the Isle of Wight, a boat charter is the perfect afternoon for an adventure.

There are two charter companies operating out of Yarmouth Harbour. We chose Black Rock Charters after seeing an advert on Facebook.

Isle of Wight Boat Trips – Yarmouth to The Iconic Needles Lighthouse

The fun and exciting trip along the stunning coastline from Yarmouth Harbour to The Needles lighthouse takes 90 minutes. During the cruise are some of the most iconic landmarks on the island.

You will also see the colourful sands of Alum Bay, the historic forts of Victoria and Albert, and the impressive Hurst Castle and its lighthouse. You might even spot some dolphins or seals along the way!

Why Choose Black Rock Charters?

Black Rock Charters is a family-run business based in Yarmouth since 1999. Their office is located next to Graces Bakery on the Quayside. They have two boats and can accommodate 10 passengers each. We found this really nice as the Skipper Mat made us all feel very welcome and safe, and it felt more like a private tour than a mass commercialised one. Allowing us to really enjoy the experience without feeling over crowded.

What to Expect on the Boat Trip?

The boat trip to the Needles Lighthouse and Pinnacles is one of the most popular attractions on the Isle of Wight. You will depart from Yarmouth Harbour and cruise along the western shores of the island, taking in the breathtaking views of the cliffs, beaches, and countryside. You will pass by Fort Victoria and Fort Albert, which were built in the 19th century to protect the island from invasion. You will also see Hurst Castle, which was built by Henry VIII and later used as a prison for King Charles I.

The highlight of the trip is the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, which are a row of three chalk stacks that rise out of the sea at the western tip of the island. The Needles Lighthouse was built in 1859 and is still operational today. The Pinnacles are jagged rocks that form a natural archway near the lighthouse. The rocks and lighthouse are a spectacular sight, especially when the sun is shining or setting.

The boat trip will also take you to Alum Bay, which is famous for its coloured sands. The sands are formed by different layers of minerals that create a rainbow effect on the cliffs. You can see up to 21 different shades of sand, ranging from white to black. Alum Bay is only accessible by boat, or using the chairlift or staircase.

The boat trip will last for about 90 minutes, depending on the weather and tide conditions. You can sit back and relax on the boat, or take photos and videos of the scenery.

The boat followed the coastline stopping at different sights where the skipper provided us with interesting facts and stories about the places you see along the way. This was a really nice touch. On the return, we headed further out to sea passing close by the Hurst fort and lighthouse.

Great way to see the Isle of Wight

Whether on holiday or local, the opportunity to see the Garden Isle from the vantage point of the Solent is not to be missed. We can’t recommend Black Rock Charters enough as they provided us with a memorable and enjoyable trip.

As a local photographer is was such a treat to see the Island from such a different vantage point.

Can you see the Polar Bear in the cliff face?

View all the Photos at the Isle of Wight Boat Trip Gallery

Watch the Video

How can I book my Trip?

You can book your boat trip online through their website , or by calling them on 01983 760766. You can also visit their booking office and tackle shop on Yarmouth Quay.

How much are tickets?

Adult £30.00. Child U13s £25.00

Do Black Rock do other charters?

Yes, they also do fishing charters and trips to Lymington. You can book your boat trip online through their website

Best place to park for my Yarmouth Boat Trip

You can park in the main car park in Yarmouth. This is pay and display. If you don’t mind a short walk free parking is available at the time of writing at Fort Victoria County Park.

About the Author

I’M CHRIS LAWRENCE, A PHOTOGRAPHER LIVING ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT.

Isle of Wight Photography offers some truly amazing sights, from coastal views to historic buildings. Printing and sharing these sights is a passion for me and I thank you for taking the time to view my site. 

Whether local or visiting the island for the first time. The striking Isle of Wight Photography available here will hopefully inspire you to explore the sights.

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For a close-up view of the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse and panoramic views of the coloured Alum Bay cliffs, take one of the pleasure boats from the jetty for a dramatic trip around the landmarks.

Choose between a 20-minute slow cruise to take in the stunning scenery at a leisurely pace, or opt for a 15-minute fast trip on the high-speed rib. Whichever one you choose, you’re guaranteed a breathtaking Isle of Wight experience.

The boat trips themselves are independently operated by Needles Pleasure Cruises Ltd . Boat trips operate from Easter until late October from 10.30am daily and are weather permitting.

Please visit our social media channels for updates on opening times.

Special Offers

Supersaver ticket, iw residents parking permit, a great family day out.

As we are a big family we bought the supersaver tickets to go on chairlift. This was amazing, I am not good with heights but it was very gentle and the views were stunning. Alum bay is gorgeous, we were lucky with the weather and spent about an hour on the beach...Lovely day out, something you should see if you go to the Isle of Wight

Sarah, Exeter

A must do when visiting Isle of Wight

We visited as a large family group and went on the cables cars down to the beach, this was great fun and we all agreed we would do it again on our next holiday.

Felicity, Truro

A natural wonder!

What a stunning place, so beautiful in any weather. The views are incredible.

A. Whittall, Hampshire

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Located just off of the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is only 2 hours door-to-door from London via ferry or hovercraft , making it the perfect year-round destination to explore with family and friends.

If you want to discover things to do , accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, walking and cycling routes, food and drink , plus how to travel around the Island, then look no further. 

England in miniature, there’s always plenty to do here whatever the season thanks to our vibrant events calendar - you can find out what’s on right now. Our blog provides further inspiration on how to make the most of your trip. 

So, why not Say Yes to an Island adventure?

Say Yes to paradise this May Half Term

For many families, travelling abroad for half term is too expensive and just too much hassle. So, what if there was somewhere that you could travel to easily and by crossing the water feel as though you were leaving the country. Then look no further and choose the Isle of Wight for your May half term adventures.

Blooming parks and gardens

The Isle of Wight has been regarded as the ‘Garden Isle’ for the past century in recognition of the stunning scenic landscapes, rolling countryside and quintessential English feel here.

Angling paradise

Nestled in the heart of the English Channel, the idyllic Isle of Wight offers a wealth of angling opportunities. Whether it is on the banks of a river, on a beach, out at sea or beside a lovely lake, angling can provide some perfect chill time.

Sleep under starry skies

Looking for where to stay to see the stars? Then head for the Isle of Wight and treat yourself to a night out with the stars…the actual stars.

Tee off in paradise

The Isle of Wight could never be described as being below par for golf. Say Yes to playing a round on your holiday and discover golfing paradise on the Isle of Wight in 2024.

Uncover our rich history

The Island may be small, but it’s steeped in culture and heritage. From royal residences to ancient burial sites, the Island is bursting with historical sites just waiting to be explored.

Charming B&B breaks

If you are seeking a home from home atmosphere, there are a variety of good quality B&Bs on the Isle of Wight. You can sample home cooked food using local produce and enjoy a relaxing romantic retreat or a friendly family break.

Looking ahead to the Summer Holidays

Unsure what to do for your summer? Thinking of having a UK staycation? Then look no further than the Isle of Wight which is jam packed with everything you need for a splendid summer.

Things to Do Highlights

• 1 Sandham Gardens
• 2 Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
• 3 The Needles Landmark Attraction
• 4 Tapnell Farm Park
• 5 Monkey Haven

Featured Accommodation

The Royal Hotel

The Royal is recognised as the Island's largest premier hotel. Originally built as a coaching house in 1832, the main hotel is nestled into exotic south facing gardens overlooking Ventnor's stunning…

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Originally built in 1870 as the Summer Palace for the Bishop of Portsmouth this lovely family run hotel commands magnificent views of the bay with direct access to the beach and the Old Village of…

For over 45 years, Classic Cottages have been the independent holiday cottage and glamping specialists. Still run and owned by the founding family, we pride ourselves on our local expertise in our…

Two minutes stroll to sea & shops. Large car park & good wifi. Leisure facilities include a large heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Exceptional (very large if required!) multi choice…

Luccombe Manor is a striking Victorian residence located less than five minutes walk from Shanklin Old Village and Chine. We have direct access to the beach below, and this family friendly hotel…

Award winning family run 5 star Holiday Park, located within an Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), situated within the former grounds of an…

Haven Hall is a luxurious country house hotel overlooking the sea on the Isle of Wight with 14 en-suite bedrooms including 6 suites with separate living rooms. Prices from £420.

The Clifton’s stunning cliff top location boasts fabulous views from its conservatory lounge and garden which opens onto the coastal walk. Shanklin Old Village, Shanklin Chine and the beach are a…

The Orchards Holiday Park is a family owned, friendly park, in a rural location in Newbridge, West Wight. There are over 120 touring pitches, 64 holiday caravans, private guest house and holiday home…

It is the wish of Paul, Vicky and their staff at The Havelock to make your stay a memorable experience. We are an independent establishment and so believe in the friendly approach and the personal…

• 1 The Royal Hotel
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Wight Coast Holidays - Bembridge, St Helens & Seaview Holiday Homes

• 1 Luccombe Villa Holiday Apartments
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• 1 The Wight
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• 6 Luccombe Hall Hotel
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• 8 The Royal Hotel
• 9 Luccombe Manor
• 10 Classic Cottages
• 11 Haven Hall Hotel

What's on Highlights

Walk this Way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival returns in Spring and Autumn 2024. Find out more here.

Round the Island Race will be on the 15th June 2024. It's sailing’s answer to the London Marathon as over 1,500 boats will sail around the Isle of Wight.

IW Festival

Year on year, 55,000 stylish, free spirited Festivalgoers come together in a beautiful location, for one of the most distinctive events of the season.

The 2024 Royal Isle of Wight County Show promises a bumper crop of fun and entertainment over two days, spread across 32 acres of Showground and woodland.

There's nothing quite like Cowes Week; the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the World and an iconic feature of the British sporting calendar.

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Things to do on a sunny day on the Isle of Wight

When the sun drenches the Isle of Wight in its golden hue, there's no better place to be than this little slice of Island paradise.

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Whether your passion is to swim, windsurf, kitesurf, build sandcastles, scramble over sand dunes with your dog or simply soak up the sun, the Island has a beach just for you.

Fine dining on the Isle of Wight

From quaint coastal villages to bustling towns, the Island offers an array of dining experiences and gastronomic delights. 

Feeding the family on the Isle of Wight

If choruses of “I'm hungry” are sending you mad, why not make the most of the Island’s excellent foodie scene?

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THE 5 BEST Cowes Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in cowes.

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• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Solent Cruises Limited

2. Salty - Sailing and Powerboat Experiences

3. Isle of Wight Charters

4. Contessa 32 Experience

5. Apogee Marine Services

6. solent girl racing.

7. Performance Yacht Racing

What travellers are saying

• Solent Cruises Limited
• Salty - Sailing and Powerboat Experiences
• Performance Yacht Racing
• Isle of Wight Charters
• Contessa 32 Experience

THE 10 BEST Isle of Wight Boat Tours

Boat tours in isle of wight.

• Equipment Hire
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
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• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Black Rock Charters and Fishing

2. Needles Pleasure Cruises Ltd

3. Coral Star

4. Solent Cruises Limited

5. Salty - Sailing and Powerboat Experiences

6. Bembridge Powerboat Training & Charter

7. AM Beach Hire

8. Isle of Wight Charters

9. Performance Yacht Racing

10. Contessa 32 Experience

11. Bayside Beach Hire

What travellers are saying.

• Black Rock Charters and Fishing
• Needles Pleasure Cruises Ltd
• Solent Cruises Limited
• Salty - Sailing and Powerboat Experiences
• Bembridge Powerboat Training & Charter

​ Y​acht Charter

The salamander sailing adventure.

Beaulieu River Buckler's Hard Luxury Boat Trip with lunch at The Master Builder's Hotel with The Salamander Sailing Adventure

The Salamander Sailing Adventure - Luxury Yacht Charter - Salamander of Lymington - Experiencing close up the Needles, Isle of Wight - www.thesalamandersailinadventure.com © The Salamander Sailing Adventure

The Salamander Sailing Adventure - Luxury Yacht Charter - Salamander of Lymington - Visiting Lymington Town Quay - www.thesalamandersailinadventure.com © The Salamander Sailing Adventure

LUXURY BOAT TRIPS

Get in Touch 2 Get on Board  

SALAMANDER OF LYMINGTON

THE SALAMANDER SAILING ADVENTURE

from Lymington to scenic holiday destinations in the Solent, Hurst Castle, Beaulieu River, Southampton, the River Hamble, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in Hampshire and Yarmouth, Newtown River, Cowes and the famous Needles in the Isle of Wight, Poole, Studland Bay and Old Harry on the Jurassic Coast

There are many exciting destinations for a celebration or a luxury boat trip with the salamander sailing adventure in the sheltered western solent lying between the ancient new forest in hampshire and the picturesque isle of wight., the beaulieu river , lymington river , the needles, the isle of wight, further destinations  in the eastern solent include the river hamble, southampton water and docks, portsmouth harbour, portsmouth historic dockyard and further along the jurassic south coast in dorset..

YOU CAN ALSO ENJOY ARRIVING IN STYLE ON THE BEACH OR IN TOWN ON BOARD YOUR PRIVATE YACHT AT A WELL-KNOWN RESTAURANT

TESTIMONIAL - WHAT DO THE SALAMANDER SAILING ADVENTURE GUESTS SAY ?

“Fantastic day !”   This trip is great for families and a great way to spend the day together. Our two teenage children had a ball and were thrilled to take the helm on the return sail. Tea and cake was a perfect ending to the day. We all felt as if we had been away for a weekend’s adventure, best of all the experience is long lasting and still puts a smile on our faces. Couldn’t fault anything. Can’t wait to do it again !"

angelam London - TripAdvisor Review

THE 10 BEST Isle of Wight Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in isle of wight.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Boat Rentals
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
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• Water Sports
• Speed Boats Tours
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Black Rock Charters and Fishing

2. Needles Pleasure Cruises Ltd

3. Tackt Isle Adventures

4. Coral Star

5. Isle of Wight Adventure Activities

6. Solent Cruises Limited

7. Cachalot Charters

8. Butterfly Paragliding

9. Salty - Sailing and Powerboat Experiences

10. Rebel Marine

11. Bembridge Powerboat Training & Charter

12. Clock Tower Beach

13. Wight Water Adventure Watersports

14. High Adventure Paragliding

15. Sandown Beach Hire

16. AM Beach Hire

17. Windward Sailing

18. Isle of Wight Charters

19. Performance Yacht Racing

20. Contessa 32 Experience

21. Bayside Beach Hire

22. Apogee Marine Services

23. solent girl racing, what travelers are saying.

• Black Rock Charters and Fishing
• Needles Pleasure Cruises Ltd
• Solent Cruises Limited
• Salty - Sailing and Powerboat Experiences
• Isle of Wight Adventure Activities
• Tackt Isle Adventures
• Bembridge Powerboat Training & Charter
• Cachalot Charters

Isle of Wight travel guide: Where to eat, drink, walk and stay on England’s biggest island

I f you set sail from England ’s southern shore to the quietly cool Isle of Wight for a staycation, you’ll find a destination that values the simple pleasures: food , fresh air and good old-fashioned fun. The Hampshire isle, once the home of dinosaurs and now a haven for the illusive red squirrel, marches to a gentler beat than the mainland, with over half of its countryside now recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Beyond pocket-sized villages like Godshill that epitomise “chocolate-box”, a population of almost 142,000 call The Needles’ famed land of military forts and royal residences home. Classic beach days full of salt and sand meet the reinvented style of seafront restaurants and luxe hotels on the island that’s going from musty to modern.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning an Isle of Wight holiday .

Best time to travel for price, weather and crowds

While weather-dependent ferry crossings may not make it the easiest locale to access on a drab winter day, the Isle of Wight is rich with seasonal delights from March to November .

Notable as the southern shore that basks in some of the UK ’s sunniest days, springs are green and autumns orange before big-name headline acts descend to serenade the island and kickstart the al fresco activities at the Isle of Wight Festival in June.

With August comes Cowes Week, the sailing regatta that draws a nautical-loving crowd of over 100,000 in the height of the summer holidays. Accommodation prices, slow traffic and a dearth of car parking spots tend to peak – it’s always best to book ferries in advance for the lowest price.

Read more on England travel :

• Best hotels with cookery schools in the UK
• How to spend a day in King’s Cross, north London’s most exciting neighbourhood
• The ultimate Lake District guide

Where to stay

With parapets and battlements from Henry VIII’s lifetime,  Ryde Castle’s  grand four-poster beds and ambient dark wood accents are an affordable option situated among a hotchpotch of traditional shop fronts, decorative stucco and Georgian townhouses.

Warm and welcoming, The Seaview Hotel , in the upmarket coastal village of Seaview, has comfortable, naval-themed rooms, a dining room strewn with warships and a swish restaurant, The Aquitania, for inventive meals created from local produce by head chef Mark Wyatt.

One of the island’s oldest, The Royal Hotel is perched on the cliffside of Victorian resort Ventnor and has sprawling sea views, contemporary modern rooms and a choice of tiered afternoon teas and seafood risottos in The Royal Kitchen.

For glamping at its best,  Tom’s Eco Lodges  at Tapnell Farm promotes hassle-free luxury in its safari tents, wood cabins, modulogs, eco pods and geo domes – plus wood-fired hot tubs, pizza ovens and sunset views.

Eco pods for two adults from £138 per night.

• Read more of our reviews of the best hotels in the Isle of Wight

Visit Osborne House

Queen Victoria’s seaside retreat in East Cowes, the grand Osborne House , fuses Victorian opulence with Italianate gardens for a visually and culturally enriching afternoon spent glimpsing royal life – with pinkies raised while sipping tea in the terraced cafe.

Travel on the Steam Railway

It’s all aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a charming journey back in time as you puff through the countryside, rolling from Havenstreet to Smallbrook Junction and on to Wootton in ornate Victorian and Edwardian carriages, with or without the kids.

Dine at The Garlic Farm

Garlic chutney, garlic olives and garlic vodka strongly season Arreton Valley’s  Garlic Farm  with its pungent namesake and tractor-trailer tours, with a side of garlicky taste tests in the restaurant. Well worth the necessary breath mint post-visit.

Surf at Compton Bay

Surf’s up at Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight’s west coast, an exposed beach with reliable breaks that peak in the winter. The popular spot gets winds from the southeast and northwest, and surf schools including Eddie’s Surf Academy are on-hand to teach beginners how to stand up on the board.

Try the UK’s oldest rides

At Ventnor’s  Blackgang Chine , the UK’s oldest family theme park, you can ride, scream and dance your way through 180 years of thrills and games, with summer firework extravaganzas and Halloween spookfests a family-friendly highlight of the island calendar.

Walk with an alpaca

It’ll be hard not to fall for the residents of  West Wight Alpacas  on a trek of the farm’s 23 acres of countryside with a woolly Suri alpaca as a companion. Whether walking with Larry, Oreo or even Amadeus, you’ll learn all about the South American animals on a scenic stroll with your unique new pal.

Cruise the Needles

A trip to Alum Bay not only offers an action-packed high-speed ride with  The Needles Pleasure Cruises  – for a whistle-stop tour of the water’s iconic chalk stacks – but also a steep trip down the colourful cliffs on the famed chairlift, giving you the chance to see the three landmarks up close for yourself. 

Where to eat

If you’re getting off the ferry in Yarmouth, an  Off the Rails  brunch featuring the fish finger sandwich to end all sandwiches in the town’s old railway station sets the tone for a foodie island affair. Just down the road, pick-me-up coffees in  Chessell Pottery Cafe’s  homemade ceramics are sure to warm the cockles on a rainy day.

Putting on a seasonal showstopper,  The Crab Shed’s  famed crab and mackerel pasties are well worth the downhill climb to Steephill Cove for a seafood lunch, or if its pan-Asian dishes that make your mouth water, the  Smoking Lobster  on Ventnor’s nearby esplanade (along with boozy sister bar, the  Drunken Lobster ) never misses a chance for a flavour explosion.

The Duck  in Ryde serves an elevated taste of seasonal British plates, including slow-cooked beef stews and roast pork – complete with crackling, of course – taking local classics to contemporary new levels.

As Totland braces for the glam new arrival of The Pier in 2024, The Hut  in Colwell Bay still reigns as the seafood spot in West Wight for stylish surf ‘n’ turfs and unrivalled sunset views.

Vegetarians are looked after on the island with  PEACH Vegan Kitchen & Zero Waste Store  in Newport stacking meat-free “Tricken” burgers high with vegan “cheeze” and slaws.

What’s a trip to the British seaside without a fish and chips feast?  The Blue Crab’s  beer-battered cod and generous chip portions are ideal for a beachfront picnic in Yarmouth. For a pizza fix,  Gusto2Go’s  sourdoughs bring a wood-fired pizzazz to Freshwater Bay in summer.

Where to drink

Holding the title of the UK’s oldest commercial vineyard,  Adgestone Vineyard’s  tantalising wine tastings swirl through full-bodied reds, crisp glasses of blush and a sparkling blue for just £20pp, including a self-guided tour of the cellars and vines, and live music performances.

Wood beams, a crackling fire and a hearty roast dinner menu – the traditional pub essentials – make  The Red Lion  in Freshwater an ideal watering hole for a post- ale trail  pint or a warming glass of rouge.

Fancy an al fresco cocktail? The George  in Yarmouth has a waterfront beach bar to rival the Mediterranean (on balmy summer nights, at least), complemented by a masterful menu of classic drinks.

You’ll find it hard to miss the local Mermaid Gin on your Isle of Wight holiday, and  The Mermaid Bar Distillery  in Ryde is the spot to sample a fine G&T or a Mermaid Margarita while learning all about the distillery process.

Where to walk and cycle

Not one but two annual  walking festivals  take place on the island, in October and May, to encourage outdoors enthusiasts to tread the more than 500 miles of footpaths that the Isle of Wight has to offer.

Keen walkers can get their steps in on the  Tennyson Trail , an invigorating 14-mile hike from Carisbrooke to Alum Bay – best planned with a well-deserved refuel at  Dimbola Tea Rooms  – or embrace nature on the gentle 3.6-mile Newtown  Estuary Walk,  bound to feature sightings of visiting birds and rare butterflies. For a more relaxed island rendezvous, a scenic stroll around  Shanklin Chine’s  historic gorge comes alive at night as the narrow paths, streams and waterfalls are illuminated at dusk from April to November.

The  Red Squirrel  cycle trail weaves through 32 miles of largely traffic-free countryside if you’re looking for a family-friendly pedal. Alternatively, cyclists ready to give it a  lot  of leg can take to the winding Military Road on two wheels for a 65-mile  round lap  of the island in either direction.

Where to shop

High Street hits, eco-conscious outlets and indie boutiques – specialists in all things nautical – dot Newport, Cowes, and Ryde, but it’s the tucked-away traders that will lighten your wallet.

Quirky home furnishings and one-of-a-kind gifts litter  Oasis  in Brading, and if you’re still on the hunt for a keepsake, you’ll find a trail of artisan shops covering everything from glass sculptures to bespoke leather belts and ceramic ghosts at  Arreton Barns , the island’s largest craft centre.

Peruse the fine jewellery collection of the  Isle of Wight Pearl  on Military Road for timeless and statement pieces with a side of sprawling views of the southwest coast or venture east to  Cowes Arcade  for a bric-a-brac fusion of chutney, socks and mystical memorabilia.

Getting there

City dwellers after a country escape can take a  South Western Railway  train to reach Southampton or Lymington Pier from London Waterloo in less than two hours before setting sail across the Solent.

With  Wightlink , that’s a 45-minute journey from Lymington to Yarmouth or Portsmouth to Fishbourne from £44.50 per vehicle and a £27.20 return ticket for adult foot passengers. Red Funnel  ferries sail from Southampton to East Cowes in under an hour from £28.00 each way or 30 minutes for foot passengers travelling on a Red Jet from £12.30. Portsmouth’s passenger hovercraft arrives in Ryde in just 10 minutes; £31.50 for an adult return ticket.

How to get around

A car provides the most flexibility for reaching remote beaches and the inland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with Red Funnel’s  heritage driving trail  a great way to see all of the island’s historic sites.

Thankfully, ferry foot passengers need not worry.  Southern Vectis  buses connect the main towns of Newport, Cowes, Ryde and Yarmouth, even offering Breezer  open-top bus tours  to top attractions and a  Christmas Lights  journey around the island’s best festive displays.

Read more on the best Isle of Wight hotels

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Good Samaritan finds missing man's boat off N.C. Coast; still no sign of boater

A good Samaritan found the boat of a missing man who hasn’t been seen since he left for a fishing trip over the weekend, according to the Coast Guard. However, there's still no sign of the missing boater, despite a widespread, days-long search effort off the North Carolina coast.

Crews continued searching on Wednesday after his boat was located was found nearly 83 miles east of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, officials say.

There was no one on the boat when it was found, and it did not appear to have any damage, according to officials. Officials say the boat had fishing gear on it.

The Navy joined the Coast Guard's effort to locate Kale after his boat was found. However, there's still been no sign of him.

As of Wednesday night, the search for 47-year-old Jeffrey Kale is suspended, according to officials.

Northeastern North Carolina

Coast Guard crews suspend search for missing boater off N.C. coast

Since Kale was reported missing, crews have spent about 100 hours searching more than 11,690 square miles, which is greater than the size of Maryland, officials say.

“We offer our sincere condolences to the Kale family during this difficult time,” said Cmdr. Corrie Sergent, Sector North Carolina deputy commander. “Saving lives at sea drives our rescue crews to train and operate every single day with the hope to bring people home safely, which is why making the decision to suspend a search is truly one of the hardest things for our personnel to make and we do not take it lightly..."

Kale was last seen leaving from the Southport Wildlife Boat Ramp in North Carolina around 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, according to officials. He was aboard a white 32-foot Cape Horn center-console boat, officials added.

Hours later, around 10:30 p.m., Kale’s family told watchstanders he hadn’t returned from the fishing trip, officials say.

A plane from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, a coastal patrol boat, response boats from Coast Guard Station Oak Island and Coast Guard Station Wrightsville Beach, Navy assets and multiple good Samaritan boaters were among the resources involved in the search effort.

Anyone with information on Kale’s whereabouts is asked to call 910-343-3880.

Stay with News 3 for updates.

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