Photo by Wight Coast Fossils
Things To Do
The historic town of Yarmouth has a great mix of independent shops, an art gallery, cafés, pubs, and restaurants, making it an ideal place to spend a morning or afternoon exploring. From waterside dining to browsing local boutiques and enjoying the harbour views, there is plenty to discover at every time of year.
The harbour is fed by the beautiful Western Yar Estuary, a haven for wildlife with peaceful riverside walks, cycling routes, and some of the most scenic countryside in West Wight. It’s a favourite spot for birdwatching, boating, and simply enjoying the slower pace of life on the water.
Yarmouth also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider West Wight, with its beaches, coastal walks, historic attractions, and outdoor activities all within easy reach. Whether you’re visiting for a short break, a family holiday, or a day by the sea, there is plenty to see and enjoy nearby.
Yarmouth Harbour And Pier
Take a stroll along the busy harbour quayside and watch the ferries, fishermen, sailing and motor boats coming and going throughout the day, or simply sit on one of the benches and enjoy the constantly changing harbour scene.
You can also walk along the impressive Grade II listed pier, built in 1876 and take in fantastic views across the harbour and the West Wight coastline.
What To Do
Attractions
Just a few yards from the harbour quayside you can discover the fascinating 16th century Yarmouth Castle built by Henry VIII, see the town’s quaint cobbled streets and visit a stunning 17th century church – in fact, Yarmouth town has some of the oldest architecture to be found on the Isle of Wight!
A short distance from Yarmouth is Fort Victoria Country Park, a Victorian gun battery that houses several local attractions including the Island Planetarium and The Isle of Wight Reptilarium.
Not to be missed in West Wight is the Tapnell Farm Park all-weather family attraction, the popular West Wight Alpacas And Lamas, the famous Needles Landmark Attraction, Tennyson’s Farringford House and Garden, Dimbola Museum and much more.
Family Fun
There are plenty of great locations for family activities and fun during your stay, with Yarmouth and West Wight boasting some of the best beaches on the Island.
Close to the moored boats in the harbour is Yarmouth Harbour’s own sandy beach, The Sandhard, with a dedicated BBQ area, great for some family summer fun, with many other beautiful beaches close by in West Wight.
Walking And Cycling
Located just a few miles from the mainland, the Isle of Wight is the ideal place to relax and unwind in exhilarating clean air.
Whilst in Yarmouth, explore some of the many special walks in the local area, such as the Western Yar Estuary Circular Walk, the Robert Hooke Trail, or the Tennyson and Brook nature trails.
Yarmouth is also the perfect base for a cycling holiday. Within an area of just 147 miles, you will find over 200 miles of cycle routes enticing you into the countryside or along the coast.
Information
There’s a Tourist Information Point at Yarmouth Harbour Office where you can pick up a range of leaflets and guides and find out lots more about all the things to do in Yarmouth and the surrounding area.
Car hire and cycle hire is also available straight from the Harbour Office.
If you need somewhere to stay, there are a good range of accommodation choices in Yarmouth, West Wight and the wider Isle of Wight.
