The Downs Breezer

This is the bus route that simply has it all – sandy beaches, rolling hills, jagged cliffs, steam trains and tigers.

It starts along the east coast of the Isle of Wight, at the quaint, Victorian seaside town of Ryde, looking over the Solent to Mainland and the impressive Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Making its way westwards, the bus passes the crazy Monkeyworld and more serene Butterfly World and nostalgia-driven Isle of Wight Steam Railway, then twisting and turning towards the fun-packed Robin Hill Adventure Park, then the Brading Roman Villa. Sandown soon beckons with its miles of sandy beach and family fun on the Pier, as well as, of course, the famous seafront Sandown Zoo. The bus then meanders close to the coast before entering the Culver Down with spectacular views over Sandown Lake, Bembridge and Ryde. Bembridge Windmill awaits as the bus edges eastwards then back west, past the simple pleasures of Puckpool Park and back into Ryde to complete an action-packed 60 minute open-top trip.

There’s almost an attraction to visit at every stop and probably more than on any other scenic journey! Whether it's ten-pin bowling, pedal boating or playing in the amusement arcades, an hour or so in Ryde is a great taster of the thrills and spills on top of the Downs Breezer to follow. Soon into the journey, a visit to Monkeyworld is full of fun as you can get close up to the monkeys who seem determined to entertain with their friendly antics. A few stops later and Butterfly World and the Japanese Garden offer more relaxing pleasure, before a trip on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway which isn’t just a train ride but provides fascination with nostalgic displays and an invigorating museum. If it’s frenzied fun, with a bit of natural beauty, Robin Hill is the place to disembark with its family fun, including rides and displays set in 80 acres of woodland walks.

Back on the bus to Sandown and the zoo is a ‘must see’ attraction with its famous lions, tigers and loveable meerkats. Maybe stop off for half an hour on the beach opposite and a cheeky game of crazy golf at Browns, before boarding the bus back to Ryde for some rest and recuperation after a day of sheer delight and fast-action. What a whirlwind of an adventure!

Change at Ryde for the number 4 bus to the fantastic Osborne House which was a former royal residence built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and rural retreat. Explore this fabulous, world famous, historic house and gardens and also experience a lovely walk curated by Go Jauntly the leading walking app provider. The number 4 runs hourly and takes 25 minutes to Osborne House from Ryde. It’s a trip not to be missed!