The Island Coaster

Operates daily between: 6th April to 28th September This is such an incredible route, an open top ride from east to west Wight, at clifftop height in peace and tranquillity, overlooking miles of golden, sandy beaches. Leaving the vibrant coastal town of Ryde, the bus follows the shoreline round to the most easterly point of this beautiful island, Bembridge, down to Sandown, Lake and Shanklin, with its glorious tea-rooms, sweet shops, crazy golf courses and famous Chime. Upwards the bus then goes, groping the clifftop as it weaves left, then right, overhanding the incredible, glistening sea below, finding its way to Ventnor and its Victorian charm from a bygone era. Towards West Wight, the bus then goes past Blackgang Chime, a haven for families for generations and the Pearl Centre as the bus breaks into serene silence, with little traffic and just the open road ahead with panoramic views of the coast below and of wildlife and the approaching Freshwater Bay. Amazing views of the Needles and its fun-filled attractions then follow before the bus navigates its way northwards, ending in the vibrant town of Yarmouth with its lovely pier looking over the Solent to sleepy Dorset.

This is a bus route that crams in most of the attractions on the Island in one trip, such that a two day sojourn wouldn’t even do it justice! Favourite stop-off points on this barnstorming journey are the famous Sandown Zoo with its meercats, lemurs, lions and tigers and the vintage crazy golf courses that then follow 15 minutes later in Shanklin, as well as a visit to the Chime, which overlooks the sea. Stopping off at Ventnor for a 2-3 hours in Blackgang Chime provides a flashback to an era of traditional displays and amusements for children, combined with rollercoasters and a water-ride from a more hectic modern day epoque. If it’s thrill-seeking you seek, there’s more of a similar ilk at The Needles attraction and the unforgettable chairlift in blissful peace and quiet, down to the seafront at Alum Bay.