Jamestown 5, Yarmouth

The attractive seaside town of Yarmouth is the oldest town on the Isle of Wight, and its busy harbour is a haven for all kinds of watercraft, with the terminal used for regular mainland ferry crossings to Lymington. Yarmouth’s narrow streets are home to an attractive array of shops and inns, whilst a visit to Henry VIII’s castle is not to be missed. There’s great cycling (and a cycle hire shop) and walking to be had along the coastal path. Why not take an energetic stroll at the nearby Tennyson Down and Headon Warren. Sandhard beach is 15 minutes’ walk away, with Colwell Bay with its sandy beach and amenities for the family 7 minutes away by car. Yarmouth’s pier and sailing club jetty is another good spot for crabbing. Four miles away is Compton Bay, famous for dinosaur remains; head there at low tide and see if you can find the two enormous three-toed feet. West Wight is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Yarmouth is an ideal base from which to explore this wonderful island.