Yarmouth

Where the Solent meets the western tip of the Isle of Wight, this old port town has shed much of its maritime bustle but kept the salty character. Yarmouth feels properly seaside without the kiss-me-quick tat - more weathered Georgian terraces than amusement arcades. The harbour still sees plenty of action from the chain ferry connecting to Lymington, though these days it's mostly day-trippers and yacht owners rather than cargo vessels.

Wander inland and you'll find yourself among some of the island's most unspoilt countryside. Thorley Copse and Seven Acres Row offer proper woodland walks where you might spot red squirrels, while Sowley Pond provides a peaceful spot for waterside picnics. The Animal Barn draws families with its farmyard collection, and The Cow Putt delivers exactly what you'd expect from a farm-themed mini golf course.

This corner of the Wight feels different from the busier eastern resorts. Rolling farmland stretches towards Freshwater, punctuated by ancient copses like Pittsdeep Copse and Lower Beckheath Inclosure. It's walking country more than beach territory, though Colwell Bay sits just down the coast.

Getting here means the Lymington ferry - about 40 minutes across the water and considerably more relaxing than the Portsmouth route. Once you're on the island, Yarmouth sits at the western edge, making it a cracking base for exploring both the dramatic chalk cliffs towards Alum Bay and the gentler landscapes inland. Several holiday parks dot the surrounding area, from eco-focused sites like Tom's Eco Lodge to larger operations like Tapnell Farm Holiday Destination, putting you within easy reach of both coast and countryside.