Yarmouth

Ferry boats churn back and forth across the Solent every few minutes, making this one of the Isle of Wight's main gateways. Yarmouth feels more like a proper working port than a resort - fishing boats bob alongside visiting yachts in the castle-protected harbour, and the smell of salt water mingles with diesel from the mainland ferry.

The town itself is compact but worthwhile. Yarmouth Castle guards the harbour entrance, a perfect Tudor fortress that's surprisingly intact for something built in the 1540s. Beyond the ancient walls, narrow streets lead past Georgian houses where sea captains once lived. The pier stretches into the Solent, offering cracking views back to the mainland and across to Lymington.

West of town, the landscape opens up into proper countryside. West Wight Alpacas & Llamas makes for an unexpectedly entertaining visit - these curious creatures roam paddocks with the sea as backdrop. Bouldnor Forest Nature Reserve sprawls inland, ancient woodland where red squirrels still thrive and walking trails wind through oak and beech. It's lovely for families, especially the shorter routes.

The western Wight has a different feel to the island's busier eastern resorts. Quieter, more agricultural, with better beaches. Staying at one of the nearby parks puts you within easy reach of both Yarmouth's ferry connections and the island's wilder western shores. Compton Farm and Tapnell Farm Holiday Destination offer different approaches to island accommodation - the former more traditional camping, the latter family-focused with activities.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The Wightlink ferry from Lymington docks right in town, taking cars and foot passengers across in just forty minutes. Once you're here, the rest of the western Wight unfolds easily by car or bike.