Isle of Wight Car Hire

Guide of Isle of Wight

History

Archaeological evidence found in areas like Priory Bay and Newport’s Medina Valley suggests that humans have been gathering in the Isle of Wight for around 500,000 years. Much later (from the 7th century), the Celtic Britons occupied the island, and the Belgae tribes had taken over by 85BC, after which there was a period of Roman occupation. In early medieval times, Jutes from Denmark took over, before the Isle of Wight became a part of Wessex (and England) under Alfred the Great. Later still, King Charles I escaped to the island during the English Civil War (only to be put in prison by the governor), and in the 19th century, Queen Victoria ordered extensive fortifications like the Needles Batteries and Palmerston Forts, as well as inspiring the islands early reputation as a fashionable getaway through her winter sojourns at Osbourne House.

Culture in Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has a flourishing culture – both as a backdrop for international events and an entity that’s distinct from the rest of England. Famous writers either from the island or having close connections include Algernon George Swinburne, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Maxwell Gray and Mimi Khalvati, while it features in books by Edward Upward and John Wyndham. The iconic Isle of Wight music festival was first a counterculture event held between 1968-70 and is an international gathering attracting artists from a wealth of genres in its current annual incarnation. In terms of ancient traditions, the island maintains a healthy population of Pagans and Morris Dancers.

Alternative Isle of Wight

Fancy discovering a few out of the ordinary things in the Isle of Wight? Start with Blackgang Chine on the island’s Jurassic Coast. First opened in 1843, Britain’s oldest theme park has gradually moved inland over the decades as erosion slides sections of its original footprint into the sea. The remnants of Culver Battery as also worth visiting – located in picturesque Culver Down, this sturdy coastal defence was built in 1906 and used in WWI as a huge gun placement to defend British torpedo boats. The battery was decommissioned in 1956 and its extensive underground complex filled in, but what’s left is still stirring and the views across the sea and town of Sandown are truly jaw-dropping.

Things To Do in Isle of Wight

Explore Newport

No trip to the Isle of Wight is complete without discovering Newport. Carisbrooke Castle is always worth a visit and architecture fans also love its exquisite guildhall (designed by Buckingham Palace architect John Nash). There’s also a fascinating Roman farmhouse in the south of the island – discovered in the 1920s when the landowners were building a garage, while Compton Beach is idyllic and isolated. Alternatively, if arts and crafts float your boat, don’t miss the Quay Arts complex. Located in a former Victorian brewery at the head of the River Medina, it has an intimate 134-seat theatre, three galleries and a popular bar/café.

Monkey Haven

If you’re a bit of a swinger, you’ll love hanging around with the primates at Monkey Haven rescue centre. There are amazing birds of prey, reptiles and meerkats as well as apes and monkeys, and you’ll learn all about how these diverse and dynamic animals were rescued from dire circumstances and brought all the way to the Isle of Wight to live happier and healthier lives. Popular attractions include Diana monkeys Imara and Taboo, owls Nutmeg and Coco, and snakes and tarantulas in the reptile lodge. There are also play areas for kids over 5 and under 5, and you can picnic with your own food in designated areas or eat delicious snacks at Xhabu’s Tea Room.

The Needles

The most iconic attractions on the Isle of Wight are the Needles Rocks and their chameleonic sands. The chairlift ride is nothing short of breath taking and you can splash around in the sea or take a boat ride to see everything from a unique angle. But that’s not all – this well-appointed tourist site has traditional children’s attractions, a sweet-making centre, glass blowing demonstrations and even a 4D cinema. There’s also a Jurassic-themed golf course and Dino Jeep Safari – as you can see, you’ll need to dedicate a whole day to The Needles to do it justice!

Eating Out in Isle of Wight

Super seafood

As you might expect, the Isle of Wight is one of the best places in Britain to sample mind-blowing seafood. And the Crab and Lobster Inn in Bembridge is the place to be for anything edible that’s sourced from the sea. Favourite dishes in this delightful traditional pub include crabmeat ciabattas, banked crab ramekin with cheese and Japanese crumb, island real ale battered cod, moules mariniere with Scottish mussels, and Bembridge ledge lobster. Try a lemon delice or banana split if you’ve still got room for dessert!

Barnstorming burgers

Yearning for stacked burgers with all the trimmings? Don’t miss The Cow Co Restaurant and Bar in Yarmouth. As well as serving a vast range of burgers with various toppings, trimmings and sauces, there are vegan and veggie dishes, steaks and lots more besides. Another added attraction of The Cow is the fact that it’s a working farm where kids can pet some of the animals, and it’s also located in some rather stunning countryside, with panoramic views of the Solent and Tennyson Down.

Fine dining

Fancy a swish meal? The Duck in Ryde definitely fits the bill. Pop in for Sunday lunch and sample starter like sweet potato, chili and coconut soup, mains such as Caribbean jerk tiger prawns with black beans and a mango and red pepper salsa, and delish desserts like apple and peach crumble and the signature bakewell trifle. Meanwhile, the Moving Mountains Burger is a terrific vegan choice – served with beefsteak tomato and baby gem lettuce and topped with applewood cheese. The Duck also has a prime lakeside location – lovely.

Transport

Airports

The nearest passenger airport to the Isle of Wight is Southampton (SOU), which is around 20 miles away. It’s a convenient place to pick up your hire car and serves several destinations via carriers like British Airways, easyJet, KLM, TUI, and Loganair.

Public transport

The main Isle of Wight bus service is operated by Southern Vectis and regular buses run between major towns like Newport and resorts until late at night. Check timetables for more rural areas though – they usually stop earlier in the day. There’s also an Island Train Line that operates between Ryde Pierhead and Shanklin, via the east coast of the island.

Driving

Hiring a car is still one of the best ways to get around the Isle of Wight. There are lots of great routes on the island – Middle Road takes you through the centre and past lots of charming villages, Military Road offers amazing coastal views, and you can also discover St Boniface Down and Freshwater Bay.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Isle of Wight

● Research rental car options: Look for car hire companies such as Enterprise. Isle of Wight's Enterprise Rent a Car is a popular choice and offers a variety of vehicles to suit different needs.

● Compare prices for cheap car hire: Compare the prices of different car hire companies to find the best deal. Look for promotions or discounts that may be available during your visit.

● It is advisable to opt for fully comprehensive insurance when renting a car. This will provide you with more extensive coverage in case of any accidents or damage.

● Check for unlimited mileage: Ensure that the car hire company offers unlimited mileage, especially if you plan to drive extensively on the island. This will give you the freedom to explore without worrying about extra charges based on the distance traveled.

● Familiarize yourself with speed limits: The Isle of Wight has varying speed limits, so it's essential to be aware of them. The default speed limit on most roads is 30 mph (48 km/h), unless otherwise signposted.

● Look for free pick-up service: Some car hire companies on the Isle of Wight, such as Enterprise, offer free pick-up services. Check if this option is available and if it suits your needs.

● Pick a popular holiday destination: With a hire vehicle, you can easily visit popular holiday destinations on the Isle of Wight, such as Osborne House, a historic royal residence. Enjoy the convenience of traveling to different attractions on your own schedule.

● Be cautious on dual carriageways: The Wight Isle has a short stretch of dual carriageway near Newport. Pay attention to the road signs and regulations when driving on these roads.

● Consider people carriers for larger groups: If you're traveling with a larger group, consider renting a people carrier. These vehicles offer more space and comfort for everyone during your trip.

● Follow driving information and regulations: Observe the rules of the road, including wearing seat belts, adhering to traffic signals, and avoiding distractions while driving. Familiarize yourself with the driving information specific to the Isle of Wight to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

● If you require assistance collecting your rental car on the Isle of Wight, the car hire company will be happy to help you.