Isle of Wight: Day Trips and Tours from London

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city on a day trip to the Isle of Wight from London. Travel via ferry to reach the largest island in England, known for having some of the best weather in the region.

Discover quaint villages, royal residences and natural splendor in this locale, popular among locals and tourists alike, and return to the city refreshed and renewed.

Here's all you need to know about the Isle of Wight, one of the most rejuvenating day trips from London.

How to get to the Isle of Wight from London?

The Isle of Wight is located 140 kilometers south of London and can only be accessed by ferry crossing.

From London to the Isle of Wight by car

Drive for approximately 2 hours along the A3 to Portsmouth, from where you’ll take a 1-hour ferry to the Isle of Wight.

From London to the Isle of Wight by train

For a budget saver, you can take one of the trains from London to Portsmouth, from where you can take the ferry.

Guided tour to the Isle of Wight from London

Remove the hassle of arrangements on a guided tour. Your guide will transport you to the ferry in the comfort of a coach or air-conditioned vehicle and provide valuable information.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day trip to the Isle of Wight from London will start with meeting your guide at the relevant pickup point before embarking on the 2-hour drive to the ferry.

Once you’ve completed the ferry crossing, you’ll have time to explore the Isle of Wight. With your guide, visit villages such as Godshill and Shanklin and go to the beach.

To see the more natural side of the Isle of Wight, you can visit the Shanklin Chine, a woodland gorge home to impressive waterfalls.

You can also visit Osborne House, the former retreat of Queen Victoria and the place where she died.

At the end of your tour, return via ferry to the mainland before embarking on the drive back to London.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Isle of Wight?

Guided tours to the Isle of Wight from London

Join a guided day tour to the Isle of Wight from London for a relaxing jaunt from the city. Your guide will meet you at a meeting point, from where they will transport you to the island.

On the island, your guide will show the most notable locations from Godshill to Shanklin and the Osborne House.

With free time you can explore the villages, shops and restaurants, and get acquainted with the well-conserved natural environment.

Return to London in the late afternoon after an approximately 14-hour excursion.

Private tour to the Isle of Wight from London

For a customizable experience, you can join a private tour to the Isle of Wight with a particular focus on touring Osborne House. Get picked up and dropped off at your accommodation with a private driver.

With enough time, you can explore the surrounding countryside on a drive. Alternatively, choose to stay overnight on the island before returning to London.

How much does a day trip to the Isle of Wight from London cost?

A guided day tour to the Isle of Wight can start at £120 per person, including transportation.

A private tour can cost £450 for one person. For an overnight stay, the cost increases to £660 for a group of two, excluding accommodation.

What will you see and do?

Godshill

The village of Godshill is one of the most picturesque on the island. Roam among thatched buildings and even view a model village. This is also where the first-ever Isle of Wight Festival occurred.

Shanklin

Shanklin is another village on the island, popular for its beaches and promenade. You can also visit the Shanklin Chine to discover the island’s abundant nature.

Osborne House

As the former retreat of Queen Victoria, Osborne House is an important heritage building. Tour its opulent rooms and grounds to gain insight into the lives of the royals.

When is the best time to visit the Isle of Wight?

The best time to visit the Isle of Wight is in summer (June-August), when the island’s already pleasant weather is at its warmest and clearest.

Are there any tours to the Isle of Wight from other cities in England?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in England:

• Day trips to Isle of Wight from Brighton

What are the other day trips from London?

• Stonehenge
• Bath
• Windsor Castle
• Oxford
• Cotswolds

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the island
• Dress for all weather, as the island is known to experience all four seasons in a day.
• Take a camera along to capture the beauty of the island.