An Isle of Wight Holiday Without a Car

Leave the car at home. Spring Gardens is a short walk from the beach, the shops and the train — so you can travel light and stress-free.

One of the best things about staying in the heart of Shanklin is that you don't need a car to enjoy it. The beach, town, restaurants, supermarket and railway station are all within easy walking distance, and the Island's trains and buses take you everywhere else. It's cheaper, greener and far more relaxing — especially with little ones.

Shanklin beach with deckchairs, a short walk from Spring Gardens

Getting here without a car

The Isle of Wight is easy to reach as a foot passenger, and you can buy a single through train ticket from mainland stations that includes the ferry crossing.

By Train & Ferry

Buy a through ticket to Shanklin from any UK station — the price includes the Wightlink catamaran from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head or the bus then hovercraft from Portsmouth & Southsea to Ryde Hoverport. From Ryde, the Island Line train starts in Ryde harbour and ends in Shanklin - easy!

Foot-Passenger Ferries

Cross as a foot passenger on the Wightlink FastCat (Portsmouth–Ryde), the Hovertravel hovercraft (Southsea–Ryde, the quickest crossing) or Red Funnel's Red Jet (Southampton–West Cowes). Or hop on the slower car ferries and take in the view.

The Last Few Minutes

Shanklin is the end of the Island Line, and Spring Gardens is just a 6 minute walk from the station. No taxi or car needed to reach the front door.

Bringing the car after all? We can generally offer 25% off car ferry tickets with Wightlink and Red Funnel when you book direct — just ask.

Everything's a short walk away

From the front door you can reach, on foot:

  • The beach & esplanade — about 6 minutes (crazy golf, arcade, fish & chips, ice cream and cafés).
  • The shops & high street — about 2 minutes.
  • Supermarkets & restaurants — a few minutes in town.
  • Shanklin railway station & bus stops — about 6 minutes.
  • Shanklin Old Village & Chine — a gentle stroll through the town.

The route to the seafront is buggy-friendly, either down the hill or via the cliff lift, so a day at the beach is easy even with a pram and a toddler in tow.

Colourful beach huts on Shanklin seafront

Exploring the Island car-free

The Island Line

Hop on the train at Shanklin and follow the coast through Lake, Sandown and Brading up to Ryde — perfect for a day out without driving.

Southern Vectis Buses

Frequent buses link Shanklin to the whole Island, including open-top “Breezer” routes along the coast in summer. A rover ticket gives unlimited travel for a day or a week.

Walk the Bay

Stroll the level seafront promenade all the way from Shanklin to Sandown, stopping at one of the many beach-side cafes, or take to the coastal and countryside paths that start right on the doorstep.

Many of the Island's best-loved attractions are a short bus or train ride away, so you can fill a whole week without ever starting an engine.

Travelling light with little ones

Car-free travel is so much easier when you don't have to pack the pushchair, cot and high chair. Good news: they're already here. See everything we provide for families with babies and toddlers.