Yarmouth is located on the western side of the Isle of Wight. The town has grown up as a result of its natural harbour, which is guarded by Yarmouth Castle.

Yarmouth was the first island settlement to be granted a royal town charter, in 1135. The town was sacked by the French in 1377 and 1524 and suffered numerous raids until Henry VIII improved the security situation by building a stone castle in the town, which was completed in 1547. The castle is now managed by English Heritage.

Today, the picturesque port of Yarmouth mainly serves ferries bound for Lymington on the mainland. An impressive feature of the town is the unique 700ft-long timber pier dating from 1876, which is a Grade II listed building. 552 deck planks record the names of those who helped fund the pier's restoration in the 1990s. The harbour attracts many yachts and motor cruisers which take advantage of the estuary afforded by the River Yar. Yarmouth Harbour has berthing and on-shore facilities for visiting yachtsmen.

The Yar Estuary attracts walkers and birdwatchers and there is a cycleway to Freshwater along the route of the former railway line. There are some interesting shops, cafes, restaurants and traditional pubs.

England - Isle of Wight - Countryside

View a road map to the starting point of this walk.