Let's visit Yarmouth

Yarmouth is the oldest and one of the prettiest towns on the Isle of Wight. It has changed very little over the years and has remained very small, primarily because it is surrounded by water and marshland which make further development very difficult.

The town may be best known for its large, sheltered harbour and Wightlink ferry terminal, but there is far, far more to this quaint little place.

Large sheltered harbour

To begin, we know that the town dates back to the 12th Century. According to the records, it was the Norman Baron Baldwin de Redvers, Lord of the Island, who was responsible for building the original development, and it was he who gave the town its first Charter in 1135 AD. (N.B. The de Redvers family were also responsible for restoring and extending Carisbrooke Castle around this period in time.)

Overlooking the sheltered harbour lies Yarmouth Castle, a small fortress built during the reign of Henry V111 in response to an earlier French invasion. It was the last of Henry's coastal defences to be built and was completed in 1574. The castle is unusual in that it has no central tower. Instead you'll see one main rectangular block with square battery to the front and an arrow-head bastion on the exposed side. It never did see action, but I gather it was garrisoned until 1885.

Yarmouth Castle from the pier

The castle is very well preserved and you can explore the Great Hall, the Master Gunner's parlour, the kitchen and the gun platforms.

Looking down into the courtyard of Yarmouth Castle

It is managed now by English Heritage, and it is open to the public from end of March to end September each year on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The entrance can be found in Quay Street, next to the Wightlink Terminal.

Entrance to the castle in Quay Street

From the castle it is just a short walk to Market Square, the ancient heart of the town which even today bustles with activity.

The Market Square

Here you will find the ancient Bugle Coaching Inn (great for lunch!), the equally old George Hotel, the 17th century church (St. James), 17th century tea rooms, a fabulous delicatessen, a capacious and well stocked ironmongers, and several smaller, but interesting shops.

The George Hotel

Leading from Market Square are several narrow lanes and shops to explore - including those in 'High Street'!

The High Street

Also leading directly off Market Square is the entrance to the 19th century timber pier which was completed in 1876. (The poor old pier has been the subject of much concern over recent years as its supports had been viciously attacked by timber-munching weevils. Happily, thanks to donations from visitors and locals, the pier has now been restored and is safe to use once more.)

The entrance to the pier

Gossips Cafe at the entrance to the pier is a pleasant spot for morning coffee or afternoon tea. It's also somewhere to buy the island's superb Minghella icecream (Yes, made by the family firm of the late, great, film director Anthony Minghella.)

You may also be lucky enough to catch one of the regular boat trips that leave from Yarmouth pier. Some go fishing, I believe, others go down to The Needles and back. And if you visit in September, you can enjoy going right round the island on The Waverley, the last remaining ocean-going paddle steamer. Magic!

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