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British Mensa Travel Special Interest Group |
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Overnight
on the Isle of Wight I took the train down from Bristol to Lymington (Saver - up to 1 month return) costing £27 and went as a foot passenger. The cheapest return by car on the ferry from Lymington is about £55. By foot it’s about £18. Petrol by my car about £20. No train problems encountered. Lymington ferry terminal has a good size car park, £4.50 a day. The ferry is small, so you should book in advance on the internet if you wish to drive all the way. The ferries are half hourly and arrive in Yarmouth. Contrary to the Direct Ferries Ltd advice, my passport wasn’t needed. I wanted to visit Carisbrooke castle in Newport and then get to my guesthouse in Ryde before dark. At the bus terminus is a shop where you can buy a 2 day Rover ticket for £16, which I did. I caught the no. 7 bus to Newport, and walked through the town centre to the castle (about 1.5 miles). Entry fee was £5.50 for adults. The castle and grounds are quite substantial with a large gatehouse, very interesting museum building, a building for a donkey powered wheel for the 2nd well (demos at 3.00 pm), motte and bailey tower, various ramparts to explore and a good cafe. A large picnic area and toilets are provided. Good size car park outside. Very interesting history. There are donkey stables, a gift shop and a large field with cannons around it whose purpose escapes me. I then walked back into town and caught the no. 3 bus to Ryde. I had a quick look around the town. Ryde has a ferry terminal on a pier, which runs a train line and road out of it, and the bus station is at the root of the pier. The next day I caught the open top tour bus to Sandown, intending to walk the beaches to Shanklin. I got off at the Dinosaur centre (there are at least 3 on the isle) and combed the beach. The sands here are bicoloured and there are many nice shells strewn around. I spent some time and money on Sandown Pier, which mainly has fruit and game machines. At this time of year (April 28) the front was almost deserted at noon. Shanklin sea front is separated from the town by a cliff. I asked about the lift. It costs about 80p per adult but, being a cheapskate, I walked up the steps to the town. The bus terminus is at Somerfields. I caught the No. 2 after realizing time was short, so I didn’t make Ventnor. Some bus route changes had been made and I didn’t want to risk a wrong turn. This went back to Newport via Godshill etc. Very picturesque ride. Back in Newport I had time to visit the Guildhall museum (£2, good value) before returning to Yarmouth on the bus to my ferry. MUSEUM OF ISLAND HISTORY, The Guildhall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight (Tel: 01983 823366) The museum traces island history using touch screen computer technology, videos and hands-on exhibits. First
published in VISA issue 68 (August 2006) |