Pilot the Isle of Wight: Cowes to Alum Bay

Navigational tips and beauty spots around the north-west coast of the Isle of Wight.

Navigate Cowes to Alum Bay

Yarmouth Castle

Ferries travel between Yarmouth and Lymington every day. Photo: Graham Snook

Immediately to the east of Yarmouth Pier is Yarmouth Castle. It was built in 1547 after the French invasion at Sandown in 1545 revealed the island’s vulnerability. Up to this point, all Henry’s castles featured circular battlements surrounding a central keep but Yarmouth Castle is a square construction, featuring the first ever arrowhead bastion, with water on its north and west sides and a moat protecting the south and east.

In the mid-17th Century the moat was filled in and a house, bought in 1679 by the Island’s governor Sir Robert Holmes (of whom more later) and now the George Hotel, built on it.

  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes
  3. 3. Cowes to Gurnard Ledge
  4. 4. Gurnard Ledge in detail
  5. 5. Baxter's Ledge
  6. 6. Thorness Bay
  7. 7. Salt Mead Ledge
  8. 8. Hamstead Ledge
  9. 9. The Solent's oldest and youngest wrecks
  10. 10. Yarmouth Castle
  11. 11. Black Rock
  12. 12. Fort Victoria
  13. 13. Sconce Point to The Needles
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