The historic town of Yarmouth is situated in the West of the island, being one of the main entry points, for car and foot passengers from the mainland via Lymington, a serene journey or around 30 minutes.
The Town square has a traditional coaching house, parish church and town hall and during the course of the year hosts events such as The Annual Pancake Race, Bonfire Night procession and Christmas Carols. Yarmouth Harbour is a magnet for sailors; it is the first Island harbour after navigating the Needles Channel and entering The Solent, during the summer months a variety of craft from many countries visit and there is an annual gathering of Old Gaffers’ yachts - 2024 dates tbc.
The oldest town on the Isle of Wight Yarmouth is also the second smallest in England and it boasts a long and rich history. First settled in 991AD and featured in the Domesday book, commissioned for William the Conqueror, Yarmouth’s original main anchorage lay in the deep water haven [today’s marshes to the south and west] connecting the River Yar to Thorley, where the original quay and centre of local population was sited. During the reign of Henry I, the Lord of the Isle of Wight, Baldwin de Redvers, in strengthening his Island Possessions, decided to create an accessible purpose-built town at Yarmouth, to which he granted an official charter in 1135 – the first such on the island. The original Norman Grid lay-out remains unchanged to this day.
Yarmouth flourished and by c. 1200 became an important port town, along with Southampton and Portsmouth. Its status was reflected by having two churches and it remained strong, even with competition from Newport and Newtown. All three towns were sacked by a powerful French and Castilians force in 1377 and Newtown never recovered but Newport and Yarmouth did, gaining full Borough status in 1440. This was until it was halted in the reign of Henry VIII when it was destroyed by the French for the second time! Henry VIII responded by ordering the immediate commission of Yarmouth Castle, which was completed in 1547 and brought security to this then walled town. It is well worth a visit.
Yarmouth is a beautifully peaceful and pleasant town these days with plenty of interesting shops, pubs and eateries. Exploring this historic town is a joy and if you want to venture away from Yarmouth nothing is too far away.