Totland Bay sits on the Western side of the Island and is part of the village of Totland. With beautiful sandy beaches and sunsets to rival the Mediterranean, Totland also hosts some beautiful countryside too – with working farms, great walking trails with abundant views of the solent and all your local amenities.
Pilots Point is located on the promenade at Totland Bay, it is a 15 minute car ride from Yarmouth or a 25 minute drive from Newport. If you happen to be coming by boat you can anchor in the spectacular bay – on the water we are 5 minutes from Colwell bay, 10 minutes from Yarmouth and approximately 20 minutes from Lymington.
Along the beach at Totland Bay you will find The Waterfront Restaurant and Totland Pier Café. The beach itself is part shingle, part sand, and at low tide can be a great place to remove your shoes and take a leisurely stroll along the whole bay.
If you’re wanting to take another walk with charm, then setting off along the coastal path to neighbouring Colwell will take around 20 minutes. Colwell also has further options for eating; The Hut, Captain’s Cabin & Longbeach Bar are all set on Colwell’s seafront. The beach at Colwell is similar to that at Totland Bay with maybe slightly less stones.
Going further inland, Totland village has a smattering of small shops and there you’ll also find a couple of takeaway food options, Chinese and traditional fish and chips. The post office can be found in the Broadway Inn and is open 9am-1pm weekdays.
The main bus stop is situated on The Broadway. The routes will take you to Alum Bay, Yarmouth, Freshwater and Newport. Take a sub 10 minute bus ride to Alum Bay, where you’ll find The Needles Landmark Attraction – a theme park sat on the coloured sand cliffs. Venture further on to visit the Needles Battery, a rather historic (and picturesque) spot.
If you’re walking to Alum Bay from Totland, take the coastal path and go via The Warren, a great place to walk the dogs or simply take in the views from the western tip of the Island. You could take the Tennyson Trail from here towards Freshwater Bay, for more stunning views. Tennyson’s Monument on Tennyson Down is a fantastic focal point and the cliff walk that follows down towards Freshwater Bay is a delight.
Freshwater itself is a busier place than Totland, with many more shops and eateries. You’ll also find the Co-op Supermarket, the largest shop in the West Wight. Over in Freshwater bay, historical attractions include The Farringford and Dimbola Museum & Galleries. Whilst for the golfer, Freshwater Bay Golf Club is a stunning coastal course.
The other prominent town on the western tip of the Isle of Wight is Yarmouth, popularised by its’ harbour and all things sea-worthy. You’ll find the ferry (to Lymington) departs from here and there is also a main bus depot. Yarmouth has a large collection of establishments to eat and drink in, all within a close proximity.