The Needles Breezer. My Picturesque Journey on one of The Isle-of-Wight's Open-top Buses.

This is one journey I can wholeheartedly recommend. Using a couple of normal buses, I'd travelled across the Isle of Wight from Ryde to Yarmouth in order to connect with The Needles Breezer - one of two seasonal open-top bus services on the island.
In this video, I'll show you the route, the bus itself and what facilities you can expect onboard (clue - there aren't many!). It's all about the scenery on this fantastically picturesque journey through small towns and villages with the coastal views never far away. We head past Alum Bay to the real jewel in the crown on this trip - The Needles. I'll show you plenty of that part of the journey, we'll even have a little look around and of course, I'll tell you how much I paid and how you can do it easily as well.
Thanks as always guys for taking the time to watch my videos. All likes, comments, subs are massively appreciated and it really encourages me to make more content for you all to enjoy.
Cheers for now.
Mark
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📖Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay
04:05 - Freshwater Bay to Alum Bay
06:20 - The Needles
13:00 - Heading back to Yarmouth
16:05 - Summary
Link to the Southern Vectis Needles Breezer timetable:
www.islandbuses.info/services...
Picture Credits:
Map of the Needles Breezer route: Southern Vectis (website: www.islandbuses.info/), no amendments made.

[@steve-marsh]

That was so cool! I'm amazed how quiet it was and nice to see you get some proper British weather at the end there :D

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, cheers Steve! Think I got a bit lucky with the weather again considering the forecast!

[@DarthFurball]

Can't wait for a collab between you both!

[@andrewdales8136]

Great Vlog brought back fantastic childhood holidays for me with my late brother and parents

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Andrew, always makes me glad if my stuff brings back memories for people. Cheers for the comment 😊👍

[@garrymartin6474]

Best bus route in the World in my opinion ! Lovely film, Yarmouth is also well worth a wander and the whole of West Wight is picturesque.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Garry, had a bit of a look around Yarmouth and I agree it is lovely. Had a nice lunch on the cafe on the pier 👍

[@mikedown1250]

Forgot it was friday...thanks for the upload. looking forward to this

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Mike, thanks as ever for the support 😊👍

[@Mikey-1878]

This video didnt show up on my Subscriptions even though I have subbed! Glad I caught it

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

For some reason Mikey, my 'publish to subscribers' box was greyed out??? Doesn't normally happen so I'm at a loss tbh but soomething I'll be sure to check in the future! Cheers mate.

[@jimcrawford5039]

Sailed past there many times in the MN back in late 50s, early 60s. Thanks heaps, from Oz.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Jim, scenery I bet you never got tired of either 👍

[@holifeet]

I did a trip down to the Needles a couple of years ago. The amusement park is not terrible but the cafe was grotty as anything. It was coming out of lockdown though. I don't know if you've done it before, but hop over to the mainland, travel to Bournemouth and Poole and do some of the Morebus Breezers. There's a whole new range of journeys across the Purbecks for 2023. Swanage is beautiful and you can walk up the coast to Old Harry Rocks (not easy going though). Buses go over to Lulworth too. Not sure how many are open top. One from Bournemouth to Swanage (over the chain ferry) is. Bus between Swanage and Corfe Castle/Wareham isn't always because of trees Also a nice bus service from Bournemouth to Salisbury.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, I don’t know that part of the world too well but yes, I gather there are lots of scenic bus routes along the coast. I could possibly tie-in with a Poole - Cherbourg crossing (I quite fancy that) but will probably be next year now as I’ll be out of the country for a few months from September. 😊👍

[@holifeet]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Channel islands too, from Poole, I mean.

[@marianshattock2732]

Loved the trip. I would liked to have seen Totland, I worked a summer season there, a million years ago. The coloured sand and the Needles, great!

[@garyanderson9644]

Great scenery spectacular cliff views there's nothing like a convertible 😂 Nice quiet spot, well done Mark ! Always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Gary! You know I haven’t ridden many open-top buses but this definitely makes me want to do some more! Loved it and certainly recommend it 😊👍

[@Deqoid_123]

Nice one, I love the isle of wight, thanks for another interesting video as usual. I suggest you try out the Brighton open top tour bus, you can great views of cliffs from it. Best wishes and have a good weekend.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Kai and have a great weekend yourself mate! I did say I was going to do one of these city tour buses. I headed up to Blackpool last week but the one there has finished! I'll definitely do one at some point, not sure I'll get all the way down to Brighton for it tbh but never say never!

[@sheilam4525]

What a great day you had for that ride, Mark☀️. I do like a sightseeing bus!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I did Sheila - got lucky again! Definitely recommend this if you’re ever on the IoW 👍

[@PaulGodfrey]

Great. Video. Always like the IOW and the Breezer bus. There is a lovely walk from the amusement park at Alum Bay over Tennyson Down back to Freshwater Bay.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Paul. If I lived there, I’d do all these walks. So much to see as well and from what I experienced, you’re never too far away from a sea view either. A lovely place 😊👍

[@TheHampshireHopper92]

I grew up on the Isle of Wight and remember when they used vintage open top buses on that route.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I wonder if they still do some heritage bus trips. That would be pretty awesome 👍

[@davidoliver1169]

Hi Mark. Love the IOW. Great video. Thank you.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers David, so do I 👍😊

[@paularthur1451]

Thank you for a great day 😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Paul, thanks for the comment mate 😊👍

[@driftwoodkj1481]

Went on this type of bus to go from the needles to the battery. Lovely views, very narrow road, bus driver was amazing at driving there.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes it takes some skill (and nerve) to drive these buses up and down that road. I bet they do quite often meet other vehicles coming the other way.

[@baseballfan99]

Gorgeous scenery. It’s been around 36 years since as I child we went on holiday 3 years in a row. We took the car so may Dad drove across the Island from where we stayed in Shanklin with its brilliant crazy golf course but alas the pier blew down in the great storm of 87 after our last visit. We did go on a open top single decker bus called the Shanklin Pony.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Some great memories there and if I’d have known Shanklin had a crazy golf course! Well, I’d have been there like a shot. Maybe there’s a video series there - crazy golf courses of the British Isles 🤔🤔🤔 (maybe not actually)

[@rachelehrenberg9231]

I only knew of the Isle of Wight from the Beatles song "when I'm 64". Later from Escape to the Country. Looks absolutely amazing.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yea it was great. And the good thing, there is so much more to see than I managed. I’ll definitely be back again!

[@SalisburyKing]

Great video, I thought it worth mentioning there is a restaurant, larger gift shop, glass making factory that you can see working and a sweet factory at the Needles park. So plenty of things for adults too.

[@peonycottageboutique4154]

We're really enjoying your latest trip. We've never been to the Isle of Wight and, honestly, didn't have it on our radar for the future but after watching your hovercraft video and this one, it's now on the list. :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks both. Yep, there’s loads to do down there from a transport pov. Need at least a week tbh 😊👍

[@kevinellis8869]

Looking at the registration plate Southern Vectis got the first bus from Morebus, likewise the Damory branded single decker at Yarmouth at the start. When our kids were young we got the ferry over from Lymington and walked along the old railway track bed from Yarmouth to Freshwater. Another great video, keep 'em coming.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Kevin. It’s a beautiful area (as is Lymington). I did the ferry crossing a few years back in the car and I remember Yarmouth then. The buses though are pretty convenient overall, I just wish I’d had more time on the island. More adventures to come in the next few weeks though! 😊👍

[@DarthFurball]

Stunning part of the world! Thanks for sharing

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate 😊👍

[@claresherman2278]

That’s amazing! I’d find it difficult enough to drive a car up there, let alone a double decker bus!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Same here these days Clare. Not sure what I’d do if I met the bus! Reverse I guess!

[@Danny-mv9qj]

Nice neat review as always! IoW is somewhere I definitely need to visit soon - that bus looks like a great little ride, especially if it's a lovely day - and the steam railway, hovercraft and rail network are all very interesting on the island!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Danny. Yes, plenty to do and if you do get there soon, you’ll have the Downs Breezer to ride too. Enjoy!

[@steveholden7117]

Super video, covers a really scenic route, I live about 100 yards away from it at Freshwater Bay! Bus at the Bay is a bar, there most weekends (but not this one). It’s great sitting on the sea wall having a beer. Senior bus pass not usable on Breezer.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Oh I wouldn’t turn it down living there. Looks lovely!

[@ashleyrobinson4217]

The No12 on the 'normal' network is also a great journey. Some great country roads ams little villages and also covering the approach to Freshwater Bay which is just fantastic. There is only a few a day tho so options are limited 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Ashley. Next time I’m there, I’ll try the Downs Breezer too 👍

[@steveholden7117]

These buses operate a Christmas Lights tour with the bus illuminated, hence the coloured lights.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Ah cheers Steve. Bet that’s pretty cool at Xmas 😊👍

[@mickclayton1485]

I use this road once a week for going on duty at Needles NCI. That is the coastguard tower shown in your vid. Met the bus loads of times over the years, and we always manage to get past each other, Should have called in for a cup of tea. Yes, I was working that day as my car is in your report. Keep up the good work, always enjoy watching.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Mick, if I’d have known mate, I would’ve! Stood outside for a bit thinking what an interesting job. Also, if I recall, it’s a volunteer thing isn’t it? Such a fascinating place up there, full of history and interesting buildings. I’ll definitely be back so I’ll look out for your car next time. Milk, no sugar please 😂😊👍

[@LisaSargent03]

£8 for a return trip on the alum bay chair lift. I paid 15p one way back in 1981. Then I paid about £1.50 in return back in 1998.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, needles to say (sorry couldn’t resist it), I didn’t partake!

[@ianmcclavin]

Yes, I first went there as a kid in 1975. Dirt cheap then. Mum and I went on the chair-lift; my father decided to walk underneath! I noticed it stop a few times, whilst looking at it from the beach. (I'm glad it didn't stop whilst I was on it!!). I was wondering how many shoes and sandals may have been lost through falling off feet over the years...😮😅😊

[@keithparker1346]

​@@ianmcclavinthat was one question I had - can you get from the Album Bay stop to the beach without the chairlift?

[@robertclifford5202]

There is a staircase, however it is closed at the time of writing pending repairs

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Lovely journey very picturesque, thank you and stay safe. Cheers.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Simon 😊👍

[@adlam97531]

another great video, thank you

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for leaving a comment. Cheers.

[@FrostyGaming8394]

Hi Mark how are you doing mate? Great video as always well edited and good background music on the road scenes ive been on one of these open top buses in Weymouth when I went on holiday 3 years ago and its really nice experience for a 14 year old open top bus really surprised there only one chap up with you when you got on very beautiful views of the Isle Of Wight and the needle viewing point these type of bus journeys is to enjoy and take in the views not for the WIFI facilities anyways I hope you had a great time on the open top bus plus I hope your having a good afternoon in the sunny weather and keep up the great content as always 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi FG hope you’re good too mate! Yep, I was surprised how quiet it was but overall, an excellent journey and no time to look on your phone or anything like that. Just look over the side, enjoy the views and breath in the sea air. Fantastic!

[@FrostyGaming8394]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Yes im good thanks Mark your exactly right about enjoying the views and taking in a breath of the sea air good to hear that you enjoyed yourself too hope your having a good day so far 👍

[@TravelSignal]

Beautiful! But shows how the weather can change! Well worth it it seems. Must get back to the island soon!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Certainly does. Fortunately we could take refuge but on a busy day, there’s no escape 😂

[@cryzcryz2345]

Fantastic open bus tour! Greatings from Hull 🤗

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Greetings and thanks for the comment 😊👍

[@craig.bryant]

Brilliant trip - looks like a quality open top bus!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It was and top quality scenery too! Cheers Craig 😊👍

[@AndrewG1989]

I really would like to go to the Isle of Wight. Very nice bus journey.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Definitely recommend it Andrew (and the bus) 😊👍

[@TheHampshireHopper92]

Excellent video. Shame someone had to stand up during the journey. There is always one!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, not sure why they felt the need but plenty of room on the top there.

[@johnrafferty8087]

Great memories or doing the route with my late Mother

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers John, glad it brought back nice memories 😊👍

[@jackmaher9296]

Awesome video mark as always

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Jack, appreciate the comment mate 😊👍

[@jackmaher9296]

@@LetsMakeaTrip if you do get a chance mark , you should try stay in Llandudno (the LC Hotel , Lawton court ) it’s a boss little hotel and you could do the sightseeing bus from outside the pier (hotel over the road) to conwy

[@mral13131313]

The old open top buses were known locally as the Banana buses.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Dare I ask why sir 😊🤔

[@enricomonti156]

The Scania N230UD Optare Visionnaire buses are among the most used by sightseeing operators here in Malta (also Gozo has a handful of these). Will definitely need to pay a visit to the Isle of Wight and see this amazing scenery, and maybe try the Breezer. Some of these cliffs remind me of those you'd see in the western part of Malta

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I’d definitely recommend it Enrico. Bit cooler than Malta! Quite a few more I’d like to try before the end of summer, I’ll see how it goes 👍

[@seancoleman8528]

Looks amazing, I’ve been to alum bay but never went to the battery i will give it a go thanks

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Definitely worth a trip up to the battery - spectacular views too 👍

[@SoldierCivilWarYT]

Amazing vid mate i always feel relaxed by watching your vids mainly cuz of the music but hope you get a million some day and please pin this comment cheers👍😀

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, well that 1m would be nice one day wouldn’t it 😊👍

[@garethdevlin2732]

That wind on the top deck would blow the head off ye. No place for hats, you could lose a hat very quickly!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’m the sort of person who’d have to get the bus to stop so that I could go back up the road and find it!

[@caliburn50a]

Ahh Youmoth used to work the ferry route between Lymington and there back in 1977 just after leaving school

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I took that ferry route last time I was there. The road out from Lymington is lovely I recall 👍

[@adrianbromfild8624]

You need to come to Somerset and try the Exmoor Explorer navigating the hills of Exmoor and this is an open top bus too!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I have heard of this Adrian and it’s on my ever-expanding list! Cheers mate 😊👍

[@johnrafferty8087]

Last time I did that one it was ex London NVs

[@ADAMEDWARDS17]

If you read the Ian Fleming book Moonraker (not the film which is nothing like it) then the baddy Hugo Drax has to be using the Isle of Wight launch pads for world domination!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Such a great image and up there looking at them you can imagine how it was. I think it’s a fantastic area - full of history!

[@briocheoleary5043]

Hi Mr Swain! Was your mate on the bus, the same bearded guy sat by you on an overnight bus to Scotland? I think I recognised him? Great vid as always

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi, yes it was. 😊

[@AndreiTupolev]

Once upon a time vintage buses were used on this. It was fun doing it in a Bristol Lodekka. Must have put heavy wear on the gearbox though (and the drivers 😙)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I'll bow to your superior knowledge on these Andrei. I did look it them up on Wiki though and was interested to find they featured quite widely in 'On the Buses'! Cheers mate.

[@keithparker1346]

Do they still do a bus service that follows the perimeter of the island? Alum Bay looks like a rip off tbh Pretty good value ticket

[@Gotnoname25]

Will you to a video on Orkney or shetland one day?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’ve done quite a few on Orkney. If you scroll back through my videos about a year-or so, you’ll find them there 👍

[@Midlandstransporthub]

Great video, for some reason it never showed up in my notifications

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers MTH, not sure why, wonder if it’s something I need to check my side?

[@Midlandstransporthub]

@@LetsMakeaTrip I've had it with other youtubers in the past and never known why. All your other videos have showed up fine so

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Just done some reading up on this and the 'publish to subscribers' box was greyed out. Can't be changed once it's uploaded (which makes sense I guess). Not sure why it's decided to do it on this one but a watchout for me to check on future uploads. Weird but thanks for letting me know.

[@Midlandstransporthub]

@@LetsMakeaTrip strange, thanks for letting me know too!

[@AndreiTupolev]

What were those Damory and Morebus buses doing waiting to board the ferry at Yarmouth? Perhaps they'd been on loan to Southern Vectis and were returning home

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Interesting! I didn't investigate any further tbh as it started to really pour down! Took refuge in the cafe by the pier instead!

[@steveholden7117]

Maintenance is sometimes carried out at the Southern Vectis depot in Newport, they’re frequently seen using the Yarmouth ferry. All companies are part of the Go-Ahead group.

[@BIGV710]

southern vectis belongs to go-ahead group

[@ianmcclavin]

Yes, Southern Vectis have existed in one form or another for years. They were part of the National Bus Company when it existed, and then became the subject of a management buy-out, which enabled them to continue much as before, as you say they now belong to the Go-Ahead Group, (like Metrobus, Brighton & Hove). Their 24-hour tickets have been quite innovative, making travel quite easy (considering most of the island is now devoid of railways, there's a niche market here for good-value travel, as many don't want to have to bring their cars over from the mainland). "Vectis" was the original Roman name for the island.

[@jimmenycricket4598]

You wouldn't get me on this bus even if you paid me! Looks terrifying at the Needles 😢

[@ianmcclavin]

There's a pre-recorded commentary now, but at one time, whilst going round the hair-pin bends up to The Needles Old Battery, drivers used to announce over the PA system, "if you take a look down to the right..." (everyone would look down the sheer drop at that point) "you'll see the remains of the bus that went over the side last year....!!" 😅😅😅

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, great comment 😂

[@derisleybrittain]

🥂🥂🥂🥂🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍾🍾🍾🍾💕💕💕💕🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌Good

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, 🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌⛴️⛴️☕️☕️☕️☕️🎟️🛹🍿🍿🍿🍿

[@garethdevlin2732]

Break wind at 6.16? 😂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, it wasn’t me! I thought it was the bus tbh but you could be right. I’m blaming Jimmy anyway 😂

[@garethdevlin2732]

@@LetsMakeaTrip poor Jimmy getting the blame. 😂

[@keithparker1346]

An unintentional Big Bus reference?

[@montystelevision3238]

Was your pensioner’s bus pass valid on this or do you need a special ticket?