Red Funnel Red Jet

The Red Jet cuts through the Solent like it's late for somewhere important - and it is. This is Southampton's fastest crossing to the Isle of Wight, a proper catamaran that gets you from the mainland to Fishbourne in just 25 minutes. It's not really a destination in itself, but it's the gateway to one, and that matters.

You board at Southampton's Town Quay terminal, and the journey alone is worth doing on a clear day. The spray hits the windows, the Solent spreads out, and you're genuinely moving. Families travelling with young kids tend to enjoy the novelty factor, though toddlers might find the noise level a bit much. Walkers heading to the Isle's southern coast or Tennyson Down will already be thinking about where they're going next - this is just the getting-there bit done properly.

The ferry runs multiple times daily, and you can book tickets online or at the terminal. It's not free, but it's quicker than the car ferry from nearby Fishbourne, which matters if you're pressed for time. Allow 90 minutes total including check-in.

If you're based at one of the local caravan parks - Mercury Holiday Park or Ashurst Campsite are both within reach - this is your quickest escape route to the island. The Isle of Wight itself has plenty to keep you busy for days. The Red Jet is simply the most efficient way to get there, and honestly, the crossing itself isn't something to rush through.