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Isle of Wight Distillery
Isle of Wight Distillery Experience + Hovertravel
FREE Island Spirit Tasting Board with Valid Hovertravel Ticket
Show your valid Hovertravel day return or Hover Rover bus ticket and enjoy a complimentary tasting board (worth: £9.50).* Explore the distillery, watch stills in action, and relax with a Mermaid & Tonic on the terrace. Set in the scenic countryside on the outskirts of Ryde, the Mermaid Bar offers food, cocktails, and seasonal ambiance.
*Terms & conditions apply. See “Terms & Conditions” section below.
What’s Included & Why Visit
- Complimentary tasting board when you present your Hovertravel valid ticket (for adult tickets only).
- Guided viewing of the distillation process, check out the stills in operation.
- Full bar & cocktail menu in the Mermaid Bar (interior seating & terrace available).
- Food menu available.
- Scenic location near Ryde with countryside views and relaxing setting.
This experience is ideal for visitors who want a more leisurely, sensory visit to an Isle of Wight attraction, combining taste, local flavour, and ambience.
Sample Itineraries & Getting There
Afternoon Visit Itinerary
- Depart Southsea hoverport around 12:00
- Arrive at Ryde hoverport 12:10, walk to Ryde Bus Station
- Take Southern Vectis Bus Service 8 (15 mins) to the distillery
- Enjoy your time at the distillery, tasting, bar, food, viewing
- Return: Bus 8 back to Ryde bus station, then hovercraft return (16:45 onward)
Evening Visit Itinerary (Friday & Saturday late-flight period)
- Depart Southsea around 16:00
- Arrive at distillery mid-afternoon, enjoy evening setting
- Return bus 20:53, hovercraft 21:15 (available Friday & Saturday during summer late-flight window)
Note: These are sample timings. Always double-check hovercraft and bus schedules before your visit.
Location & Transport Connections
Address:
The Mermaid Bar & Distillery
Pondwell Hill
Ryde
Isle of Wight
PO33 1PX
How to Reach It:
- From the Hovertravel Ryde hoverport, it’s a short walk to Ryde Bus Station.
- Board Southern Vectis Bus Service 8, which runs between Ryde and the distillery (approx 15 minutes)
- Return via the same bus and hovercraft combination.
Service Notes:
- Late flights and evening visits are available Fridays and Saturdays in the summer (from 22nd July to 27th August)
- Check flight times and bus schedules prior to travel.
*Terms & Conditions & Important Notes
- The free tasting board offer is valid only when you present a valid Hovertravel day return or Hover Rover Bus ticket, for adult tickets.
- Offer not valid for season passes, flexi cards, or children’s tickets.
- Subject to availability. Tasting board supply cannot be guaranteed.
- Flights & bus times must align. Your ticket date must match your distillery visit date.
Why Choose the Distillery & Hovertravel Experience?
- Unique local flavour: Experience one of the Isle of Wight’s artisan craft spirit producers
- Value-add: Free tasting board enhances your visit and encourages dwell time
- Ease & access: Combined hovercraft and bus connection makes the trip seamless
- Atmosphere: Relaxed bar setting, scenic surroundings, tasting & food option
Book Your Crossing
Discover the Spirit of the Isle of Wight
Step inside the Isle of Wight Distillery and uncover the story behind the island’s award-winning spirits. From expertly crafted gins to stunning coastal views, it’s the perfect stop for a taste of local flavour during your island adventure. Book your Hovertravel crossing and start exploring in just 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to reach the Isle of Wight Distillery is with a Hovertravel hovercraft crossing from Southsea to Ryde, which takes just 10 minutes. From Ryde hoverport, it’s a short walk to the bus station, where you can board Southern Vectis Bus Service 8 to the distillery. The journey takes around 15 minutes, making it a quick and convenient way to enjoy a craft spirits experience on the Isle of Wight.
When you travel with Hovertravel to the Isle of Wight Distillery, you’ll receive a free tasting board when you present a valid Hovertravel day return or Hover Rover bus ticket. You can watch the distillation process, sample Mermaid Gin and other locally made spirits, enjoy cocktails at the Mermaid Bar, and relax on the outdoor terrace. Food is also available, so you can make a full afternoon or evening of your visit.
Yes, during the summer season (typically late July to late August), Hovertravel operates late flights on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing visitors to enjoy an evening visit to the Isle of Wight Distillery. For example, you can return on the 21:15 hovercraft from Ryde to Southsea, with connecting Bus Service 8 departing the distillery at around 20:53. Always check the latest hovercraft timetable and bus schedules before planning your visit.
Booking a full distillery tour is not required to enjoy the bar and tasting experience, but it is recommended if you want a guided visit and guaranteed space. The Mermaid Bar and Isle of Wight Distillery can get busy during weekends and peak holiday periods, so booking ahead ensures the best experience. Don’t forget to bring your Hovertravel ticket to claim your complimentary tasting board when you arrive.