There’s something about that moment the ferry pulls away from Portsmouth. The skyline fades, the sea opens up, and you know you’re either heading home… or starting an adventure.
This year, that journey marks something pretty special. The Wightlink Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry route is celebrating 100 years of crossings. A century of people, cars, suitcases and dogs, all making their way across the Solent.
From 1926 to Now
The route first started back in 1926, long before road trips with dogs and weekend escapes were a thing. What began with wooden tow-boats has evolved into the modern ferries we know today, including hybrid vessels like the Victoria of Wight.
Over the years, it’s adapted to everything. Growing car ownership. Wartime restrictions. Changing travel habits. And now, a world where more and more people want to explore with their dogs by their side.
Fast forward to today, and millions of people are still making that same crossing every year.
The Journey is Part of the Adventure
For us, the ferry isn’t just transport. It’s genuinely part of the experience… and the start of every adventure we share.
It’s sitting out on the open deck when the sun’s shining, with a coffee and a slice of Wightlink toast (my personal favourite), just watching the sea. It’s those slow moments too… Catching a sunrise on an early crossing or watching the sky turn golden on the way back.
And if you’re travelling with dogs, it’s even better. Watching them take in the sea views, ears flapping in the wind, completely in their element. It’s hard not to romanticise it.
Living on the Isle of Wight, every trip begins with this crossing. And the truth is, a lot of what we do wouldn’t be possible without the support of Wightlink. That connection to the mainland is everything. It’s easy to take it for granted when you use it regularly. But when you stop and think about it, this one route has been quietly enabling adventures for 100 years.
Top tip: If you’ve had a long drive down to Portsmouth, the massage chairs in the terminal go down a treat. It costs £2 and trust me, it’s worth every penny.
Dog Friendly Travel to the Isle of Wight
What I love most about this milestone is thinking about how many journeys have been made across the Solent over the years. Generations of seaside holidays, long coastal walks, and pub lunches after muddy adventures, all starting with that same crossing.
And somewhere in all of that, dogs have become part of the picture too. These days especially, more and more people are choosing to bring them along, turning a simple trip into something shared.
Every time we cross, there are so many dogs on board. It’s clearly a popular route for dog owners, and Wightlink have made it easy. There’s a dedicated dog area inside which is actually quite spacious, plus the outside decks are ideal for a quick toilet break. There are plenty of bins and even cleaning stations dotted around, just in case.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about getting away. It’s about who you take with you.
If you’ve been thinking about visiting the Isle of Wight with your dog, this is your sign. Start with the crossing, then explore everything the island has to offer – from coastal walks to dog friendly cafés and fun attractions. You can explore our Isle of Wight recommendations over on Dog Owners Guide to help plan your trip, or check out an itinerary here.
We’re celebrating with a giveaway
To mark the occasion, we’ve teamed up with Wightlink (and a couple of our favourite spots) to give you the chance to experience it for yourself.
Over on Instagram, we’re currently running a giveaway where you can win:
- A ferry crossing with Wightlink
- A one-night stay in a three-bedroom apartment
- Breakfast for two at The Garlic Farm
It’s the perfect excuse for a little Isle of Wight escape. Head over to Instagram to enter – you’ll find all the details there.
Here’s to the next 100 years
Whether you’re heading over for the first time or you’ve done the crossing more times than you can count, there’s something quite special about knowing you’re part of a journey that’s been happening for a century.
Same route. Same stretch of water. Just different stories each time. And for us, it all starts here!
Love and woofs,
Emma 💁🏼♀️Oscar, Archie & Henry 🤍🐾
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