Amplitudes School 2026
Free afternoon information
A boat trip is organised to the Isle of Wight, free of charge for Amplitudes School participants.
The boat "Ocean Scene" will depart from "Shamrock Quay" at 1:30pm, and return participants to Southamton Town Quay, leaving Cowes at 8.30pm.
Important information
- The boat will depart punctually at 1.30pm from Shamrock Quay and 8.30pm Cowes
- The boat will return to Town Quay at approximately 10pm, which is a different, more cental location with more public transport options.
- If you miss the departure from Shamrock Quay and still wish to get to the Isle of Wight, your best alternative is to catch a Red Jet to West Cowes ferry from Town Quay. Likewise if you miss the boat at 8:30pm, you can catch a RedJet back to Southampton from West Cowes at 9:30pm and 11:05pm.
- Participants to the boat trip are responsible from their own safety and must follow the instructions of the crew.
- Whilst the beaches on the Island are very pleasant, swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and occasional pollution.
- We recommend that you stay in small groups, or inform others about your plans.
Getting to Shamrock Quay
The easiest option is Taxi, and we recommend forming groups up to 5 people. Note you need to book your taxis in advance. Please get in touch with one of the local taxi companies, eg Radio Taxis. Possible pickup locations are: University Road, Chamberlain Road. This option normally takes about 15'.
Alternatively you can take U1C, U2C or U6C busses to the "Civic Centre Road" stop in the city centre, and change to busses 16 or 18 from across the road that will take you to the "Britannia Road" stop which is about 10' walk from Shamrock Quay. This option takes about 50', and you will need to depart soon after the lecture.
Things to do on the Isle of Wight
We expect that you will have little more than four hours on the Isle of Wight. You can stay in or in the vicinity of Cowes, or with good planning, venture further afield. You can
- Relax or have a picnic by the sea, for example at Egypt Point
- Explore Cowes and its maritime hertiage
- Sir Max Aitken Museum (closes 4pm)
- Visit a Castle (Carisbrooke Castle) * (closes 5pm)
- Go on a walk to Gurnard along the Island Shore
- Visit the scenic the Needles (~30' drive from Cowes) *
*To allow time for these activities, you must organise a taxi, including your timely return. There is no Uber on the Island and enquire taxi prices before booking
If you decide to go outside Cowes, make sure you have a plan to board the boat before 8.30pm or to return to Southampton using a public ferry.