The Best of the Islands Beaches

The Isle of Wight is renowned for its Beaches, especially the long golden sandy beaches of Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and much of the West Wight. Here is a brief guide to some of the most popular beaches on the Island:

Ryde
By far the largest area of sand on the Island, this huge area of Sand stretches from just west of the Pier all the way to the Dell Cafe at Puckpool. The best part of the beach runs from the edge of the Harbour eastwards and along to Appley. At low tide the Sea recedes as much as a kilometre from the high-water mark. There is a long flat promenade along the beach front which is popular with walkers and people out for their morning run.

Compton Bay
A National Trust beach, which is located on the south-west of the Island, Compton Bay has often been described as one of the best beaches in the UK, due to its unspoilt surroundings and breath-taking views, particularly at Sunset. The long beach is popular spot for Surfers, especially in the colder months when the Sea becomes more active. The area is also popular with fossil hunters, with fossilised dinosaur footprints visible at low tide.

Sandown, Lake & Shanklin
This large bay has a sandy shoreline which crosses three towns and has different qualities as move from East to West. The Sand at Yaverland is open to Dogs all year round, but most of the tourist areas of the beach have a restriction in place. A main feature of the Bay is Sandown Pier, which is a traditional seaside pier with amusements, rides and fish & chip seller. As you head past the Pier, you’ll reach Hope beach (Lake), which is backed by a many colourful beach huts, with a café at the half way point between Sandown and Shanklin. At Shanklin seafront, you’ll find a great selection of amusements to entertain all ages, includes more than one crazy golf course, arcades, ride on bumper bikes & boats and even a small roller coaster. The beach runs all the way to the picturesque cliffs at Luccombe.

Ventnor
Ventnor beach is the southernmost holiday beach on the Isle of Wight and is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Nestled in the bay beneath Victorian town, Ventnor’s red shingle and golden sand beach has vintage beach huts which can be hired on a daily basis from the hut on the sea wall, as can deckchairs, sun loungers and wind breaks. The bandstand-like structure at the east end of the beach has 360 degree views from its lofty viewing platform.  Opposite the bandstand is the famous Isle of Wight paddling pool, a giant replica of the Isle of Wight.

Colwell & Totland Bay
Colwell Bay is one of many picturesque beaches in West Wight, offering spectacular views back across the Solent to mainland England. It is a small, easily-accessible beach on the north-west coast, with clear, calm waters and gently sloping sand and shingle, making it an ideal beach for swimming. This is a popular family beach, with a traditional seaside cafe just before you reach the beach. There is a lovely walk from here along the sea wall to Totland Bay. The Beach at Totland has a short pier, which is currently under redevelopment, and a row of pretty beach huts. Walk along the seafront and there is a pub on the sea wall at the eastern end of the road. With large picture windows on the sun room side of this pub and restaurant, this is a great place to eat as you watch the sunset.

Seagrove Bay
Popular with locals and often missed by visitors, Seagrove bay is located between Seaview and Bembridge, and isn’t the easiest place to find, but worth the effort. This quiet stretch of sand runs along the front of some very classically grand homes and with no easy access for cars or parking. The easiest way to reach the bay is to park in the car park in Seaview village centre and take a short stroll down Pier road. There are few amenities on the beach, so bring a packed lunch. The sandy shore provides a very shallow and safe bathing waters perfect for swimming.