Beaches for all occasions

Thanks to our miles of stunning coastline, you are sure to find the perfect beach for you- whether that’s a beach to try your hand at watersports, a beach to let the dog roam free or a quiet spot to soak up the Island sunshine, there’s a beach waiting for you…

Family Fun

If it is classic seaside fun you are after, Sandown Bay and Shanklin Beach have it in spades (pun intended!). Situated on the south-east of the Island, the beaches offer long stretches of soft sand, as far as the eye can see. You’ll also find the promenade lined with cafes, ice cream shops and plenty of places to grab that all-important bucket and spade.

Golden Sands

Spilt in two by the Ryde Pier, the second longest seaside pier in the UK, Ryde delivers miles of golden sands just waiting to be explored. When the tide is out, you can feel like you could walk to Portsmouth thanks to the half-a-mile of sandy playground. Appley Beach is right on the coastal path and is famed for its beautiful golden sands, warm waters, beach huts and even a ‘fairy castle’ in the shape of Appley Tower, an Island landmark built in 1875. 

Along Ryde esplanade you’ll find plenty of eateries close by, including that seaside favourite - fish and chips. 

Water Adventures

If it’s swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking or even coasteering that takes your fancy, then a trip to Freshwater Bay in the West Wight is a must. At low tide you can explore the caves or see what you can find in the rockpools left behind. A great place to swim whatever the tide thanks to the natural sloping of the bay and the clear, deep waters. 

Surfers

There’s one place where all the surfers on the Island head, whatever their skill level - and that’s Compton Bay. One of the last unspoilt beaches on the Isle of Wifght, Compton is 2 miles of glorious sand and fun waves with a dramatic cliff backdrop. Make sure to pack a picnic as faciitlites are limited here, with a small carpark, toilets and occasional ice cream van. 

Clear Waters

Crystal clear warm waters - no, it’s not the Mediterranean, it’s Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight! This picturesque sandy beach is ideal for swimming, with its clear turquoise waters and far reaching views to the mainland. Boats moor offshore, fishermen line the promenade and plenty of people turn out for some of the best sunsets views on the whole Island. 

Great Swimming

On the north east side of the Island, nestled between Seaview Beach and Priory Bay, Seagrove Bay is a top spot for a dip. Reminiscent of times gone by, you’ll find small boats bobbing in the water, as well as some of the most impresserive beach side properties flanking the golden shores. The pretty village of Seaview is just a short walk away, with several charming cafes and shops to explore. 

Dog Friendly

One of the Island most popular beaches, a visit to Yaverland is easy to see why. The huge expanse of golden sands is great for letting your four-legged friend run off some steam. There are lots of convenient amenities nearby too, with ample car parking, toilets, and beach cafe. Dogs are welcome all year round on the beach that sits to the left of the car park, running under the stunning Culver Cliffs. 

Iconic

A trip to the Isle of Wight is not complete without seeing our most famous landmark - The Needles. So why not make the most of the amazing views with some time relaxing on the shores of Alum Bay? The bay is famed for its coloured sand and cliffs, and you can even jump aboard a regular boat ride in the summer months which gets you close enough to to almost touch these iconic chalk stacks! There’s no vehicle access to the bay, so you’ll have to use the steps, or, if you are feeling brave, The Needles Landmark Attraction famous chairlift.

Sunset Heaven

Famed for its spectacular sunsets, Gurnard Beach is a quaint traditional, pebble and shingle beach, within walking distance of the sailing town Cowes, with some of the best views across The Solent. Bordered by a row of pretty green beach huts, there’s a great childrens playpark and grassy area, perfect for an evening picnic and some sundowners as you watch the sky put on a show. 

Discover more places to enjoy a sunset on the Isle of Wight here.

Hidden Gem

One of the Island’s best kept secrets, Steephill Cove is the ideal spot for laidback beach days. There’s no road access to the cove, but you can walk following the coastal path from Ventnor down some steps and slopes before turning a corner and discovering the beautiful cove right ahead of you. The cove has an array of brightly coloured beach huts, quirky fishermen’s cottages and a few beach cafés serving locally caught seafood, with crab being a speciality. 

Discover more beaches to explore on the Isle of Wight here.