Sandown town

It’s got museums about poo and about dinosaurs, its got a pier and miles of golden sand, Sandown has got a lot going for it!

At the heart of Sandown Bay (known as The Bay area to locals), Sandown is the classic seaside town, with brilliant beaches, loads of fun things to do and is at the top of the UK sunshine leagues.

The Revetment (a seawall walk from Sandown to Shanklin) is a great way to appreciate the vistas of the bay and is best appreciated with an ice cream in hand.

The town centre has plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.

Things to do

Sandham Gardens has been developed in the last few years into a top-notch park with dinosaur golf, skynets and go-karts among its attractions.

The award-winning Wildheart Animal Sanctuary was formerly known as the Isle of Wight Zoo and these days has a massive focus on conservation, education and rescuing animals, including lions and tigers.

Dinosaur Isle is a great seafront interactive museum built in the shape of a Pterosaur, which celebrates the Isle of Wight’s status as one of the world’s top dino sites. You can find out so much about the big beasts that roamed the Isle in the distant past.

What could define a seaside resort better than a pleasure pier. Sandown Pier has tons of fun for all the family, including adventure golf, bowling, a snake slide, amusements and bars and cafes. You can also fish from the pier.

And it might not be to everyone’s taste, but The National Poo Museum in Battery Gardens offers fun and education in equal measure in an attraction housed in a former Victorian toilet (where else!).

Across the road from the museum is 1Leisure The Heights, with a swimming pool, gym and squash courts.

Places to eat

Sandown seafront has numerous cafes, bars and restaurants for a meal or a drink with a view, while the High Street houses a number of eateries for all tastes and even a pub with its own microbrewery in Boojum and Snark. 

If you are a vegan or just enjoy that cuisine, then The Bay Vegan Deli and Coffee House could be just the place for you.

Or for a pub with a simply stunning view for a pint and a meal, visit The Culver Haven Inn, overlooking Sandown Bay.

And if you fancy ‘banking’ on a good dining experience, pop in to the Old Corner Bank bar and eatery.

On the outskirts of Sandown, you will find a great café for cyclists and walkers. On the Newport to Sandown cycle track is Pedallers Café, with amazing cakes and sandwiches or just a beer, wine or coffee.

Places to stay

Being a traditional seaside town, there is no shortage of independent hotels and bed and breakfasts in the centre of Sandown, along the seafront and on the outskirts. Self-catering accommodation is also in plentiful supply.

The Wight with more amenities than most, features a great breakfast, subsidises your car ferry when you book direct and is always in the top 10 on TripAdvisor’s Best Value of 432 places to stay on the Island.

If you are coming as a family then Cheverton Copse Caravan Park offers reasonably priced holiday caravans on a site close to the town.

The Burlington Hotel is one of the town’s most established and respected hotels, offering a warm welcome, heated swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Another long-standing fixture of Sandown seafront is The Trouville Hotel, with stunning views over the bay and even a short-mat bowls facility!

For self-catering accommodation with similarly incredible views, check out 52 Napoleon’s Landing or stay out of town at Borthwood Cottages, close to the red squirrel haven of Borthwood Copse.

Events

Carnival is always a highlight in Sandown’s year. The main and children’s carnivals come to town towards the end of July, with brightly coloured processions through the town. The illuminated carnival then follows towards the end of August.

Also look out for Sandown Bay Regatta, which takes place every August and includes a dog show, beach sports, Punch and Judy and much more.

You can also venture out of town to the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival at nearby Newchurch, which takes place in August. 

Visit our What's On page for a full events calendar.

Tourist information

Sandown Tourist Information Point is situated in the Holiday Shop.

Getting there and getting around

Sandown is on the Island Line railway and from there you can travel to Shanklin, Brading, Lake or Ryde.

Southern Vectis bus services connect Sandown to most parts of the Island with buses 2, 3 and 8 going via various villages to Ryde and Newport. During the summer the Island Coaster and Downs Breezer provide some lovely views on open top rides.

Sandown also has handy cycle links and you can join the Island cycle network on the Sandown to Newport path from the railway station.