Exploring the Isle of Wight's beaches

What does a beach mean to you? It may be sandcastles, sunbathing, paddling, surfing or walking along a sandy stretch. Well, here on the Isle of Wight, we have beaches galore for every activity and more. You may even find evidence of dinosaurs…

Our favourite Isle of Wight beaches

The Island has a varied coastline that boasts cliffs, coves, sandy beaches, secret inlets and hidden rock pools to discover. From the sands of the East Wight at Sandown, Shanklin and Yaverland to the cove at Steephill and right around the West Wight to Compton Bay and Freshwater, you’ll be amazed at just how different the landscape becomes.

Wherever you end up staying, it’s easy to find a relaxing beach spot pretty much everywhere around the Island. And because the Isle of Wight’s only 22.5 miles long, you’re never too far away from some of the UK’s best beaches.  

Surfing in the West Wight

The West Wight beaches are perfect for surfers. The soaring coastline at Compton Bay can be a fossil finder’s delight with dinosaur footprints visible at low tide. Colwell Bay is another spectacular West Wight beach. With spectacular views across the Solent, this traditional seaside beach features gently sloping sand and shingle, making it perfect for swimming in the warm spring and summer months – or winter, if you’re brave enough.

Award-winning beaches in East Wight

In Ryde, you'll discover some of the most spacious beaches on the Island. The sand shelves gently into the sea, making it an ideal beach for families. Ryde beaches are easy to get to and you'll enjoy some of the warmest bathing waters on the Island as the incoming tide warms itself coming in over the hot sand.

The towns of Sandown and Shanklin encompass award winning Sandown Bay, which won 'Beach of the Year' in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2019 with the magazine calling it a ‘traditional bucket and spade beach on the east coast of the island with miles of golden sand, pier and eclectic seafront – and just a short walk to peace, fossil-rich cliffs and stunning coastal wildlife’.

If you’re looking for a beach that delivers on adventure, head to Bembridge. Located at the edge of Bembridge Harbour, the beach is comprised of shells, pebbles and stones and is a wonderful spot for water sports and dinghy sailing enthusiasts. You can even sit with a cup of tea from the local café and watch the boats go in and out of the harbour.

Traditional english beaches in South Wight

There are many smaller beaches on the south of the Island that all have an endearing air of the traditional British holiday about them with beach huts and shore-side cafes.

Steephill Cove in particular is a hidden gem with an ever-changing landscape and gorgeous rock pools to dip your toes into. Tucked away at the foot of Ventnor’s undercliff area, this charming beach is only accessible by foot and offers clear waters and many rock pools to explore.

There’s also Ventnor – the Island’s southern-most beach. Nestled in the bay beneath the Victorian town, it’s a popular spot with families and solo travellers alike. It boasts red shingle and golden sands alongside vintage beach huts that can be hired on a daily basis, offering a taste of Victorian charm.

Sailing in the North Wight

Located north of the Island, Cowes Beach is the perfect viewing point for the many sailing events that occur throughout the year, including Cowes Week – the world’s largest sailing regatta. The stony beach hides a sandy floor, where you can find shells, sea glass and sea-jewels if you search the pebbles close enough. The beach is only a short stroll from Cowes, where you’ll find an abundance of shops, bars and cafes.

Plan your beach break in real time

Plan your visit to the beach during your stay with the simple-to-use Beach Check App. The app provides real-time information for Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor beaches. You can find out how crowded a beach is so you, your friends and family can enjoy promenades and beaches safely. Using a traffic light system, you will be able to check whether beaches are quiet (marked green), starting to get busier (marked orange) or are congested (marked red). Download the free app to plan your next beach trip.

Things to do on the Isle of Wight's beaches

Apart from getting your Island dose of vitamin sea and basking in the sun, there are plenty of other things to do just a step away from the beaches. Spend your pennies in traditional seaside amusement arcades, have an ice cream or lunch at one of the many excellent cafes and pubs that use locally sourced produce or take a walk along the coastal paths to experience stunning views and spectacular sunsets.

And don’t just think that the beach is for the summer. Some of the best, blustery walks can be had along the beach in winter months and throughout the year. You can stroll for miles without seeing another soul, allowing you to explore your surroundings in peace and quiet.

Traditional family holidays very often include a four- legged friend and many of the Island’s beaches are partially dog friendly during the summer months – so bring Fido along. After all, it’s his holiday as well!

Where to stay on the Isle of Wight

From campsites and holiday cottages to hotels and bed and breakfasts, there’s an enormous amount of accommodation just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Throw the windows open and enjoy fresh air and sea views before you step out for your day on the beach.

If you’re looking to stay somewhere a little different, enjoy a home away from home in a luxury yurt or stay in an awesome Airstream caravan for a retro twist on your beach getaway.

Our clean and serene beaches

Did you know that 11 out of the 14 Island beaches have the highest rating for bathing water quality? Well they do. Having introduced a new standard 4 years ago, the Environment Agency gave the stamp of approval of ‘excellent’ to 11 beaches with the other 3 receiving a rating of ‘good’. This means you and yours can paddle and swim knowing that you’re doing so in safe water.

The Isle of Wight also champions the ‘drive less see more’ ethos – it’s simple and easy to get to many of our beaches by foot, bike, bus or train. The recently published Slow Wight Travel Guide has some great ideas for getting around without a car – so why not slow down and see more.