Spot a hermit crab, catch a wave or explore ancient caves.
The Isle of Wight is blessed with a huge variety of beautiful beaches to explore, each with it’s own unique character, but they hide many adventurous secrets – if you know where to look. So let us give you a quick rundown of some of the best with our insider tips on how to plan your trip!.
Sandown Beach
This long stretch of golden sand is perfect for families with children. It’s very family-friendly and the shallow waters make it great for paddling. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at some water sports. The beach resembles a Spanish beach on a hot summers day and can get very busy, so grab your spot early! (This is actually one of our favourite beaches on the Island and in Winter it makes a beautiful walk).
Paddle boarding and hermit crab spotting
Insider tip:
The tide can come up quite high, so grab a spot near the sea wall and take advantage of the many different beach concessions providing deck chairs and sun shades – for less than £10 you can sit on the beach in comfort. If you want something fun to do, put on a snorkel and mask try and spot the tiny hermit crabs that hide under the pier in the shallow water. If you want to do something more adventurous, grab your paddle board or hire a board along the beach and go from Sandown to Shanklin, staying close to the beach. Just make yourself aware of the direction of the tide to save a paddle back against the tide!
Shanklin Beach
Just a short walk from Sandown Beach, Shanklin is another fantastic family-friendly option. The soft sand and calm waters make it a great place to relax, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby if you need refreshments. The sea is perfect for small children as the tide goes out quite a long way leaving a beautiful warm shallow sea for children to paddles to their hearts content!
Secluded bay and caves
Insider tip:
Head south towards Luccombe beach at low tide and find the caves – you must ONLY attempt this at Low tide as you WILL get cut off by the sea and the coast path has been cut off by the land slipping. They are a good 20mins walk from Shanklin beach and the walk is not recommended if you have children under 10 due to safety. Look for a blue guide rope near a concrete block heading slightly up above the shoreline and you will see a small path through the undergrowth, continue for a few minutes. It’s a wonderful picnic spot also!
Check our our free holiday and day trip planners – giving you more time to enjoy your holiday!
Compton Bay
Another one of our favourites on a sunny day. This beautiful, unspoilt beach is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature. With its rugged cliffs and crashing waves, it’s perfect for long walks and exploring rock pools. You do need to drive or get the bus to reach the beach and parking can get very busy on a hot day. Make sure you pack plenty of drinks and refreshments, this beach is completely secluded from shops – but on a sunny day you may be in luck with an ice cream van.
Fossils and Surfing!
Insider tip:
Make sure you bring your surf board!. The waves are big enough to do some fantastic body boarding, the tide does come up the beach quite high so grab a safe spot, and play in the waves until your hearts content. If you want to stretch your legs head east along to Brook beach (Hanover point) and at low tide you can find the fossilised tree rafts and may even spot a dinosaur footprint or 2!
Ventnor Beach
This sheltered cove is a great option if you’re looking for something a bit quieter. It’s not as family-friendly as some of the other options as the stony beach drops down to the sand, but it’s perfect for couples or anyone looking for a peaceful spot to relax and the views are incredible. The waves can come into the bay which provides an exhilarating experience if you want to swim with the motion of water around you.
Experience the Isle of Wight micro-climate
Insider tip:
If the weather is bad elsewhere on the island and the breeze is coming into the east/west or norther beaches, Ventnor Beach is your MUST GO beach! People talk about the “sub-tropical” micro climate on this area of the island and you will certainly find a more sheltered beach. Whilst we can’t guarantee tropical climates, the unique position of Ventnor and the back drop of the high down behind create the perfect sheltered conditions, meaning where it may be windy elsewhere on the island Ventnor will be sheltered unless the wind if blowing from the South!
Take a walk around to Steephill Cove, a beautiful secluded bay, you may even be lucky enough to spot a lizard sunbathing on the rocks!
Ryde Beach
With its miles of soft sand, Ryde Beach is a great option if you’re looking for a classic seaside experience. It’s very family-friendly and there are plenty of facilities nearby, including cafes, restaurants, and amusement arcades. Appley beach just further out of the town is simply stunning, with warm pools created by the tide going down young children can play safely. We love Appley for early evening swims when everyone else has gone home!
Amazing Sunset Swims
Insider tip:
Head to Appley beach for a sunset swim, with stunning views towards Portsmouth and the Spinnaker tower there is noting quite like looking back over to the mainland and enjoying the unique view. The tide sweeps in here, just be aware of the tide pulling you out into the channel, stay shallow and make sure you don’t go alone.
Gurnard Beach
A small, shingle beach located on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, near the village of Gurnard. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and while it may not be the biggest beach on the island, it certainly has its charms.
Insider tip:
One of the great things about Gurnard Beach is its peaceful atmosphere. Unlike some of the larger, more bustling beaches on the island, Gurnard Beach is a quiet spot where you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the sea.
The Isle of Wight really does have something for everyone when it comes to beaches. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, rugged natural beauty, or a classic seaside experience, you’ll find it all here. So pack your sunscreen, grab your bucket and spade, and get ready to explore!
Isle of Wight
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