Isle of Wight Beaches

Being on the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight enjoys some of the best weather in Britain. Although sunbathing weather can never be guaranteed in the UK, the island beaches are visited all year round. Whether it be a walk in the winter sunshine, a sandcastle competition and rock pooling during Springtime, or swimming and chilling out on a hot summers day... the island's clean and beautiful beaches are always welcoming.

For for more beach pictures, take a look at the photo gallery. You can find out more about each area on our towns and villages pages too.

 

Bembridge Beaches

 

Bembridge has several quiet, small, sand and shingle beaches dotted around. Bembridge harbour is popular for sailing and watersports. However, it is not one of the main beach spots.

Bonchurch Beach

Bonchurch beach is a pretty little beach, accessible by a short walk from the nearby car park, or by walking down from Bonchurch Old Church. Quiet and peaceful, the beach is mainly shingle, although there is plenty of soft sand at low tide. Great for rockpooling (at low tide) picnics and paddling. The beach does tend to attract seaweed sometimes.

Colwell Bay

Colwell bay is near to Totland and Freshwater and is popular with families. There are a couple of shops and beach cafes. There is a sand and shingle beach at lower tide, plus a promenade. Great view across The Solent to Hurst Castle. Parking available along the road.

Compton Bay

Compton Bay long is a sandy beach along the south coast of the island, on Military Road. Extremely popular for swimming and surfing. There are basic beach amenities and refreshments / a little shop. Parking available. At low tide, you can go fossil hunting!

Cowes and Gurnard Beaches

Cowes and Gurnard beaches give fantastic views across The Solent and are perfect for sunbathing, picnics or relaxing in a deck chair to read the paper! Gurnard is popular for watersports. Be careful if swimming at Cowes Egypt Esplanade as the current can be very strong. Both promanades are lined with car parking, but are attractively maintained with pretty grassy areas and flower beds. 

East Cowes Beach

Popular with locals particularly, East Cowes beach is mainly shingle and accessible at low tide. There is a cafe and a children's play area. The woodland backing onto the esplanade also make a fun area to explore. Parking is available.

Freshwater Bay

A sand and shingle beach with refreshments and toilets. This is a very popular and pretty little bay, a short walk from Tennyson Down. Parking is available.

Ryde Beach

Ryde beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, due to it's huge expanse of soft, golden sand, with plenty of beach attractions, amenities,  shops, cafes and lots of parking. Free parking at Appley. Fabulous views across The Solent to the Spinnaker Tower.

Sandown Beach

Popular with families, due to being a large, long sand and shingle beach with many activities including crazy golf, a mini fair ground and a pier. Plenty of shops and cafes. Parking available.

Seagrove and Springvale Beaches

Located between Seaview and St. Helen's, these beaches are sand and shingle. Low tide reveals a larger expanse of beach, perfect for exploring. Great views accross the Solent. Parking available.

Shanklin Beach

Shanklin beach is another popular beach, with plenty of amenities and activities for the family on the esplanade. The sand and shingle beach does get a little narrow at high tide, but is very large at low tide! Parking available.

St. Helen's Beach

St. Helen's beach (also known as The Duver) is a very attractive sandy beach, with beautiful views towards Bembridge. Parking available, but you may need to park further up the road when busy. Picnic area and cafe.

Totland Bay

Totland is an attractive bay, quite protected and sand/shingle. Limited parking available but you can park along the road and have a little wander. Beach amenities and The Waterside pub available. A lovely beach.

Ventnor Beach

Arguably the most attractive little bay of the island, this mainly sandy beach (shingle when tide brings it in!) is very popular with locals and visitors alike. Plenty of parking. Tasteful bars, cafes and shops line the esplanade. Pretty, relaxing, suitable for all. Great swimming but tred carefully - there are some rocks revealed at low tide.

Steephill Cove

A unique, picture postcard bay. Amenities,cafe, little shops and a small restaurant. This cove is only available by foot, making it quite charming. Walk from Ventnor along the coast, or down from near the Ventnor Botanical Gardens.