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Which is the best Isle of Wight beach for...?
On your Isle of Wight holiday, you don't want a romantic and inaccessible beach if you are taking a dozen children to the seaside. Equally, you don't want to be hit in the face with a frisbee and then chased by a stray dog whilst proposing to your fiancée.
So, which is the best beach for toddlers, teenagers, children, sunsets, swimming, rockpooling, surfing, barbecues, kayaking and other situations?
We've assembled an esteemed panel of judges, including me and er...well, I did ask my wife about a couple of them and I might have mentioned it to my mum. Roll out the red carpet and prepare your applause for the The Isle of Wight Guru Beach Awards.
Shrewd visitors may also like to consult our guide to free and cheap parking near Isle of Wight beaches.
So, which is the best beach for toddlers, teenagers, children, sunsets, swimming, rockpooling, surfing, barbecues, kayaking and other situations?
We've assembled an esteemed panel of judges, including me and er...well, I did ask my wife about a couple of them and I might have mentioned it to my mum. Roll out the red carpet and prepare your applause for the The Isle of Wight Guru Beach Awards.
Shrewd visitors may also like to consult our guide to free and cheap parking near Isle of Wight beaches.
Best Isle of Wight beach for children and families
Winner: Shanklin
Shanklin is good for swimming with generally flat water and a sandy bottom (which is also what you get when you sit on the sand). There are paddleboards, kayaks and similar floating things to hire, as well as an array of booths selling sugar in various shapes, as well as chips served with extra chips. Shanklin's Esplanade has a mini selection of fairly tame funfair type amusements plus three crazy golf courses and a good arcade which splurts out yellow prize tickets.
There are toilets at both ends of the beach (the ones nearer the Small Hope Beach car park are better), plus a big car park right by the seafront. All in all, ideal for junior school aged children.
Shanklin is good for swimming with generally flat water and a sandy bottom (which is also what you get when you sit on the sand). There are paddleboards, kayaks and similar floating things to hire, as well as an array of booths selling sugar in various shapes, as well as chips served with extra chips. Shanklin's Esplanade has a mini selection of fairly tame funfair type amusements plus three crazy golf courses and a good arcade which splurts out yellow prize tickets.
There are toilets at both ends of the beach (the ones nearer the Small Hope Beach car park are better), plus a big car park right by the seafront. All in all, ideal for junior school aged children.
Shanklin, looking towards Luccombe
Best Isle of Wight beach for toddlers
Winner: Appley
Appley at Ryde is a great choice for toddlers - there are two modern playgrounds on the Esplanade, toilets and parking as well as a huge great sandy beach. It also has some nice shady spots under big trees, which are welcome if you've left the suncream in the holiday cottage. There was previously a paddling pool at Appley, but it was closed and looked a bit unloved last time we visited.
Proper swimming at Appley is a bit tricky at low tide, as it ankle deep. However, for toddlers that's not really a problem. Mine were always happy to play in the shallow pools that appear when the tide goes out.
See our guide to days out for toddlers for more ideas.
Appley at Ryde is a great choice for toddlers - there are two modern playgrounds on the Esplanade, toilets and parking as well as a huge great sandy beach. It also has some nice shady spots under big trees, which are welcome if you've left the suncream in the holiday cottage. There was previously a paddling pool at Appley, but it was closed and looked a bit unloved last time we visited.
Proper swimming at Appley is a bit tricky at low tide, as it ankle deep. However, for toddlers that's not really a problem. Mine were always happy to play in the shallow pools that appear when the tide goes out.
See our guide to days out for toddlers for more ideas.
Appley has fine sand that you can sink your toes into...
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...and a couple of playgrounds near to the beach
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Highly commended runner up: Sandown
I've been agonising about this one as Sandown has a lot to offer toddlers - with a notable caveat.
The beach is golden(ish) and suitable for sandcastles and there's an excellent playground in Sandham Gardens towards the Yaverland end of the beach. Sandown Pier has some indoor entertainment suitable for younger visitors.
There are toilets and parking nearby for those endless trips to and from the beach to find missing shoes and teddies. The water is also clean* as it has won Blue Flags for cleanliness. Plus, dogs aren't allowed on Sandown beach in the summer, which means you won't have to tolerate some huge great animal sniffing your child and then marking its territory in their sandcastle.
So, why isn't it in first place? Unfortunately, Sandown is currently suffering from a row of empty and fire-damaged hotels on the seafront. It makes an otherwise glorious beach look rather like a warzone. You can either avoid turning round or stick to the nicer sections near to the pier and near to Yaverland.
I've been agonising about this one as Sandown has a lot to offer toddlers - with a notable caveat.
The beach is golden(ish) and suitable for sandcastles and there's an excellent playground in Sandham Gardens towards the Yaverland end of the beach. Sandown Pier has some indoor entertainment suitable for younger visitors.
There are toilets and parking nearby for those endless trips to and from the beach to find missing shoes and teddies. The water is also clean* as it has won Blue Flags for cleanliness. Plus, dogs aren't allowed on Sandown beach in the summer, which means you won't have to tolerate some huge great animal sniffing your child and then marking its territory in their sandcastle.
So, why isn't it in first place? Unfortunately, Sandown is currently suffering from a row of empty and fire-damaged hotels on the seafront. It makes an otherwise glorious beach look rather like a warzone. You can either avoid turning round or stick to the nicer sections near to the pier and near to Yaverland.
Sandown's beach is sandy and the pier is full of tacky fun...
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...whilst nearby Sandham Gardens has toddler friendly slides.
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*For the latest swimming water quality updates, we use the free Safer Seas Service map, which is run by a charity called Surfers Against Sewage. Personally, I think they should have called it Turd Alert, but it's a useful site nonetheless.
On one random day that I checked it said that 'storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location (Sandown) within the past 48 hours' whereas nearby Ventnor had excellent water quality. On other days, Sandown was fine for swimming.
The water is generally cleaner if it hasn't rained heavily for a while.
Here's a blog we wrote called Is it safe to swim at the Isle of Wight's beaches?
On one random day that I checked it said that 'storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location (Sandown) within the past 48 hours' whereas nearby Ventnor had excellent water quality. On other days, Sandown was fine for swimming.
The water is generally cleaner if it hasn't rained heavily for a while.
Here's a blog we wrote called Is it safe to swim at the Isle of Wight's beaches?
Best Isle of Wight beach for teenagers
Winner: Compton Bay (Hanover Point)
When I was a teenager, we only really visited one beach - Hanover Point - also known as Compton Bay or sometimes Shippards Chine. There aren't many facilities, but there are waves for splashing around and bodyboarding and plenty of space for a game of football at low tide. Evenings at Compton are ideal for angsty teenage guitar strumming and songwriting. Just don't sing too loudly whilst I'm there please.
See our guide to days out for teenagers for more ideas or read one of many affectionate blogs we've written about evenings at Compton Bay or a drone video I made, which has been viewed by almost no-one on Youtube.
When I was a teenager, we only really visited one beach - Hanover Point - also known as Compton Bay or sometimes Shippards Chine. There aren't many facilities, but there are waves for splashing around and bodyboarding and plenty of space for a game of football at low tide. Evenings at Compton are ideal for angsty teenage guitar strumming and songwriting. Just don't sing too loudly whilst I'm there please.
See our guide to days out for teenagers for more ideas or read one of many affectionate blogs we've written about evenings at Compton Bay or a drone video I made, which has been viewed by almost no-one on Youtube.
Compton Bay is a good beach for bodyboarding...
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...or evenings of guitar strumming and sunset watching
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Best Isle of Wight beach for dog walking
Winner: Chilton Chine (but there are plenty of others)
Between May and September most of the Isle of Wight's busy tourist resorts have a beach dog ban (Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and others). Anyone flouting the ban is liable to ensure a number of tuts, muttered complaints and numerous raised eyebrows. However, it's worth saying that:
If you to let your dog run free without feeling like you might be annoying anyone then Chilton Chine is a great choice. It's a quiet beach near to Isle of Wight Pearl on the Isle of Wight's south west coastline. There's a (currently) free car park next door to Isle of Wight Pearl and then a bit of clamber down. The cliffs are crumbly and supposedly full of dinosaur fossils. Please don't allow your dog to eat the dinosaur bones.
Between May and September most of the Isle of Wight's busy tourist resorts have a beach dog ban (Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and others). Anyone flouting the ban is liable to ensure a number of tuts, muttered complaints and numerous raised eyebrows. However, it's worth saying that:
- there are several Isle of Wight beaches that are dog friendly all year round (see our dog friendly guide)
- several of the busier beaches do have a section where dogs are allowed. For example, dogs are allowed on Appley Beach but only to the right of Appley Tower as you face the sea.
If you to let your dog run free without feeling like you might be annoying anyone then Chilton Chine is a great choice. It's a quiet beach near to Isle of Wight Pearl on the Isle of Wight's south west coastline. There's a (currently) free car park next door to Isle of Wight Pearl and then a bit of clamber down. The cliffs are crumbly and supposedly full of dinosaur fossils. Please don't allow your dog to eat the dinosaur bones.
Chilton Chine at Easter time
Runners-up: St Helens, Bembridge, Brook Chine, some of Yaverland, some of Colwell
As mentioned earlier, there are several beaches where you can take your dog in summer. St Helens and Bembridge are good choices in the East Wight, whilst Brook is a popular choice in the West Wight.
See our dog friendly guide for more details on accommodation, beaches, pubs and ferry travel for pets.
As mentioned earlier, there are several beaches where you can take your dog in summer. St Helens and Bembridge are good choices in the East Wight, whilst Brook is a popular choice in the West Wight.
See our dog friendly guide for more details on accommodation, beaches, pubs and ferry travel for pets.
St Helens Beach in the East Wight is big beach that allows dogs all year round
Best Isle of Wight beach for wheelchair access
Winner: Ryde/Appley
If you are a wheelchair user, or you are planning day trips with a wheelchair user then you'll know that even minor obstacles can scupper the day. Thankfully, the Isle of Wight has a few tricks up its accessible sleeves.
Appley is our deserved winner after putting a huge amount of effort into making the beach better for wheelchair users.
It's now got 'a beautiful boardwalk, a seasonal Changing Places, specialised sea and beach wheelchairs, and a convenient sand rollator' (a sand rollator is what I would call a Zimmer frame with big inflatable tyres). Some of the wheelchairs can go in the water and one of them even floats whilst you sit on top.
In other words, you can actually enjoying being on the beach rather than just sitting nearby whilst everyone else has more fun than you.
Most of the equipment is available for hire during peak times. You can book it in advance on the Ryde Marina website.
If you are a wheelchair user, or you are planning day trips with a wheelchair user then you'll know that even minor obstacles can scupper the day. Thankfully, the Isle of Wight has a few tricks up its accessible sleeves.
Appley is our deserved winner after putting a huge amount of effort into making the beach better for wheelchair users.
It's now got 'a beautiful boardwalk, a seasonal Changing Places, specialised sea and beach wheelchairs, and a convenient sand rollator' (a sand rollator is what I would call a Zimmer frame with big inflatable tyres). Some of the wheelchairs can go in the water and one of them even floats whilst you sit on top.
In other words, you can actually enjoying being on the beach rather than just sitting nearby whilst everyone else has more fun than you.
Most of the equipment is available for hire during peak times. You can book it in advance on the Ryde Marina website.
For an accessible beach, book a ticket to Ryde
Runner up #1: Ventnor
Ventnor is another of the more accessible spots we've found. There is usually space in the car park at the end of the Esplanade (the Haven Fishery end rather than the Spyglass end), there's a disabled toilet, there are plenty of places to admire the view and at least one of the cafes is accessible (we have used Besty and Spinky's but I think others are accessible).
In the past we've taken a wheelchair partway down the slipway leading to the beach at Ventnor with the rest of the party sat nearby.
There's also a glorious walk along the seawall from Bonchurch to Ventnor, which is step free (check current footpath closures, as this area is prone to landslides). There's a helpful list of public toilets and RADAR key advice on the Isle of Wight council website.
Ventnor is another of the more accessible spots we've found. There is usually space in the car park at the end of the Esplanade (the Haven Fishery end rather than the Spyglass end), there's a disabled toilet, there are plenty of places to admire the view and at least one of the cafes is accessible (we have used Besty and Spinky's but I think others are accessible).
In the past we've taken a wheelchair partway down the slipway leading to the beach at Ventnor with the rest of the party sat nearby.
There's also a glorious walk along the seawall from Bonchurch to Ventnor, which is step free (check current footpath closures, as this area is prone to landslides). There's a helpful list of public toilets and RADAR key advice on the Isle of Wight council website.
Ventnor is an old-school resort with a long esplanade and a wheelchair friendly walk
Runner up #2: Sandown
Sandown also deserves a notable mention as you can hire beach wheelchairs. They've got super big 'balloon tyres' that can cope with Sandown's soft surface.
They are free to use but you have to pay a £20 deposit, and you can't book them. That means there's a risk that a German wheelchair user will turn up at 6am and put their towels on them.
Well done to the Isle of Wight Council, Sandown Town Council and Sandown Beach Lifeguards who provide the two chairs.
See our full guide to wheelchair friendly and accessible days out and accommodation.
Sandown also deserves a notable mention as you can hire beach wheelchairs. They've got super big 'balloon tyres' that can cope with Sandown's soft surface.
They are free to use but you have to pay a £20 deposit, and you can't book them. That means there's a risk that a German wheelchair user will turn up at 6am and put their towels on them.
Well done to the Isle of Wight Council, Sandown Town Council and Sandown Beach Lifeguards who provide the two chairs.
See our full guide to wheelchair friendly and accessible days out and accommodation.
Best Isle of Wight beach for pretending you went abroad
Winner: Whitecliff Bay
If all your friends are uploading tedious Facebook albums of exotic foreign holidays, take a few photos of Whitecliff Bay. It is a properly stunning bay, backed by trees that looks almost foreign on the right day. Reality will strike when you get in the water and realise it isn't the Mediterranean.
You can even stay at an adjacent holiday park.
If all your friends are uploading tedious Facebook albums of exotic foreign holidays, take a few photos of Whitecliff Bay. It is a properly stunning bay, backed by trees that looks almost foreign on the right day. Reality will strike when you get in the water and realise it isn't the Mediterranean.
You can even stay at an adjacent holiday park.
Whitecliff Bay looks sort of foreign, despite having ice cold water
Highly commended runner up: Priory Bay
Priory Bay is another Isle of Wight beach that looks like a foreign island on a sunny day. My Dad used to tell me that the sand was imported, but in hindsight I think he might have been winding me up. He also once found a full size NOBO flip chart in the water at Priory Bay, which was presumably thrown overboard by someone who was bored at a team building day on a yacht.
You can reach Priory Bay via a couple of routes. At low tide, you can walk round from St Helens, which has its own car park. Needless to say, you'll want to read the tide times.
Our preferred route to Priory Bay is to park in a housing estate in Seaview near to Seagrove Bay (somewhere around here - please park considerately, unless you want a resident to shake a fist at you).
You can then walk round from Seagrove Bay at low tide, or walk through the woodland footpath at high tide.
Priory Bay is another Isle of Wight beach that looks like a foreign island on a sunny day. My Dad used to tell me that the sand was imported, but in hindsight I think he might have been winding me up. He also once found a full size NOBO flip chart in the water at Priory Bay, which was presumably thrown overboard by someone who was bored at a team building day on a yacht.
You can reach Priory Bay via a couple of routes. At low tide, you can walk round from St Helens, which has its own car park. Needless to say, you'll want to read the tide times.
Our preferred route to Priory Bay is to park in a housing estate in Seaview near to Seagrove Bay (somewhere around here - please park considerately, unless you want a resident to shake a fist at you).
You can then walk round from Seagrove Bay at low tide, or walk through the woodland footpath at high tide.
Priory Bay is a difficult-to-access sandy paradise
Best Isle of Wight beach for romantic sunset proposals
Winner: Compton Bay
This one is a tough one to call, and you've got to get it right if you are proposing. I spent many nights lying in bed, wide awake, trying to decide between Compton Bay, Thorness Bay and Gurnard.
Gurnard is ideal for finding a bench, opening a punnet of strawberries and admiring the yachts passing on the Solent. However, it isn't quite as remote as the other two because it is backed by massive houses owned by bare-chested men who like to sit on their balconies and expose their moobs. I fear this might prove a bit distracting.
Thorness Bay in itself isn't a stunning beach - it's fairly scrubby, but at night it has really lovely sunsets (read about our visit to Thorness Bay).
The downside with Thorness Bay is that you have to navigate your way through a large caravan park with a one-way system to get to the shore, which might be a mood killer.
So, my vote goes to Compton Bay. You can even copy my idea of spelling out a romantic message in the sand and wandering along the cliff top.
This one is a tough one to call, and you've got to get it right if you are proposing. I spent many nights lying in bed, wide awake, trying to decide between Compton Bay, Thorness Bay and Gurnard.
Gurnard is ideal for finding a bench, opening a punnet of strawberries and admiring the yachts passing on the Solent. However, it isn't quite as remote as the other two because it is backed by massive houses owned by bare-chested men who like to sit on their balconies and expose their moobs. I fear this might prove a bit distracting.
Thorness Bay in itself isn't a stunning beach - it's fairly scrubby, but at night it has really lovely sunsets (read about our visit to Thorness Bay).
The downside with Thorness Bay is that you have to navigate your way through a large caravan park with a one-way system to get to the shore, which might be a mood killer.
So, my vote goes to Compton Bay. You can even copy my idea of spelling out a romantic message in the sand and wandering along the cliff top.
A future tourism brochure front cover from Compton Bay
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Tasty waves at Compton Bay
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Best Isle of Wight beach for reliving your school days
Winner: Alum Bay
Every mainlander I've ever met seems to have been to the Isle of Wight aged 11 on a school trip. The conversation usually then turns to a discussion of what is left of Blackgang Chine and the fact that they bought a glass shape full of sand from Alum Bay (they'll then ask how many people live on the Isle of Wight and whether you need a passport to visit).
The amusements and the chairlift haven't changed very much over the years, and they still sell sand to tourists visiting an Island full of sand. Now, why didn't I think of that?
Every mainlander I've ever met seems to have been to the Isle of Wight aged 11 on a school trip. The conversation usually then turns to a discussion of what is left of Blackgang Chine and the fact that they bought a glass shape full of sand from Alum Bay (they'll then ask how many people live on the Isle of Wight and whether you need a passport to visit).
The amusements and the chairlift haven't changed very much over the years, and they still sell sand to tourists visiting an Island full of sand. Now, why didn't I think of that?
The chairlift at Alum Bay
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This is the sort of view you get of The Needles from Alum Bay
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Best beach for eating chips on the esplanade and remembering the good old days
Winner: Ventnor
Some say that to get a feel of what the Isle of Wight was like in the 1970s, you need to visit the Isle of Wight today. This nonsense is obviously not true and is disputed by Islanders, very few of whom are still wearing flared trousers. Nowadays, the Isle of Wight has got it all - hot and cold running water, colour television, even escalators (or "magic moving stairs" as they are known locally).
If you want to sit on an esplanade, admire a beautiful view, eat chips and reminisce about how things used to be, then I recommend Ventnor. I might sound a little sarcastic, but it really is one of my favourite places on the Island.
Some say that to get a feel of what the Isle of Wight was like in the 1970s, you need to visit the Isle of Wight today. This nonsense is obviously not true and is disputed by Islanders, very few of whom are still wearing flared trousers. Nowadays, the Isle of Wight has got it all - hot and cold running water, colour television, even escalators (or "magic moving stairs" as they are known locally).
If you want to sit on an esplanade, admire a beautiful view, eat chips and reminisce about how things used to be, then I recommend Ventnor. I might sound a little sarcastic, but it really is one of my favourite places on the Island.
Ventnor on a sunny day
Best Isle of Wight beach for kitesurfing
Winner: Brook Chine
I am certainly not a pro-kitesurfer, but I can speak with authority that they do tend to congregate at Brook Chine, which is on the Isle of Wight's pretty south west coast. The coastline tends to get the best waves, so you'll see people taking off pretty regularly.
It does make swimming at Brook Chine a bit terrifying as there is always a slight risk that you might be decapitated by a giant swooping kite, or perhaps just get clobbered round the head with a board. I've also seen kitesurfers at Gurnard who were hurtling off towards Southampton as if they'd just heard there was a sale at Decathlon.
I am certainly not a pro-kitesurfer, but I can speak with authority that they do tend to congregate at Brook Chine, which is on the Isle of Wight's pretty south west coast. The coastline tends to get the best waves, so you'll see people taking off pretty regularly.
It does make swimming at Brook Chine a bit terrifying as there is always a slight risk that you might be decapitated by a giant swooping kite, or perhaps just get clobbered round the head with a board. I've also seen kitesurfers at Gurnard who were hurtling off towards Southampton as if they'd just heard there was a sale at Decathlon.
This chap was at Gurnard, but most head for Brook Chine
Best Isle of Wight beach for kayaking
Winners: St. Helen's or Shanklin
For a relatively safe and serene kayaking experience, I would consider St. Helen's where a company called Tackt-Isle is based. The water is ankle deep and rarely manages anything more than a tiny wave. There's a massive great fort in the sea that was built by Lord Palmerston who feared the French were coming. Around Shanklin and Sandown you will find places to hire kayaks for a bit of holiday larking. The water's a bit deeper than St. Helen's, but it is usually pretty serene.
Other people head to Newtown Creek, but I'm never quite sure on how you are supposed to get to the water safely. We took an inflatable boat out once and ended up wading through a muddy bog to reach the water. Probably not ideal for a family day out...
For a relatively safe and serene kayaking experience, I would consider St. Helen's where a company called Tackt-Isle is based. The water is ankle deep and rarely manages anything more than a tiny wave. There's a massive great fort in the sea that was built by Lord Palmerston who feared the French were coming. Around Shanklin and Sandown you will find places to hire kayaks for a bit of holiday larking. The water's a bit deeper than St. Helen's, but it is usually pretty serene.
Other people head to Newtown Creek, but I'm never quite sure on how you are supposed to get to the water safely. We took an inflatable boat out once and ended up wading through a muddy bog to reach the water. Probably not ideal for a family day out...
There are usually kayaks for hire in Shanklin (I took this photo in 2021)
Runner up: Freshwater Bay
Freshwater Bay is good fun for those with more experience and a sense of adventure. However, I feel obliged at this point to say that you should only really venture off around this bit of coastline with a guide who knows the local area. There are regular cases of people getting stranded and needing rescuing.
There are several caves hidden along this bit of coastline that were supposedly used by smugglers, as well as Watcombe Bay, which is only accessible by either sea or abseiling. My kayaking trip around Freshwater Bay was hampered slightly by my appallingly weak stomach, but it was nonetheless excellent. Unfortunately, the company that organised my tour isn't currently operating but there is a coasteering company that covers the same bit of beach.
Freshwater Bay is good fun for those with more experience and a sense of adventure. However, I feel obliged at this point to say that you should only really venture off around this bit of coastline with a guide who knows the local area. There are regular cases of people getting stranded and needing rescuing.
There are several caves hidden along this bit of coastline that were supposedly used by smugglers, as well as Watcombe Bay, which is only accessible by either sea or abseiling. My kayaking trip around Freshwater Bay was hampered slightly by my appallingly weak stomach, but it was nonetheless excellent. Unfortunately, the company that organised my tour isn't currently operating but there is a coasteering company that covers the same bit of beach.
Kayaking at Freshwater Bay
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Freshwater Bay kayakers (at the bottom of the photo)
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Best Isle of Wight beach for swimming
Winner: Sandown
Personally, I like swimming at Compton Bay because I enjoy leaping into waves that are strong enough to knock me over.
However, on paper at least Sandown is much better and so it should really win our award for the Isle of Wight's best beach for swimming.
The water has won Blue Flags for cleanliness, so you will hopefully be the only floater in the sea. The seabed is sandy, which is nicer than stubbing your toe on a rock and the water goes out at a steady gradient. Sandown Bay also won an award from Countryfile Magazine as the UK's best beach in 2019.
For more on the Isle of Wight's best beach for swimming, check out the blog.
Before you swim, check the Safer Seas Service map, which shows if anything unpleasant has been pumped into the water recently.
As mentioned earlier, the caveat with Sandown is that part of the seafront is currently looking in a sorry state. This is due to several hotels in a row that have closed and caught fire. The nicer bits of Sandown Seafront are near to the Premier Inn and near to Dinosaur Isle.
Personally, I like swimming at Compton Bay because I enjoy leaping into waves that are strong enough to knock me over.
However, on paper at least Sandown is much better and so it should really win our award for the Isle of Wight's best beach for swimming.
The water has won Blue Flags for cleanliness, so you will hopefully be the only floater in the sea. The seabed is sandy, which is nicer than stubbing your toe on a rock and the water goes out at a steady gradient. Sandown Bay also won an award from Countryfile Magazine as the UK's best beach in 2019.
For more on the Isle of Wight's best beach for swimming, check out the blog.
Before you swim, check the Safer Seas Service map, which shows if anything unpleasant has been pumped into the water recently.
As mentioned earlier, the caveat with Sandown is that part of the seafront is currently looking in a sorry state. This is due to several hotels in a row that have closed and caught fire. The nicer bits of Sandown Seafront are near to the Premier Inn and near to Dinosaur Isle.
Sandown gets busy, but is good for swimming
Best Isle of Wight beach for playing ball games and kiteflying
Winner: Appley
If you're looking to kick a ball around, fly a kite or throw a frisbee without hitting someone in the face then try Appley at low tide. The beach goes on forever, gradually turning from soft sand to that slightly harder stuff which is a bit less pretty but is much easier to walk on.
At low tide you will also find lots of sand and not too many people at Yaverland near Sandown.
If you're looking to kick a ball around, fly a kite or throw a frisbee without hitting someone in the face then try Appley at low tide. The beach goes on forever, gradually turning from soft sand to that slightly harder stuff which is a bit less pretty but is much easier to walk on.
At low tide you will also find lots of sand and not too many people at Yaverland near Sandown.
Plenty of space can be found at Appley - this is at high tide and it's still a large beach
Best Isle of Wight beach for bodyboarding and surfing
Winner: Compton Bay
Whilst surfing requires time, effort and lessons before you get to an enjoyable level, bodyboarding just requires an ability to lie down and shout 'wooohoooo'. For such reasons we usually stick to bodyboarding, which we've had most success with at Compton Bay.
The Hanover Point end of the beach tends to be a bit rocky, but further along towards Compton Farm there are often decent waves, particularly if you are man enough to go into the water on a windy day in winter (which I'm not). Check the surf forecast before you go.
Whilst surfing requires time, effort and lessons before you get to an enjoyable level, bodyboarding just requires an ability to lie down and shout 'wooohoooo'. For such reasons we usually stick to bodyboarding, which we've had most success with at Compton Bay.
The Hanover Point end of the beach tends to be a bit rocky, but further along towards Compton Farm there are often decent waves, particularly if you are man enough to go into the water on a windy day in winter (which I'm not). Check the surf forecast before you go.
Compton Bay is a good spot for bodyboarding...
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...and it's also popular with surfers
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Runner up: Sandown
The Isle of Wight's surf school is based in Sandown, although it does also hold lessons at Compton Bay.
I had a surf lesson in Sandown and the surf was ideal for my appalling efforts at standing up on a board. Sandown doesn't have the same unspoilt charm of Compton Bay, but it does have better facilities.
The Isle of Wight's surf school is based in Sandown, although it does also hold lessons at Compton Bay.
I had a surf lesson in Sandown and the surf was ideal for my appalling efforts at standing up on a board. Sandown doesn't have the same unspoilt charm of Compton Bay, but it does have better facilities.
Surf lessons are available in Sandown
Best Isle of Wight Beach for Stand Up Paddleboarding
Winner: Colwell and Totland
Stand Up Paddleboarding has shot up in popularity in recent years, much like glamping, avocados and beards. It is relatively easy on flat water and most boards are inflatable so they are easier to carry and transport than a kayak. Of course, there remains a risk of ending up in France if you aren't careful.
Colwell and Totland are two adjacent beaches where you will find plenty of paddleboarders as the water is usually flatter and calmer than most Isle of Wight beaches.
At the time of writing, there's a paddleboard hire place called SUP Dog in Colwell.
The peace is sometimes shattered by the sound of jet skis whooshing up and down the Solent (we call them buoy racers, because we're very witty).
See our watersports guide for more advice.
Colwell and Totland are two adjacent beaches where you will find plenty of paddleboarders as the water is usually flatter and calmer than most Isle of Wight beaches.
At the time of writing, there's a paddleboard hire place called SUP Dog in Colwell.
The peace is sometimes shattered by the sound of jet skis whooshing up and down the Solent (we call them buoy racers, because we're very witty).
See our watersports guide for more advice.
Colwell is usually flat enough for stand up paddleboarding
Runners-up: St Helens, Lake, Shanklin, Sandown
As runner up, we've included four places where you can hire paddleboards. After all, you may not want to splash out £100+ on a paddleboard before you er, splash out on the water.
St Helens is a bay that usually has calm water and is home to Tackt-Isle Adventures. They'll lend you a stand up paddleboard or you can pay extra for introductory lessons. Wight Water Adventure Watersports is a similar sort of place that can be found half way between Sandown and Shanklin.
Sandown and Shanklin usually have some simple cash-and-bumbags hire places. I like to get some good banter going with the person hiring out the boards by calling them 'mate' at least three times.
As runner up, we've included four places where you can hire paddleboards. After all, you may not want to splash out £100+ on a paddleboard before you er, splash out on the water.
St Helens is a bay that usually has calm water and is home to Tackt-Isle Adventures. They'll lend you a stand up paddleboard or you can pay extra for introductory lessons. Wight Water Adventure Watersports is a similar sort of place that can be found half way between Sandown and Shanklin.
Sandown and Shanklin usually have some simple cash-and-bumbags hire places. I like to get some good banter going with the person hiring out the boards by calling them 'mate' at least three times.
My paddleboard during an outing from St Helens to Priory Bay
Looking for a stand up paddleboard? Search deals on Amazon
Best Isle of Wight Beach For Sand
Winner: Appley
I read a blog recently that made a throwaway comment suggesting that you shouldn't expect golden sandy beaches if you visit the Isle of Wight. This is piffle, flim-flam and nonsensical nonsense.
My high court libel case against the website is still at the crowdfunding stage. In the meantime, I will offer some suggestions.
Appley in Ryde is a good choice as there is a long sandy beach even at high tide. The sand is soft and - dare I say it - golden on a sunny day. There are some shingly bits if you want to be picky.
The stretch of coastline from Yaverland to Shanklin, via Sandown and Lake is almost entirely sandy. Admittedly, some parts are a bit stony at high tide. At a rough guess, I'd say there are four miles of sand along that part of the Isle of Wight's coast. Is that enough sand for you, buster?
You'll also find good sand at low tide at Totland Bay, Whitecliff Bay, Compton Bay and Colwell Bay. Priory Bay has wonderful golden sand but it's harder to access. Ventnor is sort of sandy, but it was hit by a big storm that made it shingly and it has been recovering ever since.
I read a blog recently that made a throwaway comment suggesting that you shouldn't expect golden sandy beaches if you visit the Isle of Wight. This is piffle, flim-flam and nonsensical nonsense.
My high court libel case against the website is still at the crowdfunding stage. In the meantime, I will offer some suggestions.
Appley in Ryde is a good choice as there is a long sandy beach even at high tide. The sand is soft and - dare I say it - golden on a sunny day. There are some shingly bits if you want to be picky.
The stretch of coastline from Yaverland to Shanklin, via Sandown and Lake is almost entirely sandy. Admittedly, some parts are a bit stony at high tide. At a rough guess, I'd say there are four miles of sand along that part of the Isle of Wight's coast. Is that enough sand for you, buster?
You'll also find good sand at low tide at Totland Bay, Whitecliff Bay, Compton Bay and Colwell Bay. Priory Bay has wonderful golden sand but it's harder to access. Ventnor is sort of sandy, but it was hit by a big storm that made it shingly and it has been recovering ever since.
The sandy beach at Appley
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Shanklin is another sandy spot on the eastern side of the Isle of Wight
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Best Isle of Wight beach for watching massive boats
Winner: Cowes
Isle of Wight residents tend to fall into two camps. Some enjoy looking out at miles and miles of nothingness, which is generally what you get from Ventnor, Shanklin and the Military Road (one friend even remarked to me that they couldn't bare to look at the mainland...). Others prefer to look out into the Solent, which is constantly busy with posh people on yachts, vast container ships delivering plastic junk from China, cruise liners, kitesurfers falling over and LADS on jetskis.
On a warm evening we like to sit in one of the bus-shelter-esque structures on Cowes beach and watch them all sailing past. If you've got nothing else to do you can Google the names of the container ships and work out where they are heading.
Isle of Wight residents tend to fall into two camps. Some enjoy looking out at miles and miles of nothingness, which is generally what you get from Ventnor, Shanklin and the Military Road (one friend even remarked to me that they couldn't bare to look at the mainland...). Others prefer to look out into the Solent, which is constantly busy with posh people on yachts, vast container ships delivering plastic junk from China, cruise liners, kitesurfers falling over and LADS on jetskis.
On a warm evening we like to sit in one of the bus-shelter-esque structures on Cowes beach and watch them all sailing past. If you've got nothing else to do you can Google the names of the container ships and work out where they are heading.
The Solent is full of floating things (no, that's not a dig at Southern Water)
Best Isle of Wight beach for rockpooling
Winner: Bembridge
Bembridge is the champion here.
You might be able to catch crabs (arf arf) at St Helen's, Steephill Cove or Freshwater Bay (the bit round the corner from the main beach), but Bembridge is the best Isle of Wight beach for rockpooling.
Bembridge is a wide beach, which is really shallow with loads of rocks that appear at low tide. There is also an RNLI shop nearby which, last time I visited, was selling fishing nets. Alternatively, you can buy fishing nets in advance.
There's also a lifeboat station at Bembridge that features in our free days out on the Isle of Wight.
Bembridge is the champion here.
You might be able to catch crabs (arf arf) at St Helen's, Steephill Cove or Freshwater Bay (the bit round the corner from the main beach), but Bembridge is the best Isle of Wight beach for rockpooling.
Bembridge is a wide beach, which is really shallow with loads of rocks that appear at low tide. There is also an RNLI shop nearby which, last time I visited, was selling fishing nets. Alternatively, you can buy fishing nets in advance.
There's also a lifeboat station at Bembridge that features in our free days out on the Isle of Wight.
Bembridge also has a lifeboat station which you can visit.
Runner up: Steephill Cove or Freshwater Bay (head round to the right as you face the sea at low tide).
When I'm feeling controversial, I sometimes claim that Freshwater Bay is even better than Bembridge - despite what I said 10 seconds ago.
When I'm feeling controversial, I sometimes claim that Freshwater Bay is even better than Bembridge - despite what I said 10 seconds ago.
Freshwater Bay's second beach is popular with rockpoolers
Best Isle of Wight beach for barbecues
Winner: Fort Victoria, West Wight
I thought twice about recommending a barbecue spot on the Isle of Wight, as there are some uncivilised folk out there who leave used disposable BBQs on the beach and happily trot home. The clue is in the word 'disposable'.
Equally, there are some people who start up huge fires when there is a strong wind on a crowded beach, so that everyone else suffocates.
Fort Victoria in Yarmouth has some purpose-built barbecues you can use for free. They are metal stands that stick out the ground with the idea being that you bring your own disposable barbecues. The beach there is known as Sconce Point.
You can book the barbecues for big groups, or you can just turn up and tap your watch in a passive aggressive way until other users move along.
Fort Victoria is a former military battery that is by a shingle beach looking towards Hurst Castle on the mainland. It's not a sandy paradise but it's got some green space to run around and - remarkably - free parking. There's a height barrier so you can't get in with motorhomes.
I thought twice about recommending a barbecue spot on the Isle of Wight, as there are some uncivilised folk out there who leave used disposable BBQs on the beach and happily trot home. The clue is in the word 'disposable'.
Equally, there are some people who start up huge fires when there is a strong wind on a crowded beach, so that everyone else suffocates.
Fort Victoria in Yarmouth has some purpose-built barbecues you can use for free. They are metal stands that stick out the ground with the idea being that you bring your own disposable barbecues. The beach there is known as Sconce Point.
You can book the barbecues for big groups, or you can just turn up and tap your watch in a passive aggressive way until other users move along.
Fort Victoria is a former military battery that is by a shingle beach looking towards Hurst Castle on the mainland. It's not a sandy paradise but it's got some green space to run around and - remarkably - free parking. There's a height barrier so you can't get in with motorhomes.
Sconce Point isn't my favourite beach, but there are BBQ points nearby
Runner up: Red Cliff, Yaverland or Sandhard Beach, Yarmouth
If you prefer the rustic experience of getting sand kicked into your barbecue then the far end of Yaverland beach near Sandown is a good choice. It's the only Isle of Wight Council run beach that officially allows barbecues. Don't sit right under the cliffs as they do have a habit of collapsing, which might put out your barbecue.
I used to recommend Compton Bay for barbecues until the National Trust put out an appeal asking people to stop. The main issue was people having barbecues on the clifftop, as they can catch fire in hot weather.
Sandhard Beach is another option. It's a quiet beach that is hidden away a little bit near to Yarmouth's harbour (read the blog for advice on parking etc). It has a couple of BBQ areas with seating that looks like a civilised way to do things.
If you prefer the rustic experience of getting sand kicked into your barbecue then the far end of Yaverland beach near Sandown is a good choice. It's the only Isle of Wight Council run beach that officially allows barbecues. Don't sit right under the cliffs as they do have a habit of collapsing, which might put out your barbecue.
I used to recommend Compton Bay for barbecues until the National Trust put out an appeal asking people to stop. The main issue was people having barbecues on the clifftop, as they can catch fire in hot weather.
Sandhard Beach is another option. It's a quiet beach that is hidden away a little bit near to Yarmouth's harbour (read the blog for advice on parking etc). It has a couple of BBQ areas with seating that looks like a civilised way to do things.
The square at the bottom of this photo is a barbecue area at Sandhard Beach in Yarmouth (Ed: I thought it was you?)
Best Isle of Wight beach for fossil hunting
Winner: Yaverland
Bearded experts can’t quite decide on the best Isle of Wight beach for fossil hunting. UK Fossils reckons that Hamstead, Yarmouth and Whitecliff Bay are the best spots. Similarly. Red Funnel’s guide says that Thorness Bay, Whitecliff Bay, Gurnard Bay and Hamstead are best.
But no! DinoWight says that “The majority of dinosaur fossils are found along the south-west coast at Hanover Point, Chilton Chine and Brighstone Bay” before adding that “Dinosaur remains are also found at Yaverland.”
The National Trust throws its wide-brimmed hat into the ring by claiming that "The best place to go looking for fossils is on our coastline in Compton Bay."
Dinosaur Isle’s organised fossil hunting tours – which you would hope would visit prime spots – cover beaches including Brook, Yaverland, Compton Bay and Shanklin. A young girl called Daisy Morris made global headlines when she found a previously undiscovered species at Atherfield (it was named Vectidraco daisymorrisae in her honour) whilst another new species was found in Shanklin in 2020.
So, where does that leave us? You could conclude that half the Isle of Wight is prime fossil-finding territory - which it probably is.
The answer may be that it depends whether you want a family-friendly organised jaunt along an accessible beach or a spot that hasn't been scrutinised over and over again in recent weeks.
I've picked Yaverland as it seems to be a very popular spot for tours, but if a palaeontologist picked an intellectual fight with me, I would certainly lose. We did a fossil hunting tour at Yaverland in 2022 and we did find a small fossil.
There are several companies offering fossil-hunting outings on the Isle of Wight, including Island Gems, Dinosaur Isle, Wight Coast Fossils and Dinosaur Expeditions. Island Gems has been shortlisted a few times at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards for its tours but I'm sure it's not the only good one.
Bearded experts can’t quite decide on the best Isle of Wight beach for fossil hunting. UK Fossils reckons that Hamstead, Yarmouth and Whitecliff Bay are the best spots. Similarly. Red Funnel’s guide says that Thorness Bay, Whitecliff Bay, Gurnard Bay and Hamstead are best.
But no! DinoWight says that “The majority of dinosaur fossils are found along the south-west coast at Hanover Point, Chilton Chine and Brighstone Bay” before adding that “Dinosaur remains are also found at Yaverland.”
The National Trust throws its wide-brimmed hat into the ring by claiming that "The best place to go looking for fossils is on our coastline in Compton Bay."
Dinosaur Isle’s organised fossil hunting tours – which you would hope would visit prime spots – cover beaches including Brook, Yaverland, Compton Bay and Shanklin. A young girl called Daisy Morris made global headlines when she found a previously undiscovered species at Atherfield (it was named Vectidraco daisymorrisae in her honour) whilst another new species was found in Shanklin in 2020.
So, where does that leave us? You could conclude that half the Isle of Wight is prime fossil-finding territory - which it probably is.
The answer may be that it depends whether you want a family-friendly organised jaunt along an accessible beach or a spot that hasn't been scrutinised over and over again in recent weeks.
I've picked Yaverland as it seems to be a very popular spot for tours, but if a palaeontologist picked an intellectual fight with me, I would certainly lose. We did a fossil hunting tour at Yaverland in 2022 and we did find a small fossil.
There are several companies offering fossil-hunting outings on the Isle of Wight, including Island Gems, Dinosaur Isle, Wight Coast Fossils and Dinosaur Expeditions. Island Gems has been shortlisted a few times at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards for its tours but I'm sure it's not the only good one.
Yaverland is a pleasant beach, as long as the cliff doesn't fall on your head
Best Isle of Wight beach for singing songs about your ex
Winner: Binnel Bay
People that sit on busy beaches strumming a guitar are about as welcome as a smoker at a fire alarm factory.
The rest of the world doesn't want to hear your half-decent attempt at Good Riddance (Time of your life) or Wonderwall.
If you are in the mood for some angsty song writing, you will want to find an isolated spot, which will most likely be somewhere along the South West coastline. It gets very quiet from Brook Chine down towards the south of the Island.
We like Binnel Bay (see our interactive beaches map). It hardly ever has another soul on it and has plenty of crashing waves to drown out your pathetic warbling.
People that sit on busy beaches strumming a guitar are about as welcome as a smoker at a fire alarm factory.
The rest of the world doesn't want to hear your half-decent attempt at Good Riddance (Time of your life) or Wonderwall.
If you are in the mood for some angsty song writing, you will want to find an isolated spot, which will most likely be somewhere along the South West coastline. It gets very quiet from Brook Chine down towards the south of the Island.
We like Binnel Bay (see our interactive beaches map). It hardly ever has another soul on it and has plenty of crashing waves to drown out your pathetic warbling.
The rare site of a person on Binnel Bay
Best Isle of Wight beach for letting it all hang out
Winner: Rocken End Beach/Blackgang Beach
The Isle of Wight doesn't have an official naturist beach, as far as I'm aware (I'm fairly sure the 14 year old version of me would have known about it). However, the unofficial option seems to be Blackgang on the South Wight. It's not the easiest to access but there's a car park on Old Blackgang Road.
A word of caution though - don't confuse Blackgang beach with Blackgang Chine, which is a children's theme park. No-one wants to see your wobbly bits as you slide down the water ride or wander round the hall of mirrors.
You can read our blog about visiting Blackgang Beach here.
The Isle of Wight doesn't have an official naturist beach, as far as I'm aware (I'm fairly sure the 14 year old version of me would have known about it). However, the unofficial option seems to be Blackgang on the South Wight. It's not the easiest to access but there's a car park on Old Blackgang Road.
A word of caution though - don't confuse Blackgang beach with Blackgang Chine, which is a children's theme park. No-one wants to see your wobbly bits as you slide down the water ride or wander round the hall of mirrors.
You can read our blog about visiting Blackgang Beach here.
I remained fully dressed when I last visited Blackgang Beach
Best Isle of Wight beach for fishing
Winner: Whale Chine/Atherfield
I'm no fishing expert, but I have seen anglers lined up in a long row at Whale Chine/Atherfield. I'd assumed they were just avoiding their wives/husbands but it turns out they actually had a decent chance of catching some fish. Various guides I've read online have confirmed that it's a recommended spot. The steps have gone at Whale Chine, so you need to access the beach from Atherfield.
Other guides recommend one of the Isle of Wight's remaining piers (try Sandown, Ryde or Yarmouth).
I'm no fishing expert, but I have seen anglers lined up in a long row at Whale Chine/Atherfield. I'd assumed they were just avoiding their wives/husbands but it turns out they actually had a decent chance of catching some fish. Various guides I've read online have confirmed that it's a recommended spot. The steps have gone at Whale Chine, so you need to access the beach from Atherfield.
Other guides recommend one of the Isle of Wight's remaining piers (try Sandown, Ryde or Yarmouth).
Whale Chine, looking towards Atherfield
Best Isle of Wight BEach for a scorching hot day
Winner: Appley
Heading to a shadeless beach on a scorching hot day (by British standards) can be exceedingly unpleasant, particularly if you're taking children and don't want them to end up being barbecued.
On really hot days we usually head for Appley as it has more shade than most beaches thanks to the large trees in the adjacent park and Appley Tower. There's also somewhere you can refill water bottles and cafes selling ice creams. Your air conditioned car can be parked nearby.
Admittedly, the sea does end up a long way away at low tide, but there are pools of water to paddle in if you don't fancy the walk.
Heading to a shadeless beach on a scorching hot day (by British standards) can be exceedingly unpleasant, particularly if you're taking children and don't want them to end up being barbecued.
On really hot days we usually head for Appley as it has more shade than most beaches thanks to the large trees in the adjacent park and Appley Tower. There's also somewhere you can refill water bottles and cafes selling ice creams. Your air conditioned car can be parked nearby.
Admittedly, the sea does end up a long way away at low tide, but there are pools of water to paddle in if you don't fancy the walk.
Will the real shady beach, please sand up, please sand up
Runner up: Priory Bay in the East Wight has a background of woodland that also provides some shade.
Shanklin and Sandown are also quite decent choices for a hot day as they have lots of bumbag-wearers hiring out parasols. You can buy cold drinks and it's not a long walk to get into the sea to cool down. There's a chance that you will end up in a car park tussle for the last space. If this happens, just keep calm and think about the ice cream you are going to buy.
Shanklin and Sandown are also quite decent choices for a hot day as they have lots of bumbag-wearers hiring out parasols. You can buy cold drinks and it's not a long walk to get into the sea to cool down. There's a chance that you will end up in a car park tussle for the last space. If this happens, just keep calm and think about the ice cream you are going to buy.
Best quiet Isle of Wight Beach for Avoiding people
Winners: Chilton Chine, Binnel Bay
Mrs Guru warned me against offering advice on finding quiet beaches, since it might lead to them becoming busy beaches.
I pointed out that a) I'm not Justin Bieber so I don't have millions of fans hanging off every Instagram post I make and b) they're generally quiet beaches because they are an absolute pain to reach.
If you just fancy somewhere fairly quiet for a day out I would try:
We wrote a blog on the topic of quiet and remote beaches including maps and pictures.
If I'm being an annoying so-and-so I'd choose Watcombe Bay near Freshwater Bay, which you can only reach by boat or by abseiling. Be warned that it's a bit risky unless you know what you are doing, as a group of paddleboarders discovered in 2021. They had to be rescued with a winch because they couldn't get back to Freshwater Bay.
Mrs Guru warned me against offering advice on finding quiet beaches, since it might lead to them becoming busy beaches.
I pointed out that a) I'm not Justin Bieber so I don't have millions of fans hanging off every Instagram post I make and b) they're generally quiet beaches because they are an absolute pain to reach.
If you just fancy somewhere fairly quiet for a day out I would try:
- Chilton Chine in the South West Wight, which has free parking and a walk of about five minutes down some uneven steps
- Gurnard's 'hidden' beach in the North Wight, which is a couple of minutes down a path behind the sailing club. It's better at low tide or you won't find much beach. We call it Robert's Beach but I'm not sure if there's an official name for it.
- The very far end of Compton Bay, rather than the busy Hanover Point end, in the West Wight. The car park is easy to reach but you have to walk for about 10 minutes including lots of steps that look like they were borrowed from the Crooked House at Blackgang Chine.
- Binnel Bay, Watershoot Bay and Orchard Bay in the South Wight all require a walk of 10-15 minutes along footpaths. There are steps to negotiate.
- Woodside Bay in the North East Wight is easy to access if you're staying at Woodside Bay Coastal Retreat. Otherwise, there's a public footpath leading down to the beach. Parking nearby is not easy so you'll need to park some distance away (about 10-15 minutes' walk I'd guess).
We wrote a blog on the topic of quiet and remote beaches including maps and pictures.
If I'm being an annoying so-and-so I'd choose Watcombe Bay near Freshwater Bay, which you can only reach by boat or by abseiling. Be warned that it's a bit risky unless you know what you are doing, as a group of paddleboarders discovered in 2021. They had to be rescued with a winch because they couldn't get back to Freshwater Bay.
Watcombe Bay is so remote that you need a boat to access it
Best Isle of Wight beach for avoiding sewage
Winner: It depends
Just like the rest of England, the Isle of Wight has a sewage problem. This is because Southern Water is allowed to pump sewage into the sea under certain circumstances. What’s that expression about doing something on your own doorstep?
There are two steps to figure out the cleanest beach for swimming on the Isle of Wight.
Your first step is to look at the Environment Agency's data. They take water samples at 15 Isle of Wight beaches between May and September and give them a rating from zero to three stars (a bit like Michelin stars for sewage).
Here are the beaches that received the top three stars ratings for 'excellent' quality sea water, in alphabetical order:
There are also four beaches that have a two star rating, which means they have 'good' water quality including Bembridge, Gurnard, Ryde/Appley and Sandown.
It's worth noting that none of the Isle of Wight's beaches received a zero star rating (unlike stinky beaches at Bognor Regis, Weston Super Mare and Blackpool).
Just like the rest of England, the Isle of Wight has a sewage problem. This is because Southern Water is allowed to pump sewage into the sea under certain circumstances. What’s that expression about doing something on your own doorstep?
There are two steps to figure out the cleanest beach for swimming on the Isle of Wight.
Your first step is to look at the Environment Agency's data. They take water samples at 15 Isle of Wight beaches between May and September and give them a rating from zero to three stars (a bit like Michelin stars for sewage).
Here are the beaches that received the top three stars ratings for 'excellent' quality sea water, in alphabetical order:
- Colwell Bay
- Compton Bay
- Cowes (although this isn't really a good beach for swimming in my opinion)
- East Cowes (also not a great beach for swimming)
- Seagrove
- Shanklin
- St Helens
- Totland Bay
- Ventnor
- Whitecliff Bay
- Yaverland
There are also four beaches that have a two star rating, which means they have 'good' water quality including Bembridge, Gurnard, Ryde/Appley and Sandown.
It's worth noting that none of the Isle of Wight's beaches received a zero star rating (unlike stinky beaches at Bognor Regis, Weston Super Mare and Blackpool).
Totland is one of 11 beaches given an 'excellent' rating for water quality by the Environment Agency
You may be thinking that this doesn't quite add up, as you've heard that sewage is constantly being pumped into our seas. So, why are they being given three star ratings?
It's worth explaining that the water quality tests are only done in summer. Sewage in seas is a much bigger issue after rainfall, which peaks in winter.
You also need to do the second step, which is to look at the Safer Seas map on the Surfers Against Sewage website or the Southern Water website as it will alert you to recent, er, outpourings.
This is particularly important if it's been raining on your holiday.
There are 14 ‘stormwater or wastewater’ outlets shown around the Isle of Wight on the Southern Water website - including many near the best swimming locations around the Isle of Wight.
There don’t appear to be any sewage outlets around Freshwater Bay. It's a popular spot for swimming but it gets deep very quickly at high tide so isn't so great for young children.
The map shows a sewage-free stretch along the scarcely habited stretch of coastline from Brook Chine all the way round to Steephill Cove. To be honest though, that part of the Isle of Wight coastline isn’t very accessible or popular for swimming.
It's worth explaining that the water quality tests are only done in summer. Sewage in seas is a much bigger issue after rainfall, which peaks in winter.
You also need to do the second step, which is to look at the Safer Seas map on the Surfers Against Sewage website or the Southern Water website as it will alert you to recent, er, outpourings.
This is particularly important if it's been raining on your holiday.
There are 14 ‘stormwater or wastewater’ outlets shown around the Isle of Wight on the Southern Water website - including many near the best swimming locations around the Isle of Wight.
There don’t appear to be any sewage outlets around Freshwater Bay. It's a popular spot for swimming but it gets deep very quickly at high tide so isn't so great for young children.
The map shows a sewage-free stretch along the scarcely habited stretch of coastline from Brook Chine all the way round to Steephill Cove. To be honest though, that part of the Isle of Wight coastline isn’t very accessible or popular for swimming.
If you’d like to write to your MP about this brown coloured outrage, start by checking if your MP voted in 2021 against ‘a proposal from the Lords to the Environment Bill that would have placed legal duties on the companies to reduce discharge’.
Note that the Isle of Wight’s ex-MP – Conservative Bob Seely – voted against the bill. He lost his seat in 2024. No flowers please.
Note that the Isle of Wight’s ex-MP – Conservative Bob Seely – voted against the bill. He lost his seat in 2024. No flowers please.
Best Isle of Wight beach for hiring a beach hut
Winner: Sandown
Sandown is my winner on this one. I've seen a couple of signs advertising beach huts for hire around there. Steve’s Beach huts gets good reviews but there others along the seafront.
Expect to pay about £20-£25 per day to hire a beach hut on the Isle of Wight.
Runners up:
Several other Isle of Wight beaches have rows of beach huts including Appley, Ventnor, Gurnard, Lake, Shanklin and Colwell. I’ve always enjoyed the ambience at Gurnard and Ventnor but Shanklin and Appley have better sand. Ventnor's beach huts have the added quirk of being former Victorian bathing machines that have had their wheels removed.
My research did unearth that the hiring out process for beach huts on the Isle of Wight is a little bit, er, old fashioned. There’s no sign of a slick website with an online booking form and options to upgrade to extra comfy cushions.
The Isle of Wight Council guide to beach huts reads like a 1980s’ guide book with home phone numbers for owners. I expected it to say “Mrs Miggins of Ryde requests that you don’t call at 8pm on Thursdays as she enjoys Crossroads and doesn’t have a VCR yet”
Sandown is my winner on this one. I've seen a couple of signs advertising beach huts for hire around there. Steve’s Beach huts gets good reviews but there others along the seafront.
Expect to pay about £20-£25 per day to hire a beach hut on the Isle of Wight.
Runners up:
Several other Isle of Wight beaches have rows of beach huts including Appley, Ventnor, Gurnard, Lake, Shanklin and Colwell. I’ve always enjoyed the ambience at Gurnard and Ventnor but Shanklin and Appley have better sand. Ventnor's beach huts have the added quirk of being former Victorian bathing machines that have had their wheels removed.
My research did unearth that the hiring out process for beach huts on the Isle of Wight is a little bit, er, old fashioned. There’s no sign of a slick website with an online booking form and options to upgrade to extra comfy cushions.
The Isle of Wight Council guide to beach huts reads like a 1980s’ guide book with home phone numbers for owners. I expected it to say “Mrs Miggins of Ryde requests that you don’t call at 8pm on Thursdays as she enjoys Crossroads and doesn’t have a VCR yet”
Sandown has a few places offering beach huts for hire
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Colwell's beach huts are attractive and modern but I found it harder to find out hiring information
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Which is the best Isle of Wight beach for cafes and restaurants?
Winner: Shanklin
We've written extensive (but hopefully not expensive) guides to Isle of Wight cafes with a sea view and Isle of Wight restaurants with a sea view.
For choice and variety, Shanklin is your winner but there are several beaches around the Isle of Wight that have one or two excellent places to eat with a sea view.
Popular pubs/restaurants with a sea view include The Steamer in Shanklin, The Spyglass in Ventnor, The Bandstand in Sandown, The Waterfront in Totland and The Rock at The Albion Hotel in Freshwater Bay (but there are loads of others).
Please note that The Rock restaurant has no affiliation with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Don't turn up and ask to see their wrestling memorabilia.
We've written extensive (but hopefully not expensive) guides to Isle of Wight cafes with a sea view and Isle of Wight restaurants with a sea view.
For choice and variety, Shanklin is your winner but there are several beaches around the Isle of Wight that have one or two excellent places to eat with a sea view.
Popular pubs/restaurants with a sea view include The Steamer in Shanklin, The Spyglass in Ventnor, The Bandstand in Sandown, The Waterfront in Totland and The Rock at The Albion Hotel in Freshwater Bay (but there are loads of others).
Please note that The Rock restaurant has no affiliation with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Don't turn up and ask to see their wrestling memorabilia.
The Steamer is one of several pubs and cafes with a sea view in Shanklin
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