The Isle of Wight’s beaches are famous for their stunning golden sands and dramatic chalk cliffs. So whether you're looking for the perfect place to kayak or want a dog-friendly beach to walk your pup, the Isle of Wight has it all.
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The island has a staggering 57 miles of coastline to explore, and because of its compact size, you’re never more than 9 miles away from any beach while you’re there.
So if you are one of the 40% of Brits planning a staycation in the UK, the Isle of Wight might be the perfect place for that much-awaited beach holiday.
With three lifeboat stations in Yarmouth, Cowes, and Bembridge, the island is well-equipped to deal with the dangers of the sea and provides safe seaside holidays for everyone.
The Isle of Wight is also steeped in history with a rich Victorian heritage that will appeal to amateur historians. Ryde shows off the Victorian-inspired architecture of the island perfectly - and has a fantastic beach, too!
But what are some of the best beaches on the Isle of Wight? And how do you decide which sandy seafront to visit next?
Our handy guide will tell you where to go, whether you're looking for a dog-friendly beach or a safe, family-friendly spot.
Shanklin beach
No Isle of Wight beach list would be complete without the famous Shanklin beach with its golden sands, traditional seafront cafes, and beach huts. Nestled between imposing cliffs, Shanklin beach is safe, sheltered, and perfect for a family day out.
Bring your grandchildren and build sand castles, then visit the nearby cafes for delicious ice cream. After your day at the beach, visit the esplanade and enjoy the dinosaur-themed crazy golf, amusement park, or bowling alley.
But if you want to bring your puppy to Shanklin beach, beware! Dogs are banned between May and September, so you’ll have to go elsewhere.
Sandown beach
Just a couple of miles from Shanklin beach is Sandown beach, arguably one of the most popular beaches on the Isle of Wight. There is an animal sanctuary just a short walk from the beach, which would make a great day out for the kids if they get bored of the seaside.
Dog owners, sadly your pups can't join you on Sandown beach during the summer months. The ban is from May to September, so if you want to show your dog Sandown Bay, head over in the colder months.
Alum Bay
While most beaches on the Isle of Wight boast golden sands, Alum Bay is the exception, boasting a beautiful shingle beach. From clear waters to dramatic sea views, Alum Bay has plenty to offer.
And let’s not forget the Needles, an iconic Isle of Wight landmark attraction which consists of three stacks of chalk that rise out of the sea. The colourful sands and shallow, clear waters make it the perfect spot to swim with children. The nearby lighthouse is interesting to see too.
Fun fact: The famous Solent straight, which connects the Isle of Wight to Great Britain, stretches from the Needles to Portsmouth.
Ventnor beach
There is a paddling pool on the esplanade with a miniature version of the Isle of Wight in the centre for children to enjoy. The paddling pool is open from May to September and is perfect for smaller children who may want to do some independent water play in a safe environment. It is also a great place to make lasting memories with your grandchildren.
If you get tired of swimming, the Ventnor Botanical Gardens are only a short walk away and are another great attraction for the whole family.
Compton Bay
Compton beach is a hidden gem on the Isle of Wight. With two miles of stunning golden sands, it's easy to see why this beach is popular with surfers and other fans of watersports and adventures.
There are some gorgeous sights at sunset too, and you can spot the white cliffs of Freshwater in the distance.
There are few amenities here, so make sure you come prepared with everything you need for your beach day! Pack a picnic, bring your surfboard, bring extra sunscreen, and come prepared to enjoy a day at this tranquil beach.
Compton Bay is unspoiled in many ways, but that does mean you can’t just pop over to the nearby cafe to have lunch. Still, there’s an ice cream van to cool you down on hot days.
Compton Bay is also perfect for some fossil hunting and spotting dinosaur footprints! Go at low tide, and you're sure to see the perfectly preserved dinosaur casts. This is a great activity to do with a grandchild who is fond of dinosaurs.
Dog owners, beware! Beach restrictions apply from mid-May to September along Compton Beach. However, you can walk your dog on the stretch between Brook Chine and Hanover point all year round.
There’s a National Trust car park nearby, so access is easy if you rely on a vehicle to get you here.
St Helens
If you're looking for a peaceful beach to relax on with your furry friend, St Helens is the spot for you. This sandy beach is conveniently close to Ryde and has plenty of space for swimming, walking, and birdwatching. Dogs are allowed off their leads here, too, making it the perfect place to let your pup run free.
The highly-rated Tackt-Isle Adventures is here, too. So if you're looking to do some windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, or other water sports, this is a great option.
Node’s point is one of the best locations on the island for rock pools and is situated on St Helens, too.
If you're planning on coming with your car or hiring one, a pay-and-display car park is available near the beach.
The best beaches on the Isle of Wight: Honourable mentions
There are many other gorgeous beaches to visit while you’re on the Isle of Wight. Here are a few honourable mentions of beaches that are just as lovely for various reasons.
Totland Bay
The turquoise blue waters and sandy beaches of Totland Bay make it one of the most picturesque beaches on the Isle of Wight.
Appley beach
Appley beach is a sandy beach with panoramic views of the Solent.
The Seaview side of the beach is dog-friendly, so the perfect place to take your pup if you want to enjoy a day out together.
Freshwater Bay
Freshwater Bay is a stunning shingles beach surrounded by imposing white cliffs. The beach is perfect for rock pooling fans and a favourite among surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.
Bembridge beach
Bembridge beach is a popular shingles beach on the Isle of Wight. It’s got great views of the Solent and Portsmouth and is another favourite with watersports fans.
It also has an RNLI lifeboat station, so it is a safe spot to enjoy some swimming.
Steephill Cove
A short distance from Ventnor, Steephill Cove is one of the prettiest places on the Isle of Wight. Steephill Cove boasts a sleepy, quaint, traditional seaside village feel with whitewashed cottages and beach huts lining its shores.
The cove is perfect for a quiet day spent fishing or lounging in its beautiful surroundings.
You can also hire deckchairs here for an extra comfortable day out at one of the most beautiful places on the island.
Gurnard beach
Gurnard beach near Cowes is a traditional pebbles and shingles beach which boasts stunning views across the Solent at sunset.
You will also find a big yacht community near Gurnard beach, as well as a sailing club if you’d like to get into sailing while you’re on holiday.
The Isle of Wight’s best beaches
We spoke to Ian from Coast Radar about our list and the Isle of Wight in general. Ian told Age Times: "This is a great list of beaches!
"From my experience, the Isle of Wight is so often overlooked as a destination which is a shame as within such a compact area it has a great diverse coastline, with traditional seaside towns, sandy beaches, hidden coves and cliffs. It is the perfect destination for all types of visitors, from those wanting to relax on a traditional sandy beach to casual coastal explorers and active water sports enthusiasts."
There are many beautiful sandy beaches to explore when you visit the Isle of Wight. The best beach for you will depend on the type of experience you’re looking for. On a family day out, you might enjoy the hustle and bustle of Shanklin, with its many activities and cafes.
But if you just want a peaceful day out with your dog, you might prefer a beach like St Helens, where dogs are allowed off their leads. And let's not forget the tranquil and secluded hidden gem of Compton Bay, perfect for surfers or people who enjoy quiet locations unspoiled by multiple cafes and large crowds.
With 57 miles of coastline to explore, the Isle of Wight truly has something to offer everyone, from the experienced adrenaline junkie surfer to the youngest members of your family.
