Other Beaches of the Isle of Wight
There a numerous beaches and bays to explore on the island. The west and south sides of the island tend to be the quieter sides
Alum Bay
Alum Bay features a pebbled beach and the famous multi-coloured sand cliffs which is accessible by steps or via the fabulous chair lift from the Needles Landmark Attraction.
Children will love to create their own ornaments filled with the famous coloured sands in the Sand Shop.
There are fantastic views of the Needles, in summer Magic in the Skies firework displays and it is a great place to watch the sunset.
You can also walk along the cliff road to the National Trust museum and vintage style tea rooms at The Needles Battery. Learn about the secret rocket testing that took place in the 1950’s-1970’s.
Shanklin
Shanklin really is the most charming of traditional seaside resorts with its glorious long wide sandy beach set against a backdrop of dramatic sandstone cliffs. Relax and unwind on the golden sands, hire a traditional beach hut or, for the more energetic, try the water sports on offer.
Whatever your age or interests there are lots of things to do in Shanklin. The Esplanade, lined with traditional seaside games, amusements, cafes, restaurants and bars, is the perfect place to while away your day.
Getting from the Esplanade to the cliff path with access to the town and Old Village is made easy by the cliff lift.
Shanklin offers a lovely mix of the seaside and open, green space with some fantastic parks and gardens. Rylstone Gardens provide the most tranquil and beautiful spot to sit and soak up the sunshine, you may even spot a red squirrel if you are lucky. Look out for the extensive programme of events at the Bandstand located in the Gardens. The famous Shanklin Chine, a gorge with rare plants and delightful waterfall, is quite simply unique. Lose yourself in the history and character of Shanklin Old Village packed with charming thatched cottages, most housing wonderful unique gift shops and tea rooms. As it is such a popular resort there is no shortages of places to eat in Shanklin. If you’re eating out you will be spoilt for choice with a range of restaurants, cafes and pubs spread across the resort, some with entertainment throughout the summer evenings. If you are looking for amazing cakes and a view then Blueberrys Café is worth a visit
Other beaches worth a look include Ryde Beach including Appley Beach with soft sand and lots of open spaces, a number of cafés and beachside shops, amusements, canoe lake, play area and a swimming pool all within easy access. There is plenty of parking at Appley, both on the beachside or a short walk across the Appley Park from a large council car park. Yaverland and Sandown beaches are also very popular in summer with the Pier at Sandown providing all those seaside amusements and a lovely promenade which runs from Shanklin to Sandown and on to Yaverland.
Compton Beach
One of the Isle of Wight’s best kept secret beaches is Compton Bay. Located on the Military Road between Freshwater and Brook, Compton offers a two mile stretch of contrasting golden and dark sands, with rolling seas, multi-coloured sandstone cliffs, and the white chalk cliffs at Freshwater in the distance.
Compton Bay is reminiscent of the beaches in Cornwall and popular with surfers, it is a totally natural do-it-yourself beach. Bring all you need including windbreaks, sun screen, buckets and spade, body and surf boards and food and drink, there is an ice-cream van that visits the car park.
Some steep steps lead down to the beach from Hanover Point / Shippard’s Chine where there is a large National Trust car park, toilet facilities and fresh water tap, alternatively nearer Freshwater at Compton Chine / Farm, you will find a smaller National Trust car park on the opposite side of the coastal road and tiered steep steps down to the beach. Access can be restricted following storms.
Compton is a great place for fossils, including those of dinosaurs, and you can book tours on the beach to see the dinosaur footprints in the sandstone ledge at Hanover Point that are exposed at low tide. The beach is ideal for games and sandcastle making, especially at low tide and you may even catch sight of paragliders passing over the cliff line or kite surfers out at sea.
Ryde/ Appley
Ryde Beach is one of the Isle of Wight’s most inviting coastal stretches, offering a blend of natural beauty, Victorian charm, and seaside leisure. As you approach the beach, especially from the historic Ryde Pier—the oldest in the UK—you’re greeted by a vast expanse of golden sand that seems to stretch endlessly at low tide. The sea retreats far into the distance, revealing rippled sand flats that glisten under the sun, perfect for barefoot walks or beachcombing.
