Location: Isle of Wight
Top Things to do in Isle of Wight
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Things to do in Isle of Wight, England: The Best Beaches
The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy some peace, quiet and natural beauty. Except perhaps in the summer, when the Isle of Wight Festival draws visitors from all over the world. In 1970, the Festival was the largest rock-music event ever held. It was called Britain's Woodstock and featured Jimi Hendrix and The Who. (Not so much peace or quiet that week.) The island is also known for its world-famous sailing and lovely resorts, where people have been vacationing since Victorian times.
Restaurants in Isle of Wight
1. Steve's Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By 643ellier
What a fantastic day we had today on the beach in one of Steve’s beach huts!! After enquiring about a hut yesterday Steve couldn’t have been more helpful letting us leave all the children’s toys, buckets, spades & paddling pools in the hut to save us bringing it all down today which with two small children & a buggy really helped!! He also let our little boy use buckets & spades which Steve provided & offered tea & coffee for our beach hut also, such a lovely man we really enjoyed our day thank you will be back next year!!!
2. Freshwater Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We stopped off at Freshwater Bay on our last full day on the island whilst in the area. There is a pay & display car park just across the road and service buses also stop nearby. The bay is quite pleasant protected by high cliffs at both ends and curves around a sand and shingle beach. There are some beach shops / cafes just across the road from the car park At the west end high up on the cliff is what looks to be a Victorian coastal battery now converted to holiday flats we understood. At the east end, the cliffs rise steeply and if you climb up here onto the grassy down, you will be rewarded by some spectacular views both over the bay and along the coast towards Blackgang & Chale but don’t get too near the edge! On the day of our visit, there were a few families enjoying the late August sun on the beach and swimming in the water and a bit further out, some small yachts and a paddle boarder. We stayed here for about 1½ hours and in that time got some nice photos from the heights overlooking the bay before returning to our car.
3. Steephill Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 519 reviews
Steephill cove is a beautiful Hidden gem. With its ever changing beach of sand, shingle and fantastic rock pools it is no wonder that families return here year after year. Over the years Steephill has become a hot spot to eat as well. Cove Coffee Shop with Home made cakes, light lunches, ice cream, sweet treats and more along with gorgeous goodies to buy for you and your home (Hoodies, Tee shirts, mugs, body lotions, creams, hand wash, candles etc with the amazing Cove logo) The Crab Shed serving fresh crab pasties. The Beach Shack serving fare (all only open during the daytime hours). Steephill can only be reached by foot which adds to its safety and pure Charm... A true gem of old fashioned English seaside. A must visit for anyone on the island!
Reviewed By Nashua7150 - Reading, United Kingdom
We stayed in Steephill Cove in delightful accommodation just off the beach. Myself and my two grown up sons, we explored the coastal path past the Botanical Gardens all the way along the coast and round to the far side of St Lawrence and walked back via the road route, some amazing views along the sea path and some interesting Victorian architecture on the road return route, it took about 1.5 hr. On the Sunday we walked into Ventnor from the Cove along the coastal path, it takes about 35 minutes with some steep steps but well worth it and a reward of a pint outside the Spyglass inn.
4. Yaverland Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By iandD2328HO - Bedford, United Kingdom
A stunning beach. Unlike those further west in Sandown and Shanklin, Yaverland is backed by cliffs rather than hotels, crazy golf and cafes. A large car park has toilets, outdoor taps (for cleaning off sandy feet) and baby changing facilities. There is a cafe that offers both sit down and take always, plus beach paraphernalia like sand shoes and buckets and spades. Check tide times as the beach is at its best at low tide - especially when they are Springs. The sand goes on forever and the beach shelves really gently, so super safe for children. Predictably, the first 200 yards from the car park gets very busy but the beach is a mile long - so worth tracking further to find your own space. Take real care under the red cliffs which are prone to regular rock falls and give them a wide berth. It’s dog friendly throughout the year and locals walk there every day of the year. The far end, beyond the red cliffs, is naturist friendly and on a hot day, there may be 20 or so getting an all over tan or swimming in the buff. At high tide, this section of the beach gets cut off for several hours, giving even more privacy. Also worth checking the forecast - if a strong breeze is blowing, a walk in to wind gets you well and truly sand blasted!
5. Ryde Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By GeorgieMoon - Ryde, United Kingdom
I live just five minutes' walk from this lovely beach and like to visit it at least once a week. When friends and family visit, I always take them along the beach. The children like to walk on the clean sand, you can collect shells, watch the seabirds, and if you are lucky you might see the hovercraft. At low tide you can walk for miles. There are several cafes and shops along the beach, and public toilets nearby. There is always something to see when you visit Ryde beach, whatever the weather.
6. Appley Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By davidsE6218DU - London, United Kingdom
This is a lovely beach with plenty of free space to sit and relax toilets are close by and there are two cafes one at each end both serve good food try the freshly caught crab sandwiches
7. Compton Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By brackleyballet - Brackley, United Kingdom
Lovely beach on the south coast of the Island. Wonderful sandy beach, but be aware of the rocks in the sea at high tide. Parking available at the top of cliff, but try to get here early if the weather is good as it does fill up quickly. Unfortunately toilets were also closed when we visited, luckily we had no need for them, but could see it being a problem if visiting with young children.
8. Shanklin Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
Clock Tower Beach can be found next to the clock tower that was dedicated in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. On this beautiful clean stretch of sandy beach you can hire clean modern sunbeds deckchairs windbreakers & parasols or try our water sports which include SUP kayaks pedalos. Toilets are close by and two of Shanklin’s fine pubs are situated across the road for food & drinks
Reviewed By TantasticSunseeker - Kettering, United Kingdom
A lovely beach with lots of room too play or walk and lots of amusements along the front for rainy days including crazy golf. The parking was easy when we were there but this may be more challenging in the height of the summer.
9. Ventnor Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By deanw427 - Cheshire, United Kingdom
Not so much a review of the beach, but a shout out to the lovely town and general area. you HAVE to drive a car a couple of loops to experience the 'zig zag' road and scary hairpin turns, it's a great experience. The General entry to the sea front is well thought out - more hairpins and a small waterfall garden developed in the 1900's which is quite impressive. The shore is a mix of fine pebbles and sand - so very friendly to children. Have only been here a day (2 more to go) and already we're planning on coming back!
