TOP TEN ISLE OF WIGHT RESORTS - WEST WIGHT | ISLE OF WIGHT TOURIST INFORMATION - WEST WIGHT

The Isle of Wight Guide
The Top Ten 10 Isle of Wight Beaches
Hope Beach and Small Hope Beach - Shanklin.   On the same
stretch of coast as Sandown Beach.
Small Hope Beach is a very safe, sandy, family-friendly beach.
It merges at one end with Sandown Beach, and at the other with
the main Hope Beach. Apart from a long line of beach huts and
a small cafe, there are no facilities on Small Hope Beach. This
can be a good thing - because it means fewer people.
For public toilets, shops, attractions etc, the main Hope Beach
is a better option. The main Hope Beach is backed by Shanklin
Esplanade and is busier than Small Hope. The choice is yours!
Sandown Beach.
A long, fairly narrow stretch of sand. Very safe for children.
Patrolled by lifeguards. Lots of facilities, especially around
the popular town of Sandown. Nice pier. Public toilets.
Amusement arcades. Food and drink available from several
outlets. Plenty of parking. Award winning water quality, so it
can be considered safe for swimming. This beach can get
crowded, especially beneath the town. Walk away from town
and you should find a spot all to yourself.
Compton Bay
Compton Bay is a joy! Nowhere near as accessible as most of
the beaches on the island, but pretty popular with the locals.
Parking is limited, and apart from public toilets and an
ice-cream van, there are no facilities here. Surfing is excellent
all year round. And Compton is know for its beautiful scenery -
so a good place for walking. But leave your dog at home if you
are coming to Compton. Our four-legged friends are not
allowed on the beach.
Whitecliff bay

Backed by the Culver Cliffs Whitecliff Bay is an attractive beach
and a fossil-hunter's dream! This is one of Britains best places
for finding fossils.
There is a cafe and a picnic area, but parking here is limited.
Clifftop walks are stunning.
There is an excellent and popular holiday camp on the cliffs
above the bay, so there can be quite a few people around
during the summer - but Whitecliff Beach is never crowded.
Ventnor
Ventnor beach is a lovely, sheltered little sun-trap.
There is probably no place on the island nicer than Ventnor
for a family holiday, and Ventnor Beach is one of the main
reasons for this. Ventnor is a classic Victorian seaside
resort with all of the traditional amusements and facilities.
Add the award winning water quality, the soft sand and the  
abundance of shops, cafes and ice-cream parlours, and
you have the perfect family beach resort.  We love Ventnor!
A must-visit destination if you have a young family.
Next page...
Colwell Bay

Small and quiet compared to some of its neighbours, but
popular with people "in the know".
The beach shelves gently so the water is shallow, warm
and safe for family use.
There is a cafe, and a shop where you can buy souvenirs,
snacks and ice-creams. There are toilets and a car park.
You can also enjoy a wonderful scenic walk to Totland.
Ryde Beach

Ryde Beach,  just to the north of Ryde Town Centre is one
of the most popular spots on the island. You will not find
solitude here! But you will find everything you could want
for a great family holiday. Lifeguards patrol the beach in
the summer, so it is very safe here - but watch out for the
speed of the incoming tide! The beach here is vast at low
tide, but don't wander too far out - especially with children.
On land here you will find cafes, parks, amusements, shops
and all of the usual traditional seaside town attractions.
Freshwater Bay

A perfect picture-postcard spot. The coastal scenery here is
just about as spectacular as it gets! Backed by towering
cliffs, the beach is well sheltered from the prevailing winds.
But, be warned, this is not the ideal paddling beach for young
children. The shore shelves steeply, and the sea here gets
deep just a few yards out.  Unless you are a strong swimmer,
stay out of the water. But the walking is wonderful here.
Car park, refreshments, and toilets. And the truly gorgeous
Freshwater Bay Golf Course is a must-visit for golfers.
Gurnard

A gently shelving, mainly shingle beach just west of
Cowes. Safe, clean and popular with families. Gurnard is
perfect for wind-surfing and sailing. There is a slipway for
small boats. Refreshments available at the cafe and pub.
Toilets and ample parking.
Seagrove

Seagrove is a gently shelving, sandy beach.
Ideal for families.  The beach can be accessed by car but
parking is limited. This lack of parking keeps the numbers
down, making Seagrove a good choice if you prefer your
sun and sand without the crowds.
There is a café here, and toilet facilities.
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