Exploring Isle of Wight Beaches

Also known in some circles as little England, the Isle of Wight is a perfect example of everything England has to offer in terms of terrain and with much better chances at better weather. White cliffs, gorgeous beaches, salt marshes, rivers, villages, countryside, it has it all. More than half of it is designated in fact as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Traditional beach style resorts, historical buildings, lush gardens no wonder it has been a source of inspiration to many visitors and writers including Dickens and Keats! Here is a closer look at beach trips to the Isle of Wight.

Bembridge sand and shingle beaches

Along the east coast of the Isle of Wight, you can find Bembridge and examples of beaches that are part sand and part rocks and shingles. They are a great place to visit and you can find a mix of quieter places great for reflection as well as more popular beaches. With a chance of exploring rock pools, looking for fossils and attractive rocks, some places are good for swimming and there are water sports to enjoy. Always pay attention to when the tide is coming in or out. Some Isle of Wight beaches there includes St Helens Duver, Bembridge Point, Forelands, Under Tyne and Whitecliff Bay.

Sandown Bay beaches (the popular Sandown and Shanklin)

Sandown and Shanklin beaches are popular because of the long stretches of golden sand, the safe swimming areas and the range of amusements, cafes, water sports and shops that you get with the traditional seaside holiday. They are both a part of Sandown Bay and there is something for everyone there, families as well as those who want to seek out some thrills with more adventurous water sports. Sunbathe, dig sandcastles, have a picnic, then head up to a cafe for a coffee, or eat at one of the great restaurants, or have fish and chips.

There is a lot to do away from the beaches too, shopping, gardens, rides, amusements and more. The beaches have patrolling lifeguards and there is a zone designated as the Water Safety Zone to play and swim in. There is even a first aid building in case of minor accidents and injuries. The beaches are cleaned daily and the seaweed is even picked up and used by local farmers to compost their land. Beaches here have won many awards and they are one of the more popular trips to the Isle of Wight.

Get active at Ventnor Beach

Another of the Isle of Wight beaches is down south where you find Ventnor. This is another great place to find a whole range of water sports and if you love festivals you can find those here too. Wake-boarding, surfing, windsurfing and more. It also has a great beach but there are areas that are wilder with a lot of natural beauty to enjoy too. Some of them though do involve going up and down cliff steps, though for a more accessible beach down south head to Compton Bay.