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Colwell Bay
This small sand and shingle beach is tucked away on the quieter west
coast of the Island and provides panoramic views of the western
reaches of the Solent. The beach is unspoilt and popular with locals
and holidaymaker. Although all the traditional facilities are provided
for beach users, such as cafes, a peaceful time can be spent here. A
relatively safe, level walk along the sea wall revetment links Colwell
Bay to Totland Bay. ACCESS: The nearest town is Colwell.
East Cowes
East Cowes beach, at the head of the River Medina Estuary, provides
the holiday and yachting resort of Cowes with a well used recreational
area. The beach is very popular with residents and visitors alike. The
facilities on the seafront provide traditional holiday requirements
for a promenade and woodland walks, children's play area and a grand
vista of Cowes harbour with all its yachting activities. ACCESS: The
nearest town is East Cowes and the beach is readily accessible by car
or on foot and is only five minutes from the town centre.
West Cowes
The beach at Princes Esplanade is ideal for family swimming and
viewing the activities of the Solent. Cowes famous for its activities
is a grandstand for all that makes a good seaside holiday. This
prestigious Victorian town is enhanced by its clean, excellent
facilities.
ACCESS: The beach is situated to the west of Cowes town centre and is
readily accessible by car.
Ryde (East)
Sandy beaches fully exposed at low tide adjoining the Esplanade with
easy access and car parking. Facilities including Ice Rink, Bowling
Alley, Swimming Pool, Canoe Lake, Amusements and a Leisure Harbour,
are easily available. The beach faces the Solent and has a variety of
water sports available. A leisurely stroll of five minutes will take
you to the town centre. ACCESS: The beach is situated to the north of
Ryde town centre and a comprehensive transport interchange is to the
west of the area.
Sandown
Sandown has one of the most popular beaches on the Island and is noted
for its long, sandy stretches. A wealth of beach activities caters for
all tastes and the amenities of the town are close by. The beach well
served by longshoremen, providing traditional seaside leisure pursuits
as well as parascending, pedalloes and volleyball. Refreshment kiosks
are dotted along the seafront and the pier provides entertainment for
all ages. A relatively safe walk along the sea wall revetment links
Sandown to the equally popular Shanklin. ACCESS: Sandown esplanade and
foreshore are an integral part of the town itself and are serviced by
a local transport network.
Shanklin
This beach forms part of Sandown Bay, noted for its long sandy
stretches. Beach activities cater for all tastes, with the towns
amenities close by. The beach is well served by longshoremen,
providing traditional and modern leisure pursuits. Refreshment kiosks
are dotted along the esplanade and an amusement arcade provides wet
weather entertainment. Shanklin Theatre is a short walk form the
seafront where a lift can be taken to the top of the cliffs. The
resorts of Shanklin and Sandown are linked by a level walk along a
revetment.
ACCESS: The beach is situated to the south of Shanklin and is a ten
minute walk from the town centre.
Springvale
Springvale lies to the east of Ryde with a long sandy beach providing
magnificent views of the Solent. The area is peaceful and adjoined to
Puckpool Park, which makes it an ideal family beach with easy access
by car and free parking. ACCESS: The beach area is easily accessed by
foot, car or one of several bus services.
St Helens Duver
St Helens Duver is a haven of peace and tranquillity. The beach is
excellent for swimming, with sand dunes at the rear of the promenade
and quaint railway carriage beach huts. Birds and wildlife abound in
the area and the views of Bembridge Harbour are breathtaking.
ACCESS: St Helens Duver is only accessible by car or on foot due to
its unspoilt rural location.
Ventnor
Ventnor's sun trap bay is sheltered by the high cliffs on which the
terraced town is built. A steep road winds down from the town past the
famous Cascade Gardens to the seafront, where you can stroll along the
promenade or cliff walk and enjoy the spectacular views.
ACCESS: The nearest town is Ventnor.
Alum Bay
A vast bay backed by towering cliffs and the famous Alum Bay coloured
sands. Steps and chair lift to The Needles Pleasure Park, with
breathtaking views of the Needles rocks and lighthouse. Toilets and
refreshments are at The Needles Pleasure Park on the cliff top.
Totland Bay
A quiet little bay with beach, safe bathing, small pier, café and
restaurant . A favourite with families, especially those with small
children. Reached by way of a narrow winding road through low cliffs.
Limited parking on foreshore. Large free car park opposite approach
road to beach.
Yarmouth
To the west of the town Fort Victoria Country Park is sign posted off
the A3054, Nature Trail, Cafes, Toilets, picnic area, large car park.
Maritime museum, marine aquarium and planetarium and splendid views of
the shipping. Sea wall promenade leads back to Yarmouth. To the east
of Yarmouth a small car park with adjoining picnic area face a stretch
of grass that slopes down to the seawall promenade with seating
overlooking the sea . The Yarmouth area is unsuitable for swimming due
to strong offshore currents.
Gurnard Bay
There is a gently shelving sand and shingle beach, ideal for family
bathing. There are cafes, beach huts and a pleasant promenade.
Suitable for swimming, wind surfing and dinghy sailing. There is also
a slipway for small boats.
Seagrove Bay
This totally unspoilt sand and shingle beach offers uninterrupted
views across the Eastern Solent. The bay provides a haven for families
wanting a peaceful and pleasant day on the beach, with safe swimming
and a café for refreshments. Access is along the foreshore from
Seaview or by car. The nearest car park is along Pier Road, just a
short walk away.
Bembridge
Bembridge is surrounded on three sides by the sea and there is access
to the varied shoreline in a number of places. Beaches are of pebble
and sand, quiet, uncommercialised and generally safe for swimming.
Also great for collecting shells or for exploring rock pools at low
tide. Café, toilets and car parking near the harbour and at Lane End
(where the lifeboat pier is) and Forelands.
Whitecliff Bay
Here you will find a lovely sandy beach sheltered by the spectacular
Culver Cliffs. There is also limited parking at Whitecliff Bay Holiday
Park, where there are toilets, refreshments and a licensed bar. There
is a Café on the beach but no toilets. The coastal path provides a
delightful walk from Bembridge or Sandown.
Yaverland
Yaverland is the popular venue for windsurfing events and the home of
Yaverland sailing clubs. Situated on the magnificent Sandown Bay,
Yaverland offers a sandy beach running between the towering Culver
Cliff at one end and Sandown at the other. It's quiet and less busy
than those between Sandown and Shanklin, offering safe swimming and
fossil hunting by the cliffs. There is an Esplanade and sea wall walk
from Sandown to Yaverland.
Lake
Between Sandown and Shanklin, Lake has a sandy beach with rock pools
at low tide. The quieter stretches can be reached by slipways from a
flower strewn cliff path or by walking along the revetment between the
two towns. There's a railway station is near the beach which is also
convenient for pedestrian. Cliff top car parking. Lake beach is the
home of the Islands largest watersports operator. The dog prohibited
zone is limited to the area of the main slipway from the cliff road.
Shanklin Welcome (North)
Situated at the most northerly point of Shanklin's stretch of sand,
Welcome beach is probably a little less busy than the main part. It
offers safe swimming and plenty of space for family activities. The
beach has its own small car park, Café and toilets but is easily
accessible from Shanklin Esplanade, with its great variety of
attractions.
Bonchurch
Shore Road winds steeply down to a view point car park, from which it
is just a two minute (steep) walk down to the pebbly beach. You can
also walk along the sea wall from Ventnor. You will find a pottery,
cafes and fresh local seafood. The new revetment extends to Monks Bay
and footpaths lead to Bonchurch Old Church, Bonchurch Village and the
coastal path to Shanklin, which passes the fascinating rock formations
of the wooded landslip.
Brook
This is a very interesting beach with sandy areas as well as a
petrified forest at Hanover Point and fossils in the cliffs. There are
three car parks each with a pathway leading down to the shore through
crumbly yellow brown cliffs where many dinosaur remains have been
uncovered. Refreshments at Hanover House, Brook.
Compton Bay
Situated between Freshwater Bay and Brook on the main coast road,
Compton Bay is a firm favourite with holidaymakers and residents. It
offers safe swimming from a sandy beach and is suitable for surfing
though there are no hire facilities.
Freshwater Bay
Choice of restaurants, cafes and gift shops and fine local walks,
either on the cliffs or into the local nature reserve of Afton Marsh.
18 hole Golf Course close by.
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