Beaches in the West

Known for its multi coloured sands, Alum Bay offers breathtaking views across the Solent. If you have ever visited the Isle of Wight and especially The Needles Landmark Attraction. Chances are you have filled a figurine with various coloured sands, and here is where they are from. The beach is accessible by either The Needles chairlift or a long flight of stairs. This makes the beach unsuitable for those with mobility restrictions and prams. The bay is known for its crystal clear waters, which are a huge hit for those wanting a paddle in the shallows. It is a popular...

Brook Beach is the go-to destination for kite surfers, fossil hunters and dog walkers. This pretty beach is a stoney and sandy mix so if you go in the sea here sea shoes are a good idea. The walk down to Brook Beach is fairly steep, and there are installed steps to help visitors down from the pathway to the beach itself. Stretching for over a mile, if you turn right at the bottom of the steps, towards Hanover Point, you may be lucky enough to spot the fossilised dinosaur footprints as the tide goes out. What looks like three-toed...

The small but sandy beach of Colwell Bay is tucked away on the quieter west coast of the Island. Here you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the Solent over to Hurst Castle. The area has several cafés and has become more well-known for being home to celebrity dining hotspot The Hut. The gentle, sloping beach and clear waters are ideal for families and are a fabulous Instagrammable location. The beautiful beach at Colwell Bay has a level pathway that allows easy access for the elderly, disabled, and those families using pushchairs. A short walk along the...

A beautiful, sandy beach, Compton Bay, is located just off the iconic Military Road close to Brook Beach. This area is a favourite for surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers due to it often experiencing high winds and amazing waves. Families also love this soft, sandy beach, and during the summer months, getting there earlier rather than later is advisable to get a good spot. Compton Bay is accessible by a set of wooden steps, and at the bottom, you will note that if you turn left, it is dog-friendly (dogs are not permitted to the right of the steps). There...

If you have seen turquoise beaches with magnificent rocks and hidden caves, it would be Freshwater Bay. Picturesque, the bay is a mix of grey flint and chalk pebbles. The backdrop of the tall cliffs at either end and the famous stag rock close to the shore make it an iconic Instagram image. This has become an increasingly popular beach for families, the bay is located at the western tip of the Island and adjacent to the bus route and car park. If you love paddle boarding or kayaking, this is the beach for you and it’s the only way...

Situated on the west side of the Island, families can enjoy the delightful beach and clear waters at Totland Bay. A popular destination for large cruisers and yachts, there is always something to see and do. Closed in the 1980s, the pier is now a wreck but houses a popular café, and pubs and restaurants are nearby, making this beach a destination for many holidaymakers. This beach is never particularly crowded and is pebbly at the high water mark, with golden sand towards the sea.