Beach Resorts

Known as the mecca of the sailing world, Cowes has something to offer visitors all year round. Home to Cowes Week, the world’s oldest and largest sailing regatta. There are plenty of things to do both on and off the water. The town itself boasts a variety of boutique shops and independent eateries. As well as plenty of holiday accommodation from self-catering cottages to larger hotels along the seafront. As the sun goes down, Cowes comes alive, particularly through the summer months. This is when there are seemingly endless regattas and events taking place both along the street, down on the marina and up at Northwood House. Many of the pubs have live music at weekends and during the week through the summer.

The quintessential bucket and spade seaside resort, Sandown has got a lot going for it. Here you will find stunning golden sandy beaches, beachside eateries and loads of attractions to keep the family entertained. Home to the Wild Heart Animal Sanctuary, Dinosaur Isle, as well as Sandown Pier, to name a few. Yaverland Beach is said to be one of the best on the Island. Here you will see, and be able to take part in, a variety of watersports which take place in the warmer months. Choose from activities such as jet skiing to paddleboarding. For those who want to take in the breathtaking views, take a walk up Culver Down, then why not enjoy a pint in the pub at the top - you’ll have earned it! The wide sandy beach at Sandown is one of the finest in the UK. Framed by the bright white cliffs of Culver Down to the north and the red cliffs of Luccombe to the far south. This traditional seafront includes an amusement pier, with adventure golf, bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, and so much more! Getting to Sandown could not be easier, it’s accessible by car, bus or the Islandline train station, which connects the town to Ryde. The Esplanade is perfect for strolling and stretches as far as its sister resort of Shanklin. The High Street and Esplanade have an array of gift shops, cafes, bars and restaurants - you’ll be spoilt for choice. You might want to enjoy Los Altos Park, a large recreation ground with vast amounts of green space. This park is perfect for a picnic and a game of family football. Walkers will love the cliff walk from Sandown towards Lake and Shanklin. This starts in the Old Battery gardens, which have amazing panoramic views over Sandown Bay. As well as a refurbished children's play area. There is also a dedicated cycle path that starts at Sandown. The cycle path then extends all the way to Cowes via Newport for a safe family cycle ride. Visit the local website for Sandown and the bay area, including Lake, Yaverland and Brading, for up-to-date information and news about visiting Sandown on the Isle of Wight.

A charming, traditional seaside town, Shanklin is a destination that has something for everyone. The golden sandy beach lends itself to lazy family days playing in the sea or relaxing on the sand with a book. For those who are looking for ‘something to do’, head to the traditional amusement arcades, play a round of mini-golf or have a go at kayaking.  To refuel, there are many independent, local cafes, pubs and restaurants to choose from.  Venture into the ‘Old Village’ for chocolate-box thatched tea rooms serving tasty scones, cakes and retro sweet shops. You'll also find the famous Shanklin Chine, a gorge with rare plants and a pretty 45-foot waterfall. In the heart of Shanklin, you will find Shanklin Theatre, where you can catch a show or a concert as part of your holiday entertainment. Part of the town of Shanklin is still known as the Old Village and consists mainly of stone-built cottages and houses. Many still have thatched roofs, which give the Old Village a picture-book charm. It sits alongside the beautiful Rylstone Gardens and the Island’s most historic attraction, Shanklin Chine. Both these attractions have been on visitors' must-see places to visit on the Isle of Wight since Victorian times. You can enjoy tearooms, pubs, gift shops and cafes before taking a walk down to the Esplanade or along the headland towards Luccombe. Save your legs when moving from the Old Village to the esplanade by taking a trip down the Cliff Lift. The sister resort to Sandown, these two seaside towns share the same sandy beach with the red cliffs of Luccombe. These create a dramatic backdrop at the southernmost point of Sandown Bay.

The mini Mediterranean, Ventnor, boasts more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the UK. Ventnor was once the height of fashion as a health resort during Queen Victoria’s reign. Here you will find a quirky town that rises up the cliffs. Expect to find many artisan cafes, independent eateries and boutique shops that all add to the distinctly arty vibe. The beach at Ventnor Bay offers some of the best views across the English Channel. Ventnor Harbour and the bandstand development are very prominent on the seafront and offer a great viewing platform to look out to sea. You'll also find Ventnor Haven Fishery selling the best local crab and lobster. The beach at Ventnor is sought out all year round and benefits from its secluded position. Due to the beach nestling under St Martin’s Down, one of the Island’s highest hills. This creates its famous micro-climate. A wonderful natural suntrap, which appealed to the Victorian visitors who flocked to Ventnor as a health resort. Ventnor Botanic Garden stands on the site of an old Victorian TB hospital, which was built there for this very reason (now the home of many a ghost story). It's 22 acres of sub-tropical gardens are the perfect place to relax and while away a couple of hours. The beach, which is a mix of sand and shingle, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. At the bottom of Shore Hill, as it joins with the esplanade, you will find Ventnor Haven Fishery. The fishermen work the waters and small harbour and land their catch. These catches support many local restaurants, including their fishery, which also serves the most delicious crab on chips (which has quickly become the Isle of Wight’s local dish). Pubs such as the famous Spyglass Inn at the end of the esplanade or more recent additions like The Smoking Lobster are a perfect place to while away a few hours. With plenty of other cafes and bars dotted along the seafront, you will feel like you are dining in the Med. Heading away from the esplanade and up into the main town, which is built on a series of winding zig-zag terraces. Here you will see more charming Victorian architecture as well as numerous independent shops. These include some very popular antique and bric-a-brac emporiums.