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5.
Bembridge
Bembridge hosts several quiet beaches of pebble, rock and sand. They over look the Solent and the busy shipping lane. These beaches the children will love, they will be able to go crabbing, cockling and explore the natural surroundings. These beaches are usually quieter than the main resorts. Swimming is not safe in the Harbour. |
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14.
Colwell Bay
This small and sandy beach is tucked away on the quieter west coast of the Island with panoramic views of the Solent and Hurst Castle. The area has several café’s and the gentle sloping beach and clear waters are a favourite for families. Toilet facilities are close by and boats can be hired. This is a beautiful location and provides easy access for the elderly and disabled. |
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11.
Compton
Bay Compton Bay is a sandy beach located beside the coast road between Freshwater Bay and Brook. This area is a favourite for surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers. The area has toilet facilities and whilst there is no café, a refreshment van can be found there throughout the summer and during the winter months at the weekend. This area is popular with fossil hunters and at low tide dinosaur foot prints can be seen imprinted in the rocks. |
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1. & 15.
Cowes
& Gurnard Beaches
Gurnard is a small pleasant resort to the West of Cowes, there are toilet facilities an excellent café and the Woodvale Inn. It is a particularly good location to watch the lioners and large ships entering Southampton Water. In addition, there is a popular sailing club which regularly meet and race. Whilst the beach is predominantly pebbles, it is an excellent vantage point with very good views. Access to the sea wall, a level walk between Cowes and Gurnard, is extremely good for the disabled and elderly. Between Cowes and Gurnard, there are several café’s and toilet facilities. It should be noticed that the waters is not consider particularly safe for bathing unless you are a strong swimmer, because of the tides and strong currents within the Solent. |
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12.
Freshwater
Bay Freshwater Bay is a small sand and shingle bay with the back drop of the tall cliffs at either end. Another popular beach for the family, this are is located at the western tip of the Island and adjacent to the bus route and Car Park. There are toilet facilities, café’s and Freshwater Bay Golf course is close by. |
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2.
Ryde
Beach Ryde Beach is situated to the north of Ryde Town Centre and is accessible by either foot, car or Public Transport. These beaches extend round the coast towards Seaview. A level walk runs between Ryde and Puckpool walk, passing cafes, gardens and a children's play area. There is a boating lake if the beach gets too much in the mid day sun and a dotto train will bring tired walkers back to there car or Public Transport. The beaches are all sand and extend far out to sea at low tide. However, care should be taken with members of the family as the tide can come in quickly. |
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7.
Sandown
Beach Sandown is the best place to have fun beside the sea safely with gently sloping beaches. The beach is sandy and there are good toilet facilities and café’s and restaurants close by. The are is particularly popular with families as there is so much to do, should one be tired of just lying in the sun and taking it easy. There is Browns Golf Course, White City and children's play areas all close to hand. |
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3.
Seagrove
Bay This beach will remind you of holidays from days gone by. The beach is gently sloping and has clear waters. There is a café and toilet facilities and rocks for the children to explore. Parking facilities at Seagrove are not good and access will have to be from Seaview Village on foot. However, once there, you will have a very enjoyable day and this area is a good place to spot the occasional celebrity, attracted to the quiet beach and exclusive properties and hotels. |
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8.
Shanklin Beach
Shanklin beach forms part of Sandown Bay with its’ famous Sandy beach and safe bathing areas. The water is clear and the beaches gently sloping. Like Sandown there are facilitates for refreshments, a pitch and putt and an Amusement Arcade. There are several toilet blocks and sea front car parks. |
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4.
St
Helens Beach
St Helens Beach can be accessed by either foot or car. There is a particularly good café/restaurant and the children will love to explore the rock pools. Like Bembridge and Ryde beaches, St. Helens looks out across the Solent and the shipping Lanes and there is something to keep the whole family occupied. |
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10.
Steephill Cove This beach and cove is well worth the walk from the Botanic Garden Car Park at Ventnor. Follow the path which runs past the Ventnor Cricket Academy and take the steps down into the cove. There is a café and toilet facilities within the cove and this beach has got to be one of the best kept secrets on the Island. Kids will love the rock pools. |
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13.
Totland
Bay Totland Bay is situated on the West side of the Island where families enjoy the delightful beach. A popular destination for large cruisers and yachts, there is always something to look at and do. Totland has a pier and there are is a café and pub for refreshments. This beach is never particularly crowded and is pebbly at the high water mark, with golden sand towards the sea. Toilet facilities are also on hand. |
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9.
Ventnor
Beach Ventnor Bay is a predominantly sandy beach. Here the family have access to cafes, restaurants and pubs for refreshments. The backdrop of the town from the beach, makes Ventnor Bay feel decidedly Mediterranean. There is a boat haven at one end and rocks at either side of the bay for kids to go crabbing. A great family beach and one not to miss. |
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6.
Yaverland Beach
Yaverland is easily accessible by car or foot. There is ample parking and it is about a mile from Sandown itself. Yaverland, like the rest of Sandown Bay, has gently sloping beaches and safe bathing. There is a kiosk and toilet facilities, as well as a yacht club. There area is great for families and adjoins the towering chalk cliffs of Culver. |
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