The Isle of Wight's Best Beaches

Golden, plentiful and disarmingly pretty, the Isle of Wight’s beaches are arguably among Britain’s best. Considering the island’s small size, they’re surprisingly varied too! Some are framed by sweeping cliffs, others rolling countryside, while the biggest back onto lively seaside towns. Whatever your ideal beach, you’ll find it here.

The popular Victorian resorts of Sandown and Shanklin share a long strip of golden sand. Clean and gently shelving, it provides the ideal opportunity to go paddling with the little ones. There’s a wealth of watersports, arcades, tea rooms and nostalgic seaside amusements to enjoy here too.

On the eastern shore, you’ll find hidden gems like Priory Bay Beach and well-known favourites like Ryde Beach – whose enormous, powdery sands practically cry out for bucket and spade adventures!

To the north, discover Osborne House Beach, where Queen Victoria and her family holidayed. The original Royal bathing machine is, remarkably, still here!