Beaches in Sandown, Isle Of Wight
On the south east coast of the Isle of Wight sits the typically Victorian seaside resort of Sandown. It is located on Sandown Bay which is just off the English Channel and shares the bay with the neighbouring town of Shanklin to the south. read more...
The beach guide has 5 beaches listed in and around the town of Sandown. We have arranged these beaches in order of closest to the town first (distance in brackets).
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Sandown Beach (0.4 miles)
Popular with families, surfers, and pretty much everyone else, sandy Sandown on the Isle of Wight is a traditional resort beach with a gentle slope to it. Think "buckets and spades", crazy golf, deckchair, sun lounger, and windbreak hire, souvenir shops, and a choice of cafes on the esplanade offering takeaway coffees, teas, ice creams,…
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Welcome Beach (0.9 miles)
Welcome, also known as Lake Beach is a sandy beach on the eastern shore of the island, overlooking Sandown Bay. The beach is very popular for all sorts of water sports and there is a designated water sports zone. Sailing, canoeing and jet skiing are all popular here, and fishing equipment and pedalos are available…
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Yaverland Beach (1.1 miles)
Located between Sandown and the cliffs of Culver Down, Yaverland is thought by many to be one of the best beaches on the Isle of Wight. The trick is to get here at low tide - at high tide there is only a relatively small section of sandy beach backed by sea-defences and an esplanade.
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Shanklin Beach (2.2 miles)
The coastal popular resort of Shanklin is located in the south-east corner of the island, at the southernmost tip of Sandown Bay. Golden sands are protected by a high sea wall with a traditional paved promenade creating the vision of a traditional English seaside. The pier was lost in a storm in 1987 and the…
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Luccombe Bay (3.1 miles)
Set on the east coast of the Isle of Wight Luccombe Bay is approximately halfway between Shanklin and Ventnor. Despite this, the main road between these two coastal towns runs some way inland and the only lane down to the bay is private. There is however a footpath that runs down to Luccombe Chine where…
Sandown beaches map
About Sandown
On the south east coast of the Isle of Wight sits the typically Victorian seaside resort of Sandown. It is located on Sandown Bay which is just off the English Channel and shares the bay with the neighbouring town of Shanklin to the south.
As with many seaside towns, Sandown became popular with wealthy visitors when the railway increased mobility during the Victorian era. Holidaymakers were attracted by sea air and the warmer climate of the Isle of Wight. As a result the town has a very traditional feel with Victorian and Georgian style buildings lining the esplanade and overlooking the beach below.
Sandown is known for its long stretch of golden sandy beach which is often regarded as one of the best on the Isle of Wight. The beach stretches the full length of the esplanade, from the Devonia Steps joining up with Yaverland Beach and the bandstand. The pier at Sandown is one of the town's best known features and is home to a large amusement arcade, bowling, crazy golf and cafes, as well as various designated sea fishing areas.
Sandown boasts a wealth of natural features including Culver Downs which sits north of the town. The chalk downs owned by the National Trust are home to various wildlife and seabirds who nest on the cliffs. Inland are the freshwater wetlands of Sandown Levels where you will find Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve, a popular birdwatching spot. Further inland are the woodlands of Borthwood.
The Isle of Wight Zoo is situated on the seafront in Sandown and is a popular family attraction. Other attractions include the Dinosaur Isle museum, 18 hole golf course and Sandham Gardens with its skate park, crazy golf and bowls.
Every year in July and August the Sandown Carnival takes place; it is one of the oldest carnivals and dates back to 1889 with various day processions and illuminated evening events.