The Isle of Wight is one in all my favorite locations for a UK household vacation – not least as a result of you are able to do every little thing from discovering fossils to constructing sandcastles on a number of the many Isle of Wight seashores with children.
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We’ve discovered seashores with playgrounds subsequent to them, Blue Flag seashores, seashores with smuggler’s caves, surf seashores and even Queen Victoria’s personal non-public seashore… And whereas the solar appears to shine extra on the island than on the mainland, there’s lots to maintain everybody entertained even should you didn’t deliver your bucket and spade.
All in all, there’s 57 miles of shoreline to select from, so I’ve picked the 14 finest Isle of Wight seashores with children, no matter your plans on the sand.
Greatest for sandcastles
Appley seashore, Ryde
One in every of our favorite seashores on the Isle of Wight, this lengthy stretch of open sand is usually quieter than close by Ryde, and there’s all the time one thing to do, regardless of the time of day or climate.
When it’s breezy, pack a kite and dash alongside the sand, or when it’s sunny, you possibly can spend hours making sandcastles whereas gazing again to Portsmouth and the Spinnaker tower on the mainland.
If the tide is out, the sand appears to stretch away endlessly, usually dotted with sand worm casts: my daughter had infinite enjoyable splashing within the waves, earlier than darting between all of them, concocting tales of herself as a large within the land of the sand worms.
Somewhat extra prosaically, there’s additionally a stunning play space simply off the seashore, bogs, parking, a seashore cafe and it’s simple to stroll alongside the seafront right here as properly.
The part previous Appley Tower is dog-friendly year-round, in addition to on the jap facet from October to April (there are restrictions between Could and September).
Sandown seashore
When you’re searching for a conventional sandy seashore on the Isle of Wight to interrupt out your bucket and spade, discover just a few amusements, eye up the pier and rent a deckchair, it’s laborious to beat the award-winning Sandown seashore.
Ultimate should you’re visiting with youthful children and toddlers, it’s proper off the excessive avenue, so that you’re not removed from bogs and outlets should you’ve run out of one thing important, plus there are stands promoting drinks, snacks, and fish and chips.
There’s additionally a playground and minigolf close by on the Sandham Gardens finish, in the direction of Yaverland.
Canines are allowed year-round on the part from the slipway on the finish of Yaverland automobile park heading away from the city.
For my seashore necessities with children, take a look at my high picks for enjoyable on the sand
Shanklin seashore
The most effective-known Isle of Wight seashores, together with Sandown, it’s one other conventional spot with loads of amusements to go along with your sand – though it’s additionally one of many busier locations, particularly in summer season.
Calm water means it’s nice for swimming with children, or you too can rent pedalos and kayaks, plus an arcade, funfair, and loopy golf programs (be careful for the waterfall of ‘blood’ on the pirate themed course), together with cafes, outlets and bogs.
No canine are allowed from the beginning of Could to the top of September.
If Sandown and Shanklin are too busy, Lake seashore in between is usually barely quieter – it’s a brief stroll from the Esplanade at both finish, however it’s additionally an ideal choice for teenagers inquisitive about making an attempt watersports, with classes on the calmer waters right here.
Ventnor seashore
The southernmost vacation seashore on the Isle of Wight, Ventnor completes the trio of conventional seaside sands on the island. As soon as a Victorian seaside resort, it’s sheltered by the cliffs – there may be parking on the backside of the steep hillside – with shingle and sand to play on.
You possibly can rent the classic seashore huts, in addition to deckchairs and wind breaks, however one of many greatest sights for teenagers is the Isle of Wight paddling pool. Set round a duplicate of the Isle of Wight, it exhibits the island’s main cities, with shallow water to splash in across the edge.
On the seashore itself, the perfect swimming is in the course of the sands, and at low tide, there’s a ridge of rocks for older children to clamber on.
No canine allowed from the beginning of Could to the top of September.
Colwell Bay
When you’re searching for a quiet Isle of Wight seashore with children, Colwell Bay is an effective one to think about, with sand and shingle, and calm, clear waters for swimming – it’s additionally bought the popularity of being the cleanest of the island.
You can even attempt watersports right here, together with windsurfing and canoeing, or rent seashore huts and deck chairs as you loosen up and look throughout to Hurst Fort on the mainland. There’s additionally parking, cafe and seashore store.
When you fancy a stroll from seashore to seashore, the promenade on the ocean wall right here leads all the way down to Totland Bay. The seashore there all however vanishes at excessive tide, however the water is an unimaginable shade of turquoise blue.
No canine allowed from the beginning of Could to the top of September.
Osborne Home
Within the north of the island, you’ll discover a seashore match for a Queen. Fairly actually. The seashore at Osborne Home was the place Queen Victoria and her household used to come back, and the place the royal youngsters discovered to swim.
You possibly can nonetheless see Victoria’s Bathing Machine: used to protect her modesty, so no-one would see her in a swimming costume, it has a altering room and correct bathroom inside – and she or he might be pulled again to the seashore after a dip.
You possibly can stroll down from the home in round 20 minutes (or at sure occasions, there’s a shuttle bus) and it’s a stunning place to paddle and swim, in addition to watching yachts within the Solent and looking for seabirds. You may even spot a purple squirrel within the woods behind.
In the course of the summer season, there’s usually conventional video games and leisure, plus you should buy ice-cream made by native dairies.
No canine are allowed on the seashore at Osborne Home year-round.
Steephill Cove
You need to make extra of an effort to get to this beautiful little seashore, however that does imply that you just keep away from the crowds you’ll discover on a number of the different stretches of sand on this a part of the island.
The closest parking (on Love Lane, or within the Botanical gardens should you’re planning to mix each) is about 5 minutes away, though you too can stroll from Ventnor should you’re feeling energetic – permit round half an hour alongside the cliff path.
The pay-off is a quiet little seashore the place you possibly can see fishermen unload their catch, swim within the calm waters and construct a sandcastle. There are bogs and cafes that are often open at lunchtime and afternoon, though these could also be closed out of season.
That is one other dog-friendly seashore on the Isle of Wight from October to April. Canines are allowed between Could and September earlier than 9.30am and after 5.30pm however have to be on a lead.
Greatest for fossil looking
Yaverland seashore
One other lengthy open stretch of sand, operating from the sting of Sandown seashore, the largest attraction on Yaverland seashore isn’t sandcastles however dinosaurs.
Wander alongside from Dinosaur Isle and the Wildhear Animal Sanctuary, you possibly can spot a fossilised dinosaur footprint – from the time when the seashore was a lake – in addition to bones and coprolites, to not point out crystals rising within the rock and stones left over from a Tudor fort.
Realistically, I do know we wouldn’t have identified what to search for so I extremely suggest the dinosaur walks run by Dinosaur Isle.
Take a look at my evaluation of a dinosaur stroll on Yaverland seashore.
Canines allowed on on the part between the crusing membership and Culver Down head year-round, in addition to on the remainder of the seashore from October to April.
Compton Seaside, West Wight
One other nice choice should you’re searching for a little bit of time journey along with your coast, it’s doable to seek out fossils on Compton Seaside and you’ll see dinosaur footprints on the ledge at Hanover Level at low tide – the most secure choice is to e-book a tour to do it.
There are bogs and parking right here, however in any other case don’t anticipate a lot in the way in which of amenities (although you may discover an ice cream van) – however it’s good should you’re searching for a relaxing out escape from the crowds. The primary automobile park is at Hanover Level though there’s a smaller one additional west with steep steps main all the way down to the bay.
Common with surfers, there’s two miles of sand so you can also make a correct sand fortress or unfold out to play video games. The water has received awards for its prime quality, though these surf waves imply you possibly can overlook paddling with little ones.
No canine allowed between mid Could and the top of September.
Brook Seaside
Subsequent to Compton Bay, Brook Seaside is one other nice choice if you wish to spot the dinosaur footprints at low tide – Hanover Level is correct between the 2 seashores.
However that’s not all there may be to seek out on this pretty sandy seashore. Because the tide goes out, you too can discover fossilised bushes – a petrified forest, which appears to be like a bit of like lumps of coal with added sparkle. Not from gold, sadly, however from iron pyrites, or fools gold. Nonetheless provides to the sensation of discovering treasure although.
You can even discover fossils in the back of the seashore among the many pebbles – do take care as you get nearer to the cliffs. And it’s one other supreme seashore for actions, together with kite-surfing and browsing for older children, in addition to video games on the extensive open stretch of sand.
That is one other Isle of Wight seashore that’s dog-friendly year-round.
Greatest for actions
St Helen’s Duver
You could possibly fortunately sit on the seashore at St Helen’s Duver making sand castles and watching the ships off the coast for hours, however it’s additionally an ideal place should you’re searching for extra exercise in your day.
At Node’s Level, the massive limestone ledges are dotted with little swimming pools that are good for rockpooling – you will discover crabs right here as properly, or just deliver a web (and a few seashore footwear!) and see what you uncover hiding within the tide swimming pools.
As ever, should you do go rockpooling, return every little thing you discover to its house afterwards, being cautious to not hurt the creatures. And take care on the slippery rocks!
Behind the seashore, the smooth springy grass is beautiful to scamper round on in case your children have to burn off any extra power, in addition to being dotted with wildflowers.
There’s additionally an ideal stroll taking you alongside the seashore in the direction of Priory Bay and circling again if you wish to make extra of an journey of it – though you do have to test the tide occasions earlier than setting off, to make sure it’s low tide if you wish to do the total stroll.
It’s additionally dog-friendly right here. Cease off at Baywatch on the Seaside for an ideal crab sandwich whilst you’re right here as properly – additionally very dog-friendly.
Bembridge Seaside
Head to Bembridge seashore at low tide, and it’s one other great spot to go rockpooling, because the waves recede off Bembridge Ledge which stretches to the slipway ramp for the lifeboat.
You’ll find crabs right here too, in addition to fish, shrimps and brittle stars, plus a sandbank that emerges when the tide is out.
When you don’t have any luck discovering crabs within the swimming pools, they’ll be on the menu on the Seaside Hut in Bembridge which has made a reputation for its crab dishes – children additionally welcome there.
At excessive tide, it’s largely pebbles and shells, so additionally works properly for a wander to the lifeboat station – a particular pier was constructed to launch it out past the rocks across the coast.
You can even attempt watersports, together with crusing, in addition to looking to the cross Channel ferries leaving Portsmouth and St Helen’s Fort.
This is without doubt one of the few Isle of Wight seashores which is dog-friendly year-round too.
Alum Bay
The pebble seashore at Alum Bay isn’t the largest attraction – though there’s nonetheless house to take a seat and watch the waves for a bit – however its location.
Searching to The Needles, you will get boat journeys from this level for a more in-depth view, together with high-speed RIB boats, in addition to extra leisurely choices with youthful children.
Take a look at our evaluation of a ship journey to The Needles
When you don’t need to enterprise out on the waves, you possibly can nonetheless see the three well-known chalk rocks, in addition to the cliffs made up of 21 totally different shades of sand – a lot of enjoyable making an attempt to identify all of them.
Again up on the clifftop, you too can make your personal sand memento from the totally different colors – a bit kitschy and touristy? Possibly, however nonetheless a number of enjoyable for teenagers. There are additionally bogs and cafes right here, though not on the seashore itself.
There’s a chairlift all the way down to Alum Bay seashore, or you possibly can take the trail down – simple with older children, though not supreme should you’ve bought a buggy. It runs alongside the cliff edge too, so not all the time the best choice with toddlers both.
Canines are allowed on leads (though not on the chairlift itself!)
Freshwater Bay
Head to the pebbly seashore of Freshwater bay at low tide and you’ll spot a collection of caves within the chalk cliffs – as soon as the hang-out of smugglers, you possibly can nonetheless discover them (though finest with an area information to keep away from changing into reduce off by the tide).
Another choice is to go kayaking out to have a look at them, particularly should you’re visiting the Isle of Wight with older children, in addition to spherical to a number of the different small bays alongside the coast right here. Or take a look at another waterspots within the bay.
There’s additionally rockpooling on the rock ledge, or if the tide is in, you’ll discover a sandy part on the east fringe of the seashore for sandcastles and paddling. There are a number of cafes and locations to eat close by, public bogs a few minutes away and parking.
No canine allowed between Could and September.
When you’re visiting Freshwater Bay, make a cease at close by Totland Bay too – the seashore right here all however vanishes at excessive tide, however the water is an unimaginable shade of turquoise blue.
PIN FOR LATER: BEST ISLE OF WIGHT BEACHES WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Shanklin seashore/Compton Bay picture courtesy of Depositphotos, Colwell Bay/Osborne Seaside/Brook Bay/Steephill Cove copyright visitisleofwight.co.uk, all others copyright MummyTravels
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