Wight Waters

You are never far from the sea on the Isle of Wight. As England’s largest Island there are over sixty miles of fantastic coastline, half of which is in ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and vast tracks are classified a Heritage Coast. The wonderfully varied and unspoilt coastal scenery is probably the Island’s greatest natural asset, from glistening chalk cliffs overlooking clear blue waters to the tranquil estuaries which meander inland.

Safe sandy beaches, ideal for bathing, give way to wild open coastlines of fossil rich sediments culminating in towering chalk cliffs. Walk from the main resorts to the gentle wooded coastal slopes, soon you are on a rugged cliff-top with only seagulls and butterflies to keep you company.

The harbours provide for a fascinating visit. Gateways to the Island for centuries, a vibrant community has built up around these waterways.

The Island is one of the best known sailing venues in the world. Separating it from the mainland is the Solent, an area of varied coastline and fierce tidal streams which are a breeding ground for world-beating sailors. A visit to Cowes is not complete without a walk along the harbour front, watching the action as the yachts dart around the inshore waters.

On an Island like ours, you are never far from the sea, and there is so much more to our coastline than you might imagine. So here are a few treats that you may not have heard of…

BONCHURCH

A secluded sandy beach with rock pools at low tide, an ideal spot for crabbing and shrimping. The beach is on a well trodden route for both serious hikers and gentle strollers alike, under the towering cliffs of Ventnor.

COMPTON BEACH

Huge, deep-red sandy beach, largely off the tourist trail and accessible by steps. A good surfing beach but renowned for dinosaur bones and footprints. This uncrowded bay is well worth visiting, particularly for the magnificent views of the sunsets.

PRIORY BAY

A secluded and rural bay backed by ancient woodland. Pebbly at one end but at the other you would be forgiven if you thought you were on a tropical island with its white sandy swathes of beach. Well worth the effort.

ST HELEN'S DUVER

A real hideaway, dotted with dunes, the beach is well known for large numbers of birds and wildlife that have made it their home. Pretty beach huts are converted from the Island’s former railway carriages and the Baywatch Cafe serves some of the best seafood on the Island.

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