9 Most Beautiful Isle of Wight Beaches to Visit in 2025
The Isle of Wight is a fantastic place to explore the British seaside. There are some wonderful beaches, but, you need to know where to look. So, here are my favourite Isle of Wight beaches, out of the estimated 25 to choose from.
From sandy beaches to rocky shores, the Isle of Wight beaches are glorious. Depending on what you’re looking for for a beach though, you need to know where to go.
Yes, you can find the typical expansive golden beaches in Rye and Shanklin, if you’re after the sunbathing beach. But, if you want a rocky beach for crabbing, try Ventnor, and for an IOW beach where royalty have paddled, you’ll need the one at Osborne House.
1. Alum Bay Beach
Alum Bay’s white cliffs reaching out into deep blue water, there are few more beautiful sights anywhere else in Britain.
The cliffs have been eroded by ocean waves over centuries into fascinating shapes and patterns. This natural wonder can be seen from land or sea, so take your pick!
2. Compton Beach
If you’re prepared to work for your beach, then Compton Beach is the one for you. You’ll need to descend the many steps down to the beach to see the best of this one (and ascend on the way back!),
3. Freshwater Bay
Freshwater Bay Beach is a mix of grey flint and chalk pebbles, with sandy patches emerging at low tide, especially on the eastern side. This area reveals rock ledges ideal for rockpooling and exploring marine life. The bay is framed by towering white cliffs, sculpted over millennia by the sea and the River Yar, which now flows northward due to a seawall constructed across the bay’s head, creating a marsh in the hollow of the bay. Now it’s famous for watersports and good walks, but it used to be a prime spot for smugglers.
4. Osborne House Beach
You’ll have to buy a ticket to Osborne House to see this beach, but it’s worth it!
Osborne House beach is a lovely quiet spot, about a mile from the main house. In peak season they do run some sort of transport down there and back, as it’s quite a distance for some people.
You can take your shoes and socks off here and have a little paddle where Queen Victoria herself would’ve done many years ago. On a clear day you can just about make out Portsmouth on the horizon.
A lovely little spot, right near the Osborne House ice cream shop too!
5. Ryde Beach
If you’re looking for a beach on the Isle of Wight, Ryde Beach is definitely worth your time. Located just outside of the town of Ryde, this picturesque stretch of sand will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a postcard. A favourite among locals and tourists, it’s not hard to see why people flock to this spot year after year.
The water here is crystal clear and shallow enough to wade in with ease – perfect for kids or those who don’t fancy themselves strong swimmers.
6. St Helens Beach
The Isle of Wight has some pretty spectacular beaches, but one in particular stands out. The St Helens beach on the Isle of Wight is not only beautiful because it’s right next to a fort and offers stunning views, but also because it’s often deserted (except for the seagulls).
The water is also typically calmer here than at other beaches on the island which means that it’s a popular destination with windsurfers too. Although this is an English beach, don’t expect any fish and chips or buckets and spades. The only thing you’ll find on offer from the cafe is sandwiches or ice cream, or maybe a pint. This is a locals beach and doesn’t really get very busy – or at least it hasn’t when I’ve been there!
7. Ventnor Beach
Ventnor Beach is a lovely little spot on a calm, summer’s day. And if it’s not those things, then it’s a wonderfully wild spot instead. I’ve seen some amazing waves crashing against the shores here.
If you look in the distance on the photo above you can see the Spyglass Inn – ‘a proper, traditional pub’ – and a great spot for some pub grub of an eve. The pub is filled with classic pirate memorabilia – bursting with character.
Check out the events page to see if there’s any live music when you visit, and there’s plenty of spaces outdoors to enjoy the beach views too.
8. Yarmouth Beach
Yarmouth beach on the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape from city life or find some peace and quiet. It was looking pretty blustery and dramatic on the day I visited!
9. Yaverland
Yaverland Beach on the Isle of Wight is a pretty special hidden gem around these parts. The beach is huge, especially compared to some of the magical inlets and coves that make up the typical IOW beaches.
Enjoy a wander of Yaverland Beach year round to enjoy the solace, and the views of the amazing cliffs. It’s a great spot to enjoy the Isle of Wight sunsets – you might spot the odd group enjoying a sunset bonfire on the beach, or start your own!