3 More Great isle of Wight Beaches

The Isle of Wight has been called little England as it basically has a sample of all of the different terrains of the British Coast within its 56 miles of shoreline. From the white cliffs rising up to meet springy chalk downs to the river estuaries and salt marshes filled with reeds. The Wight coastline is speckled with sailing villages to traditional beach goers resorts. The Southern coast is dotted with Gothic Victorian mansions and semi-tropical gardens. More than half of this island bears the designation of an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". This island has inspired a multitude of writers from Keats to Dickens.

On the East Coast of the island, Bembridge is part sand and part rock pools. It is popular for families during the summer but is still unspoilt by visitation. Sandown and Shanklin beaches together form a long arc of golden sand. They are blessed with safe swimming areas as well as areas for water sports. There are beach cafés as well as traditional resort type activities offered. To the south is Ventnor which has a sand and shingle beach. The locals tend towards the more wild sands of the Southwest that are reach only by climbing down cliff steps. Compton Bay is one of the most accessible beaches.

Shanklin Beach and Sandown beach are both part of Sandown Bay which is world famous for its sparkling sandy beaches and safe bathing areas. The activities available on the beach caters to a multitude of different tastes from just relaxing and sun bathing to taking a wild ride courtesy of the wind via a windsurfing board. The town is filled with enjoyable amenities and there are plenty of ‘Longshoreman' that provide traditional and more modern leisure pursuits. If you want to step away from the beach, there Shanklin Center is just a short walk from the seafront at Shanklin beach. Lifegards are on patrol to watch the shoreline and to help make your visit as safe, enjoyable and relaxing as possible. There is a Water Safety Zone that is in place to ensure bathers and sport recreational users are safely separated. There is a first aid center should anyone suffer minor injuries. During the summer, Shanklin Beach is cleaned by machine, ensuring that all litter is removed on a daily basis. They also remove large amounts of seaweed that is collected and given to local farmers to use as compost. Inshore Rescue is also available as are the Coastguard. Shankin beach has been able to fly it's Seaside Award Flag and also display its Water Quality award continuously since 1996.

Ventnor Beach is a hotbed of water sports activities. There are many events that take place at this beach including wakeboarding. The area also hosts festivals of all kinds so when you get tired of wind surfing, wakeboarding, traditional surfing or just relaxing on the beach, you may be able to take in a festival or enjoy the beautiful offerings of Ventnor proper. Ventnor is a land of beauty that looks over a vista of blue water. You won't have trouble figuring out what to do in this location.

This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Luccombe Hall who offer Holiday Accommodation Shanklin based breaks and other Shanklin Accommodation options.