Isle of Wight beaches:
Freshwater Bay & Compton Bay

The beautiful Isle of Wight beaches at Freshwater Bay and Compton Bay are to be found on the south-west coast of the island. They are easily reached just off the main A3055 Military Road and will appeal to those who prefer to get away from the busier beaches within Sandown Bay.

FRESHWATER BAY offers one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Nestling below the chalky downs that lead out to The Needles Headland, it really is a little 'gem'.

Isle of Wight beaches - Freshwater Bay in May (looking east)

As can be seen from the above picture, the beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles. The sea tends to push the pebbles down to the far end of the beach where they bank up against the chalky cliffs, leaving soft, golden sand closer to the 'promenade' - just where you want it!

Freshwater Bay is a very small 'resort', so don't expect all the razzmatazz of a busy esplanade. But you will find a decent-sized car park (charges apply) and attractive Tea Rooms closeby overlooking the beach.

You will also find a lifeboat station (always interesting!), and nearby, a small shop selling souvenirs and ice-creams. Public conveniences are within 100 yards of the beach.

Freshwater Bay Tea Rooms

Overlooking the bay is the imposing Albion Hotel which enjoys panoramic views from most windows. The main bar within the hotel, the 'Albion Tavern', enjoys such views and is open to non-residents. The entrance, right off the promenade, is visible in the following photograph.

Freshwater Bay in January (looking west towards The Albion Hotel)

COMPTON BAY is perhaps one of the 'wildest' beaches on the Isle of Wight. There is absolutely nothing there except sand, sea and cliffs - and, if you're lucky, dinosaur fossils!

Isle of Wight beaches - Compton Bay in May

In order to reach the bay you need to find the car park near Shippards Chine and 'Hanover Point' just off the A3055. Assuming you are approaching from the Niton direction, it's on the left hand side about one third of a mile past the turning to Brook. A large notice welcomes you to Hanover Point and the Fossil Forest.

The National Trust welcomes you to Hanover Point

You will note that the car park is slowly disappearing into the sea!! Indeed, every time we visit it seems that there are fewer and fewer parking spots! (This stretch of coastline is constantly being eroded - hence its popularity with fossil hunters!) Anyway, steps lead down from the car park onto the sandy beach. And, should need arise, you will also find some toilets in the car park.

As you might expect, on windy days the waves come pounding in all along this coast - and Compton Bay is a popular venue for surfers!

Freshwater Bay and Compton Bay are two of the best beaches in the Isle of Wight, but there are others! For further recommendations simply click on the following links:-

SANDOWN and SHANKLIN

RYDE and APPLEY

VENTNOR and STEEPHILL COVE

BEMBRIDGE and ST HELENS

COLWELL BAY and TOTLAND BAY


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