Bembridge 

• Lifeguard cover - No
• Car Parking – The Lifeboat Station and the harbour
• Facilities – Harbour View Café, various shops, toilets and cafes in the village. Toilets at the lifeboat station

Bembridge is a pretty village on the easterly side of the Island. The beach runs from the harbour all the way along the perimeter of the village for about five miles with various access points into and out of the village along the way. It’s important to check tide times here as at high tide there is little beach left exposed. At low tide a vast swathe of sand and shingle appears, perfect for a game of catch. The iconic lifeboat station is worth a look and opens for public viewing during high season. There’s also a gift shop and pop-up café on the green. Views from the beach take in the Solent and sea forts. This a quiet beach with plenty of space for everyone.

Steephill Cove 

• Lifeguard cover – No
• Car Parking – No vehicular access to the village so park either at the Botanical Gardens or a private car park at the top of the hill. Alternative access is to walk along the coast path from Ventnor.
• Facilities – Public toilets, deckchair hire, café summer only

Pretty as a picture postcard, aptly named Steephill Cove can be found at the bottom of a steep hill and is only accessible on foot. Totally unspoilt, this sheltered cove is worth a visit and dogs are welcome on leads and to run free on the beach after 6pm. If you are visiting during quieter months make sure to take your own refreshments as the café only opens during high season. When it is open, treat yourself to an island famous crab pastie! And don’t forget to share it with your dog!

Seagrove Beach

• Lifeguard cover – No
• Car parking – Pay and display parking available in Seaview, a short walk away
• Facilities – Public toilets at the bottom of the lane to the beach. Cafes and a community shop in Seaview

Situated in between Seaview and Priory Bay, Seagrove Beach can be found on the north easterly side of the island. A pretty crescent of golden sand, backed by some fabulous seaside properties, this sheltered bay has a slipway and is popular for beach activities and families. Dogs are welcome year- round but be aware horses are regularly exercised on the beach.

Priory Bay

•  Lifeguard cover – No
• Car parking – Nearest car park is Seaview
• Facilities – None

Priory Bay is privately owned however access is possible from Seagrove Bay along the boardwalk part of the coast path. Backed by National Trust woodland, the bay is sheltered and sandy, definitely worth the effort to get here. The westerly side has the remains of buttresses and walls, built originally to protect the coastline. During the summer months yachts regularly drop anchor in the bay to enjoy the calm, clear waters. Go prepared with a picnic and water for the dog as the nearest facilities are in Seaview.

Ryde Beach – left of pier 

• Lifeguard cover – No
• Car parking – Roadside meter parking
• Facilities – All you need in Ryde

Ryde to the east of the Island is well known for miles of sandy beach which stretches from the town towards Puckpool park and Seaview beyond. Luckily for dog owners a small section of beach to the left of the pier is available year-round. From 30^th September until 1^st May dogs are allowed on all Ryde beaches so your pooch will have great fun running on miles of flat sand (at low tide). There are lots of facilities in Ryde including a great choice of shops and a profusion of ice cream stalls along the seafront. If you want to stretch your legs further, take the promenade towards Seaview and enjoy a lovely flat walk suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users. The Dell Café is perfectly placed en-route and very dog friendly.

Yaverland – left of car park

• Lifeguard cover – No
• Car parking – Pay and display behind the beach
• Facilities – Walk along the promenade towards Sandown for a variety of shops, cafes and public toilets

One of the most picturesque beaches on the island, Yaverland sits in between Bembridge and Sandown, under the shadow of the tall dramatic cliffs of Culver. Popular with water sports enthusiasts, this beach is great for dogs year-round (to the left of the car park) as its flat and gently sloping. Families will enjoy making sandcastles and you can also find sea glass at low tide.

St Helens Beach

• Lifeguard cover – No
• Car parking – behind the beach
• Facilities – during summer months the Baywatch café sells a good range of snacks, drinks and ice creams. Off season, the nearest facilities are in St Helens village

Found between Bembridge and Seaview, this quiet and peaceful beach looks out over the Solent and is blessed with sheltered waters and easy access, perfect for swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders. Backed by the Duver (and Isle of Wight term for a low-lying piece of land occasionally inundated by the sea), this is a great place to take a dog as both the Duver and beach allow dogs. The beach is shingle and sand with groynes to keep the beach in place. Baywatch café is a great spot to sit and watch the ships and yachts sail past during the summer months.

Compton Bay

• Lifeguard cover – no
• Car parking – roadside and National Trust car parks in the area
• Facilities – Hanover Point has toilets available (closed during winter)

Compton Bay is a wide, sweeping bay on the western side of the Island off Military Road with views over the English Channel and the white cliffs surrounding Freshwater. With two miles of flat sandy beach, Compton Bay is a mecca for surfers and kite surfers who will enjoy the vast open beach and rolling seas. With a reputation as good hunting ground for dinosaur fossils, you are welcome to walk your four-legged friend between Brook Chine and Hanover Point throughout the year. Restrictions apply May – September along Compton Beach west of the car park.