About Sandown - Isles of Wight

Sandown

To the east of the island and sheltered in a stunning bay lies Sandown with its golden sandy beach that slopes gently into the sea. Sandown offers activities for every visitor. The traditional seafront offers many amusements including those on the traditional Victorian pier. The seafront promenades have plenty of small shops, pubs and restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine. Walk the two miles to Shanklin, passing the small village of Lake with its sandy beach and watersports centre, choosing either the coastal path or promenade. A popular seafront walk for visitors to Sandown.

The Beach

Sandown is the best place to have fun beside the sea safely. Lifeguards on patrol to watch over the shore and to help make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Water Safety Zoning to ensure that bathers and recreational users are separated and a first aid point for all your minor injuries. During the summer season Sandown beach is machine cleaned and litter picked on a daily basis and large amounts of seaweed are removed and taken to local farmers for use as compost. Emergency equipment such as Lifebelts are strategically located along the Esplanade in order to ensure safety at any time of the year. The Inshore Rescue is also close at hand and are always on call by the Coastguard.

Sandown seafront is just yards from the town's shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, with easy level walking along the broad promenades and sea wall. Safe bathing and a mild climate with consistently high placing in the U.K's sunshine records provide the essential ingredients for a summer holiday. You will find deckchairs, beach huts, water sports and the pier, which dates from 1879 and now provides all-weather amusements and the opportunity to walk out over the sea, which is just as exciting for today's visitors as it was to the Victorians.

Since 1996 Sandown has not only been able to fly the Seaside Award Flag but has also been successful in displaying its Water Quality award.

Like anywhere, Sandown has its natural hazards so be sure to read the safety guidelines and have a good time. Information is provided at each area so check the tide timetables to ensure your own safety and where appropriate do not swim when the Red Flag is flying.

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