Service StatusBeaches in the south
Bonchurch beach
Offering good views from the car park, Bonchurch beach is approached via a 2 minute steep walk down to a shingle and sand beach with rocks and rockpools where children can hunt for crabs and small fish. Also accessible from Ventnor by walking along the sea wall past tiny fisherman's cottages. If you enjoy walking, Bonchurch Old Church, Bonchurch Village and the coastal path to Shanklin (passing the fascinating rock formations of the wooded landslip) are close by.
Refreshments, parking and toilets.
Ventnor beach
The high cliffs on which Ventnor’s delightful Victorian terraced town is built shelter ‘Suntrap’ bay. Best at low tide, this crescent-shaped red sandy beach is great for swimming but hidden rocks and a strong tide means there's better places for watersports - big crashing waves in winter make it popular with surfers. Accessible via the winding road down to the beach or catch a minibus.
Parking, cafés, pubs, restaurants, shops, toilets.
Steephill Cove
A beautiful secluded bay near Ventnor with rock pools and great views to the west. Although only accessible by foot its well worth the effort if only for the peace and quiet.
Park near cricket ground on road between Ventnor and St Lawrence and follow footpath (10 minute walk). Alternatively follow the coastal path from Ventnor (45 minute walk). Seasonal beach café.
Reeth Bay
A charming hidden bay with a 300 metre wide beach flanked by steep cliffs. Situated east of St Catherine's Point, it is accessible via a 1 mile track which is unsuitable for vehicles with poor ground clearance.