Ed
16 May 2018
Shanklin has the best loved beaches on the Isle of Wight. Found on the east coast just south of Sandown, it shares the southern end of the same expanse of golden sand. There is a wide esplanade lining the beach with plenty of benches to sit and watch the tide roll out. The beach huts, penny arcades and ice cream vendors enhance the traditional trappings of this atmospheric seaside resort.
Up until the great storm of October 1987, Shanklin boasted a grand Victorian-era pier where popular cabaret shows and pantomime were regular fixtures. There are some impressive photos of the damage wrought on your favourite search engine. There is now a vantage point on the esplanade to mark where the gateway onto the pier once stood.
Shanklin offers lots of family fun in the form of a crazy golf-course, bowling, go-carting, an indoor soft-play centre, and lots of places to buy beach toys and apparel. The southern end of the beach leads up to the landscaped gardens of Shanklin Chine. The cliffs tower above this end to the beach as it peters out. Around the headland is the diminutive Luccombe Beach (at the time of writing - the access footpath has been closed for long term repair).
The main facilities are in abundance at Shanklin, these include public toilets, ample parking (pay and display), lost child rendezvous, first aid point, beach hut hire and more. There are dog restrictions along the beach between May and September. Please read the beach safety notices at Shanklin Beach concerning local sea conditions.
Stay in Shanklin
For a wonderful beach holiday on the Isle of Wight, with everything you need within easy reach, including golden sands, shops and restaurants, take a look at our Shanklin holiday cottages to find your perfect holiday base.
Good to know
Lifeguard service
Dog friendly beach?
- Yes – with restriction between May and September
Activities
- Sailing
- Kayaking / canoeing
- Fishing
- Jet-skiing
- Swimming / bathing
- Surfing
Facilities
- Toilets
- Cafe
- Pub and shops nearby
- First aid point
- Lost child rendezvous
- Beach hut hire
- Slipway
Map
Postcode
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.