The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is a 70-mile trail of glorious coastal scenery, from dramatic chalk cliffs and golden beaches to historic landmarks and fossil-rich shores. Along the way, walkers can discover some of the UK’s most precious wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views of the English Channel and the Solent - perfect for a sea-view picnic.
Just 3 miles off the Hampshire coast, the Isle of Wight is England’s largest island, offering a blend of unspoiled coastline, chalk grasslands, pretty woods and forests. Surrounded by the English Channel, you’re never more than an hour from the coast, making it the perfect place to enjoy the relaxing sights and sounds of the ocean.
What is the Isle of Wight Coastal Path
For those who love coastal walks, the Isle of Wight Coastal Path is a 67-mile circular route, which winds past chalk cliffs, subtropical gardens, a grand fortress, golden beaches and even prehistoric fossil sites. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day adventure or a leisurely stroll along a scenic stretch with an ice cream in hand, this pretty coastal trail will leave you satisfied and on the hunt for a welcoming pub.
In this guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to make the most of the Isle of Wight Coast Path, including the best beaches, where to stop, where to eat and the best places to see wildlife on the island.
Wildlife
The Isle of Wight’s separation from the English mainland has provided a haven for native wildlife, resulting in the entire Island being designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Whether exploring on foot or out on a fun-filled sea safari, these are the best places to spot wildlife on the Isle of Wight…
Bouldnor Forest
The Isle of Wight is one of England’s last strongholds for red squirrels, which have been spared the competition and disease brought by North American grey squirrels due to the Island’s separation from the mainland. For the best chance to spot them, head to Bouldnor Forest between the Cowes and Yarmouth section of the coastal path. Or, detour to another of the Island’s squirrel-watching sites for plenty of opportunities to spot these furry critters as they spring from branch to branch.
Newtown National Nature Reserve
For birdwatching, pass through Newtown National Nature Reserve around 2 hours before or after high tide as waders and wildfowl such as oystercatchers, redshanks, lapwings, and ringed plovers can often be spotted enjoying the peaceful backwater.
The Isle of Wight is also home to the UK’s largest bird of prey – the magnificent white-tailed eagle – which can be spotted hunting for fish in the estuaries and the Solent.
Marine wildlife
Take a break from the trail and jump aboard a seafaring vessel for the chance to see the Isle of Wight’s astonishing variety of marine life. Harbour porpoises and common and bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted in Isle of Wight waters, making for an exciting experience, and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale.
If you prefer to stay on land, look down into the coves while walking the cliffs for a chance to spot both of the UK’s seal species – the common and the grey – basking in the sun or bottling in the waves.
Along the shoreline, retreating tides reveal rockpools where you’ll discover crabs, blennies, shrimps and other small marine creatures, perfect for curious kids to explore life beneath the waves.
Look out for butterflies
The Isle of Wight is home to over 40 species of butterfly, including the rare Glanville fritillary. Keep an eye out for these rare beauties while walking through the coastal grasslands of the southern half of the Island during the spring. Other favourite butterfly species include the Chalkhill Blue, Brimstone, Peacock, Red Admiral and Orange-tip.
Beaches
The Isle of Wight Coastal Path gives you access to the best beaches on the Island, including secret bays, pretty fisherman’s coves, and endless stretches of golden sand.
Gurnard Beach, North Wight
Gurnard Beach is a popular spot with swimmers as the pebble and shingle shore gently slopes into the sea, while passing ships create the occasional wave to jump over. The beach really comes into its own at sunset, though, when the sky ignites in golden hues, reflecting beautifully over the ocean – the perfect opportunity to enjoy an Isle of Wight sundowner.
Ryde Beach, North East Wight
Ryde Beach – known locally as Appley – boasts miles of golden sand backed by colourful beach huts and acres of lush woodland. It's also home to Appley Tower, a mock castle overlooking the shore, offering plenty to explore during your visit. A classic family-friendly destination, the beach is complete with a large pier, arcades, restaurants, pubs, and shops. Stroll along the sand and shingle, or take the easier route along the promenade (ice cream optional but highly recommended).
St Helens Duver, East Wight
St Helens Duver offers a quieter escape and is a favourite amongst families. Backed by beach huts and grassy dunes, this sandy stretch is a sanctuary for birdlife, including little egrets, wigeon, brent geese, curlew and lapwings. St Helens Duver is dog-friendly year-round, so your furry friends can join you on the pebbly sand and in the café afterwards.
Yaverland Beach, East Wight
Yaverland Beach is one of the Island’s famous dinosaur beaches, perfect for finding ancient fossils in the rocks under the cliffs. It’s often nice and quiet too, making it a top spot for a peaceful swim. It’s dog-friendly throughout the year between the sailing club and Culver Down, so bring the pup along for the adventure. And if you need refuelling, the café does a cracking sausage bap.
Steephill Cove, South Wight
A secluded cove backed by pretty fishermen’s cottages, Steephill is a great place to stop for a swim and a bite to eat. Only accessible on foot, the reward for your trek is a crab pasty and some of the best views on the Island. The water is often crystal clear here, and the village is picture-perfect, so make sure you bring your camera when you visit.
Watershoot Bay, South Wight
On the southernmost tip of the Island, Watershoot Bay is a hidden gem you can often enjoy all to yourself. A half-mile walk through fields and stiles keeps the crowds away, making it perfect for walkers in search of a peaceful picnic spot. Soak up the dramatic scenery, hunt for fossils, or just sit back and watch the waves roll in – bliss.
Compton Bay, West Wight
For your next dose of unspoiled sand, head to Compton Bay. Framed by multicoloured sandstone cliffs, the sand here is simply unmatched, with gold and dark hues creating a fascinating sight. For a quieter spot, take the steps beneath Compton Farm. With no amenities, it’s just you, the sea, and nature at its best.
Alum Bay, West Wight
Famous for its multicoloured sand, Alum Bay is near the Isle of Wight’s westernmost point. One of the most picturesque beaches on the Island, its clear waters also make it a tempting swimming destination. Access to the beach is on foot, or via the chairlift – the latter is best for enjoying incredible elevated views of The Needles.
Things to do
From fascinating landmarks to beautiful gardens, there’s lots to see and do along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path.
Visit a maritime museum
The Cowes Maritime Museum and Classic Boat Museum help to educate visitors on the area’s maritime heritage, from shipbuilding to shipwrecks and everything in between. Learn about how the Isle of Wight has shaped the maritime industry as you explore boats, photographs, and maritime equipment.
Osborne House
Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight, Osborne is one of the Island’s most impressive historic buildings. Explore the house for a glimpse at the Queen’s private life and the Swiss Cottage to see where the children played. The terraced gardens are also well worth a visit, where you can enjoy seasonal blooms and views over the sea. It’s also a top spot for red squirrel spotting, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled while exploring the wooded areas.
Bembridge Windmill
Built around 1700, looking at the National Trust Bembridge Windmill feels like travelling back in time. Found on the outskirts of Bembridge, it’s extremely photogenic and was even painted by famous artist JMW Turner. Climb to the top for awesome views of the surrounding coastline, before learning how the mill was used to turn grain into flour.
Go fossil hunting
The Isle of Wight is one of the best places in Europe to search for dinosaur remains, especially on the south coast between Brook Bay and Compton Bay. To learn more about these fascinating creatures and to increase your chances of discovering something, book onto a fossil hunting tour with Dinosaur Isle Museum, Wight Coast Fossils or Dinosaur Expeditions.
Shanklin Chine
The Isle of Wight’s oldest visitor attraction, Shanklin Chine allows you to swap coastal vistas for woodland and waterfalls. Much loved for its peaceful ambience and stunning canopies of trees that line the gorge, head here for a spot of forest bathing, Island-style.
Ventnor Botanic Garden
Another botanical haven, Ventnor Botanic Garden has a splendid display of tropical plant species thanks to the area’s Mediterranean-like microclimate. Home to over 6,000 rare and exotic species, it also boasts some of the world’s largest Giant Amazonian water lilies and another chance to spot red squirrels scampering amongst the foliage. Visit in the summer to enjoy the quirky stylings of the Ventnor Fringe Festival, which fills the garden with music and laughs.
St Catherine’s Lighthouse
As you near the southernmost point of the island, you’ll pass St Catherine’s Lighthouse. Its octagonal tower is very pleasing to the eye, especially when the light hits it during golden hour. It’s still used by vessels navigating the English Channel today.
Isle of Wight Pearl
Isle of Wight Pearl is a must-visit for fans of designer jewellery. Browse beautifully crafted pieces or choose a carbon-neutral pearl to create your own bespoke treasure. The on-site café is perfect for a relaxed lunch or coffee, with gorgeous ocean views as your backdrop.
Isle of Wight Walking Festival
Still haven’t filled your walking boots? One of the UK’s longest-running walking festivals, The Isle of Wight Walking Festival runs twice a year, in spring and autumn, for walkers of any experience level. Whether you’re an intrepid hiker, a coastal wanderer, or a dog walker who loves a pub stop, it’s the perfect way to discover the Isle of Wight on a deeper level.
Held over eight days, with routes catering to all abilities, join volunteer walk leaders as they showcase some of the 500 miles of footpaths crisscrossing the Island – all while helping you to learn about the isle’s landscape, history, and wildlife. With most walks free to join, it’s a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems, enjoy jaw-dropping scenery, and connect with fellow walking fans.
The Needles
Last but definitely not least, no trip to the Isle of Wight is complete without seeing The Needles – a trio of chalk stacks piercing out of the ocean. The coastal path leads you past an excellent viewpoint, or you can take either a boat or the chairlift from Alum Bay for a different perspective. For a particularly good stomp, the stretch of coast between Freshwater Bay and The Needles is perfect for those craving spectacular sea views.
Places to eat
Exploring winding paths on foot is hungry work; luckily, there are lots of excellent places to eat along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, so you can refuel while soaking up sublime sea views.
The Farm Shop and No.8 Café, Bembridge
While passing through Bembridge, The Farm Shop and No.8 Café sells great produce, including fresh fruit and veg, homemade sausage rolls, and cakes – perfect for grabbing a snack or stocking up if you’re planning on cooking at your home-from-home. There’s also a café at the back, which serves homemade veggie and vegan dishes – think quiche, tabbouleh, salads and sandwiches.
The Garden, Cowes
Open year-round for alfresco dining, The Garden in Cowes boasts a Mediterranean-style outdoor space – a sunny haven in summer and cosy with heaters in winter. Serving up a delicious fusion of Italian and English dishes all day, it’s ideal for carb-loading with pizza before hitting the trails, or treating yourself to a hearty full English breakfast.
Ristorante Michelangelo, Ryde
Serving up classic Italian dishes, Ristorante Michelangelo is known as one of the best restaurants in Ryde. Offering authentic Italian cuisine lovingly prepared by Italian chefs, the menu is extensive (as are the portion sizes), and the setting is wonderfully welcoming. If you’re passing during the day, don’t miss the deli-café-shop, which sells proper Italian products, and for evening meals, book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Sundial Café, Sandown
When it comes to dining on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, you simply can’t beat a café right on the beach. Boasting sprawling views across the beach at Sandown, Sundial Café invites you to kick back with some toothsome refreshments as you soak up the sun with the sand between your toes. From homemade cakes and sandwiches to refreshing beers and lip-smacking wine, this is an unmissable stop-off when exploring the coast.
The Crab & Lobster, Bembridge
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly pub on the Isle of Wight, the Crab & Lobster is perfectly positioned on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. They specialise in top-quality seafood, including hot and cold dishes, with panoramic views over the sea. Provenance is important here, so you can expect seasonal ingredients and dishes created with fresh, locally sourced produce.
The Crab Shed, Steephill Cove
For fans of seafood, The Crab Shed at Steephill Cove is one of the best places to eat crab on the Isle of Wight. Treat yourself to a crab pasty or, if you prefer, a mackerel baguette while watching the comings and goings of this pretty fishing cove. Steephill also happens to be one of our favourite beaches, making it an essential stop while walking the Isle of Wight Coastal Path.
True Food Kitchen, Ventnor
A minor detour from the coast path in Ventnor will take you to True Food Kitchen, an unmissable Asian fusion restaurant where you can feast on homemade Korean, Japanese, and Thai dishes. Including meat, vegetarian, and vegan options, expect maximalist flavours at what is regarded as one of the best restaurants on the whole Island.
The Freshwater Coffee House, Freshwater Bay
If you’re looking for places to eat out on West Wight, your first stop should be Freshwater Coffee House in Freshwater Bay. Serving up delicious brunches, toasties, and pastries, this family-owned café has plenty of options for veggies and vegetarians. They also host occasional themed food evenings and open mic nights.
Off the Rails, Yarmouth
For something a little different, Off the Rails near Yarmouth is set in the town’s former railway station and styled like a vintage railway carriage. It’s a perfect pit stop for coast path walkers as this section of the trail follows the old railway line. Catering to all – including a menu for furry friends – it’s a charming, dog-friendly spot we absolutely love.
Ready for your coastal adventure? Check out our stunning Isle of Wight cottages, which are perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails. From hot tubs for aching muscles, dog-friendly favourites, and coastal cottages with sprawling sea views, escape to the Isle of Wight for a spectacular seaside escape.
