Coast & country

There are many, many great reasons to visit the Isle of Wight but one of the very best must be the wondrous natural beauty.

The Island’s coat of arms bears the motto “All This Beauty is of God” and whether it be deep in the Isle of Wight countryside or enjoying the wonders of our coastline, it is hard to disagree.

Over half of the Isle of Wight is designated an Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), meaning it is protected from over development. The Isle of Wight was also granted UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2019, recognising the aim of the Island to live sustainably within its area and communities.

So, where to go to see the best of the coast and country of the Isle of Wight?

There is so much to see we thought we would divide the Isle into four so you can Say Yes to exploring the natural Wight.

North West

Much of the Island’s natural beauty is contained in this quarter with The Needles, Tennyson Trail and Headon Warren among the stand outs. Pick a sunny day and walk the Hamstead Trail along the north west coast.

Of course, its not all about walking and there are lovely beaches at Totland, Colwell and Freshwater, as well as miles of sand stretching from Compton Bay to Atherfield on the south-west facing coastline.

If you fancy a bite to eat on the coast then The Hut at Colwell, The Waterfront at Totland, Piano Café in Freshwater Bay or any of Yarmouth’s many eateries and pubs offer aa warm welcome.

North East

An entirely different landscape can be found in this quarter but the coastal path between Ryde and Cowes will give you a flavour of the views across The Solent to Portsmouth and Southampton, with the historic Solent Forts, known as Palmerston’s Follies, still standing proud of the water.

Ryde seafront is everything a seaside should be with miles of golden sand, waterfront bars and cafes aplenty and even the classic amusement arcade and fish and chips.

For a quieter coastal experience, the villages of Seaview, St Helens and Bembridge have lovely walks. Bembridge Harbour, St Helens Duver and the Hersey Nature Reserve at Seaview are three must-see destinations.

South East

Continuing our clockwise journey, the Bembridge Trail, which crosses the eastern central part of the Island, starts in Bembridge and finishes in Newport, giving a taste of many of the villages in between.

Brading (The Kynge’s Town) is a fine example of a traditional English settlement, with a picturesque church, shops, restaurants and pubs, as is Godshill, which is always a tourist favourite.

If you fancy an ice cream with a view that’s hard to beat then the car park on Brading Down on a nice day is perfect for a 99 and panoramas to die for.

Also in this quadrant, you will find the seaside towns of Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor (known as The Bay Area) with yet more stunning beaches, seafront walks (The Revetment between Sandown and Shanklin is prefect for a leisurely stroll) and bustling towns packed with super little shops and places to grab a bite or a drink.

Be sure to visit Sandown Meadows Nature Reserve too - a wonderful place to embrace the outdoors at any time of the year. Be sure to watch out for the bright blue and orange flash of a kingfisher diving in the water for fish, or the silent heron poised at the water’s edge, ready for action. 

South West

The final quarter is undoubtedly the Island at its rural best. With the Military Road recognised as one of the world’s most scenic drives along the unspoilt coastline and the countryside hosting pretty villages and dramatic downland, it is so hard to beat.

The Island coastal path stretch from Brighstone to Niton provides breathtaking vistas with the Wight Mouse pub at Chale a convenient pitstop. If you like a little history with your views then The Smugglers Trail at Niton or the Warrior Trail (commemorating a famous war horse ridden by Sir Jack Sealy) are shorter alternatives.

W. H. Davies wrote: “What is this life, if full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.”…

Never can it be truer than in the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight.