Yaverland Beach, Sandown

The Isle of Wight boasts some of Europe’s best beaches – one of which is Yaverland. Located in the Victorian seaside town of Sandown, low tide sees the beach expand from the sailing club through to the chalky cliffs of Culver Down.

The acres of beach are perfect for families and there are some fantastic coastal pathways to explore. Fossil remains can also be found here as it’s one of the Isle of Wight’s renowned dinosaur beaches. At high tide you can walk all the way to the dinosaur strata.

We headed over to the Isle of Wight by car ferry from Portsmouth so we could move about the island as we pleased. If you’re travelling by foot, you can catch a catamaran or hovercraft – the latter taking just 10 minutes from Southsea.

It’s always worthwhile checking the Tide Times before you head off so you can plan what you’re doing accordingly. The Isle of Wight Zoo is opposite Yaverland beach so we headed there first, stopping at the beach cafe afterwards for coffee and cake.

Yaverland Beach has previously been home to the White Air Extreme Sports Festival and whilst there’s a lot to see, there are also safe areas for swimming too.

We were fortunate enough to see the kite surfers in action, they reached some pretty impressive heights at times! Windsurfing, surfing and dingy sailing are also on offer.

POD was so keen to hit the beach with her newly acquired bucket and spade so we headed straight down after cake. Her trademark headband still strategically positioned round her forehead as it often is.

As the tide headed outwards, POD was back and forth to the waters edge. She’d fill her bucket with sand only to wash it all away in the sea. Sometimes the simplest things in life really are the most fun.

We were so lucky it was such a glorious day. While there was certainly a breeze, it was wonderful to be chilling in the sunshine and listening to the sound of the waves. There was barely a soul around either.

It was great to see POD comfortable in the sea. So much so she got herself completely drenched.

With her leggings hoisted up to her knees (she often does this!), she just stood on occasions watching the waves lap over her toes.

Venturing into the water and running out again before the waves caught up with her was the best game ever. Each time she succeeded she’d shout “ha” at the sea and giggle.

What better way to lose a few hours than to wander about a largely unspoilt beach with fabulous scenery. We totally fell in love with the Isle of Wight.

Other beaches nearby include Sandown which has an esplanade and a pleasure pier. Surf and paddle board hire is available there as are kayaks. Lake Beach (Dunroamin Beach) which is located between Sandown and Shanklin. It’s tucked away but can be accessed via the Sandown or Shanklin esplanades or from the cliff path at Lake.

Also in the vicinity is the Dinosaur Island trail which is set in the Culver Cliffs. And Dinosaur Isle which is a purpose built dinosaur attraction. Not to mention the fabulous Isle of Wight Zoo which has a special interest in tigers and lemurs.

Once upon a time tiger cubs used to be walked on Yaverland Beach. What an amazing sight that would be.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

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