As the UK’s largest island, the Isle of Wight boasts plenty of coastline – over 70 miles, in fact – to explore on a dog-friendly holiday, whether you choose epic cliff-top walks, salty swims in the sea or lazy days on the sand.
While most beaches in the Isle of Wight have no dog restrictions in the off season, many restrict four-legged visitors in the summer months so it can be hard to know where both human and hound will be welcome to enjoy sunny days on the sand together.
We’ve picked 10 of the best all-year-round dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight, where you and your dog are free to explore any day of the year. Whether you’re visiting popular destinations like Ventnor and Shanklin and want to know the closest dog-friendly beach or you’re seeking somewhere a bit more secluded for some off-lead runs, here’s our guide to the Isle of Wight’s dog-friendly beaches. For even more ideas for your holiday, read our handy Discover Isle of Wight blog!
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For even more dog-friendly beaches around the UK, check out our inspiring guide to get your pet's tail wagging.
Bembridge
This large beach made up of stones and pebbles is a great place for a family day out with your hound, as there are lots of places for little ones (and dogs!) to explore. It’s also got a laidback atmosphere, with lovely views over the Solent and a pub that plays live music most evenings in the summer. Discover even more of the best beaches on the Isle of Wight in this great guide.
- Facilities: A car park by the sand dunes, a small café by the harbour, a pub, and access for water sports via the main road. Access is via some sand dunes so expect the ground to be uneven under foot.
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: Beach Haven | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Luccombe Bay
Luccombe is a completely hidden gem of a beach, and the closest year-round, dog-friendly beach to Shanklin Chine. Its tucked-away position means it's rarely crowded so it’s a good choice if your dog is a bit nervous. There’s a secret cave once used by smugglers that we’re sure your pup will love exploring, and the flora and fauna surrounding this beach is spectacular.
- Facilities: None whatsoever – enjoy the peace and quiet and remember to take your rubbish with you. Acess is via a footpath through Luccombe Chine and then down some steep wooden steps, so flip flops might not be the best choice for this beach!
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: Rubstone Cottage | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Photo credit: Instagram @northwesternermike
Monks Bay
Nestled in a quiet spot in the village of Bonchurch, this beach got its name from the French monks who landed from Normandy. It’s best visited at low tide when a large expanse of sand is revealed, perfect for your dog to zoom around on and sniff out the seaside scents around the rock breakwaters.
- Facilities: Some parking available on the seafront; a larger car park in the village. More facilities in Bonchurch too.
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: Bonchurch Waterfront Bliss | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Photo credit: Instagram @woody_the_cocker_spaniel
Orchard Bay
Orchard Bay is the nearest year-round dog-friendly beach to Steephill Cove and Ventnor, and is overlooked by the beautiful Ventnor Botanic Garden. The sand and shingle beach is easily accessed from the town and is a great place to find a little peace and quiet with your pup. It’s a picturesque spot, with the deep red sand contrasting with the clear waters found in the rock pools.
- Facilities: Park by the Botanic Gardens. Lots of facilities in Ventnor. Access is via the coast path from Ventnor which takes about 10 minutes – or by boat!
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: Huish House | sleeps 6 + 1 dog
Rocken End
This secluded beach is close to the Isle of Wight’s most southerly point and has a wild and rugged atmosphere. It’s popular with fossil hunters as the cliff face and small quarry hold a range of Jurassic delights, making this a fun day out for the whole family. Around the corner from the beach is the spectacular 19th-century St Catherine’s Lighthouse sat atop the point.
- Facilities: Parking is available in a car park on Old Blackgang Road. Café and toilets nearby and a nice pub in Niton. Access is via a bit of a hike along a path from the end of Old Blackgang Road, so this is not one for prams and pushchairs.
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: St Catherines Cottage | Sleeps 6 + 1 dog
Photo credit: Instagram @jonesgemm
Seagrove
The closest year-round, dog-friendly beach to Seaview, this large sweep of golden sand is perfect for your dog to run around on, dig holes in and generally have a great day out at. However, it is very popular with families and water sports fanatics so you might have to watch out where he’s digging! Do check the tide before you go too, as there is very little beach left at high tide.
- Facilities: Parking in the village; toilets and a café close to the beach.
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: Bay View Cottage - Seagrove Bay | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Shepherd’s Chine
This highly picturesque beach is one of the island’s largest chines – a river valley cut into sea cliffs – and as such it has a wild and rugged air to it. It also means the approach to the beach is a bit of a trek, but it’s certainly worth it as you’ll be greeted by a sand and shingle beach that’s gently lapped by the shore and is rarely crowded.
- Facilities: Parking 1.5 miles away at Whale Chine. Access is via the coastal path which meanders along the chine and can be steep in places, and some steep steps down the beach too.
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: Rose Cottage | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
St Helen’s
On the east coast of the island, not far from Bembridge, is St Helen’s – a quieter beach fringed by a spectacular sand dune system. As well as being a great dog-friendly beach, St Helen’s is a place where people go to take a dip in the calm waters, watch birds nesting in the dunes and spy ships sailing in the Solent.
- Facilities: Pay and display parking, a café, toilets and disabled facilities.
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: The Poplars Cottage | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Watcombe Bay
With giant white chalk cliffs and crystal-clear sea, you could be fooled into thinking you’re on a tropical isle rather than just off the coast of the Great British mainland. It’s only accessed at low tide so it’s a peaceful place for a totally tranquil dog walk – just make sure you check the tide to ensure you’re not cut off.
- Facilities: Parking, toilets and places to eat and drink in Freshwater. Access involves a climb over some rocks from Freshwater Bay at low tide – so bring sturdy shoes!
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: Fort Redoubt – Upper Caponier | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Photo credit: Instagram @ianpaceyphotography
Yaverland
Yaverland is one of the best dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight to visit if you’ve also got kids in tow. The huge stretch of sand is perfect for building sandcastles (and digging holes) and the water is calm and safe for swimming. Plus there of plenty of facilities nearby to keep everyone happy, and you can even find fossils near the cliffs!
- Facilities: Car park, beach shop, café, toilets that run on completely renewable energy.
- Dog restrictions: None.
- Stay nearby: Stanwell Barn Cottage | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Photo credit: Instagram @wightandblackspots
The Isle of Wight's best dog-friendly beaches on a map
Stay with us on the Isle of Wight
If your dog’s tail is wagging at the thought of a holiday filled with sandy scampers, sea swims and sniffing out new salty scents, why not take a look at our dog-friendly cottages on the Isle of Wight? Close to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, our cottages put you in the perfect setting for a spectacular coastal holiday, plus you can be sure that your four-legged best friend will be just as welcome at our self-catering accommodation as you are.
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