Sandown
Sandown, and nearby Shanklin, are classic seaside resort towns on the southeast coast, offering plenty of traditional seaside fun and popular family entertainment. The twin resorts are connected by a promenade and a six miles of fine golden sands.
Sandown Beach and Pier © Steven
Muster (CC2)
There is plenty to do in Sandown. You can take a nostalgic stroll out along the pier, build sand castles on the beach or visit Sandham Gardens. Other activities include crazy golf, fairground rides, beachfront cafes and cosy little pubs serving local cuisine and fresh caught fish. The Esplanade in particular, provides a mile of souvenir and beach shops, amusements, eateries and beautiful gardens.
Sandown's Victorian pier (circa 1878) has a pavilion
and sun terrace, plus a range of classic amusements
and amenities. There is an excellent choice of hotels
and places to stay in the town, many offering spectacular
sea views. There are also a number of campsites just
a short distance away, with excellent bus and transport
connections, making Sandown a good base for exploring
the rest of the island.
The beach between Sandown and Shanklin has gently sloping golden sands with clear safe bathing waters. The area is very popular with all kinds of water sports and there are number of water sporting centres, where you can practice your skills. There are plenty of other activities for landlubbers too, including a magnificent dinosaur museum with interactive exhibits and the nearby Isle of Wight Zoo.
Places of interest to visit in Sandown
Museum of Geology (Dinosaur Isle)
This purpose built museum recreates the Jurassic age with life-size reconstructions as well as dinosaur skeletons. More than 5000 fossils found on the island are on display, with diagrams, images and animated models, making the exhibits interesting to both non-technical visitors and geologists alike.
Opening times: Opening
times vary throughout the year, see website for details
- Admission
Charge
Location: Culver Parade, Sandown PO36
8QA
Tel: 01983 404344
Website: dinosaurisle.com
Map of Sandown
South East England
Towns & Villages on the IOW
Cowes, Freshwater, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Newport, Ventnor
Attractions on the IOW
Appuldurcombe House | Bembridge Windmill | Blackgang Chine | Brighstone Museum | Dinosaur Isle | Steam Railway | Mottistone Manor Garden | Needles Battery | Newtown Creek | Osborne House | Old Town Hall | Robin Hill