Shanklin Beach

The beach at Shanklin curves in a proper crescent of golden sand, backed by those distinctive Victorian cliffs that make the Isle of Wight coast so distinctive. You get a mix of sandy stretches and shale depending on the tide, which means there's always something different underfoot each time you visit.

It's the kind of beach that works for families wanting a straightforward seaside day - the sand is clean, the water's sheltered enough to feel safe for younger swimmers, and there's proper infrastructure with cafes and facilities right on the seafront. Walkers should head east along the undercliff path towards Sandown for cracking views across the bay. The cliffs themselves are dramatic but not imposing, which means they don't gobble up the sky.

The main thing to know is that Shanklin gets busy in peak season - June through August the car parks fill quickly and the beach can feel crowded by early afternoon. Go in shoulder months and you'll have a much nicer time. Admission's free, naturally, though parking will cost you a few quid.

If you're staying at Isle of Wight Coastal Park just down the road, you're perfectly placed - it's barely a ten-minute drive away, making this an easy day trip. The beach itself takes as long as you want it to, though most people get their fill in two to three hours. A dawn walk in April or September, when the crowds have gone, is genuinely worth the early start.