A Few of My Favourite Local Spots on the Sunny Isle of Wight
Welcome to the Isle of Wight’s Golden Coast
A bit about where you’ll be
Sandown Bay has miles of golden sand and some proper coastal walking, whether you fancy a gentle stroll along the front or a longer walk up towards Culver Down. There’s something for everyone here, dogs included.
Close by you'll find the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Dinosaur Isle Museum — and right on the doorstep, the walk up to Culver Down and one of my favourite local spots, the Culver Haven Inn.
Events, attractions and places to eat, from someone who actually lives here.
The Isle of Wight is a lovely little place to explore with family, friends — and dogs. Here are a few of my favourite spots and things worth knowing about, from ten years of actually living here.
My favourite what’s on this yearIsle of Wight events
29 JULY - 26 AUGUST 2026
Summer Fest at Blackgang Chine.
The UK’s oldest theme park puts on extra rides and entertainment over the summer holidays. A good rainy-day option if you’re staying with me during the school break.
15-16 AUGUST 2026
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival.
A lovely couple of days celebrating local food and drink over at Newchurch, with live music and cookery demos. Worth a visit if your stay overlaps.
3 SEPTEMBER 2026
Ryde Carnival Main Procession.
One of the Island’s biggest carnivals, with floats and music through Ryde town centre — a real community occasion.
See What’s NearbyExplore the Isle of Wight. There’s a lot packed into this little Island.
Chalk cliffs and the Needles out west, Osborne House near Cowes, sandy bays all along the coast, and well over 500 miles of footpaths connecting it all. Wherever you’re headed, you’re never too far from a lovely view.
Food and DrinkSee more of the Island without the hassle of constant packing or planning.
Sandown's seafront has plenty of cafés and simple, unfussy places to eat, many happy to have your dog sat with you outside with a treat and a water bowl. For a proper local favourite with a view, I'd point you towards the Culver Haven Inn up on the clifftop — good, honest home-cooked food, real ales, and a biscuit for the dog at the bar (more on that below). Ventnor and Cowes are also worth the drive if you fancy a change of scene.
Doggie WalksSee more of the Island without the hassle of constant packing or planning.
The coastal path starts right outside my door, with miles of clifftop and beach walking in both directions. My favourite is the walk up to Culver Down — see below for more on that one.
Local BeachesSee more of the Island without the hassle of constant packing or planning.
Yaverland Beach is the closest to me — a good stretch of sand under the chalk cliffs, lovely for a walk and popular for fossil-hunting too. Worth knowing: like most of the Island's main beaches, there are seasonal dog restrictions on parts of Sandown and Yaverland beach between 1 May and 30 September. The stretch of Yaverland to the east of the car park (heading towards Culver Down) stays dog-friendly all year round, so it's easy enough to plan around. [Confirmed against Isle of Wight Council's current PSPO guidance — worth linking to the Council's beach map for guests who want the exact boundaries.]
Local ShoppingSee more of the Island without the hassle of constant packing or planning.
Sandown town has some nice independent gift shops and everyday bits within easy walking distance. If you fancy a bigger shopping trip, Ryde and Newport both have more choice.
Nearby and notableSee more of the Island without the hassle of constant packing or planning.
Within easy reach: the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Dinosaur Isle Museum (both welcome dogs in parts), Blackgang Chine theme park, Monkey Haven, Tapnel Farm, and further west, the chalk stacks of the Needles.
Ready to start your family home-from-home holiday?