Steephill Cove, Ventnor

With a flurry of good press coverage in the likes of The Telegraph, The Independent, and Lonely Planet - not to mention a whole raft of blogs - Steephill Cove near Ventnor isn’t quite the hidden secret it once was! That said, even with the best will in the world, it’s not the easiest beach to find, so it’s usually pretty quiet. 

What keeps it a hidden secret? It can only be reached on foot via a very long, very narrow footpath that starts at the top of a cliff. If you’re the type to revel in a bit of mild hiking before settling down to enjoy a day at the beach, Steephill Cove could be the one for you. Just pack light! And do note that the steep, gravely terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. 

But boy, is it worth working up a sweat for. This tiny, perfectly formed cove tucked beneath Ventor’s cliffs is outrageously pretty. Think pastel-hued deckchairs, thatched cottages, and rocky outcrops. 

At the beach, stay alert with a trip to Cove Coffee Shop or tuck into some local seafood at The Beach Shack. If you love to wander around a garden, head to Ventnor Botanical Gardens and lose yourself in a world of rare plants. Otherwise, head up to Ventnor and hit up its independent shops and cute teashops, or take a stroll down the coast path; Shanklin to Ventnor is one of the best dog-friendly walks on the Isle of Wight.

Dogs are welcome on the beach year-round. They’ll need to be kept on leads May through to September, unless you’re visiting for a sundowner after 6pm, when they can run wild and free. 

Totland Bay, Totland

If you’re looking for a secluded island swimming spot, pack your costume and head for Totland Bay to the west of the Island. It’s less than 3 miles up the coast from the exceedingly popular Alum Bay, yet feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of The Needles. 

Best enjoyed at low tide when the shore retreats to reveal a blanket of white sand, this sheltered bay is perfect for a peaceful dip. After you’ve finished swimming (or paddling, no judgment here), head to the pub, aptly named The Waterfront, and watch the sun set over the sea with a pint or a hearty pub meal. Or wander up the pretty promenade for more eatery options.  

With nearby parking, a level promenade, and slope access, this is one of the easier, hidden beaches on the Isle of Wight to visit. Do note that there are seasonal dog restrictions in place from the 1st of May to the 30th of September. Visit our dog-friendly beach round-up for canine-approved venues!

There’s plenty to keep you busy near Totland - walk along the coast path down to Alum Bay, or why not take a Needles cruise and soak up this stunning coastline from a different vantage point? It’s one of the best things to do with kids on the Isle of Wight.

Watcombe Bay, nr Freshwater

Tucked around the corner from the beautiful and beloved Freshwater Bay, you’ll find Watcombe Bay. Well, we say find. You won’t find it unless you’re looking! The only way to reach this elusive beauty is to swim or kayak around from Freshwater. But fortune favours the bold, and those that make the journey will be rewarded with an empty - or certainly very quiet - beach with a network of caves and caverns to explore. 

If you do want to explore, make sure you only enter the cave at low tide when the conditions are calm. If you time it right and make it inside, you’re in for a sunlit spectacular of a treat. Suffice to say, this tiny, wild beach is well suited to adventurers and photographers. 

Nearby, you might like to stomp along the coast path and soak up the scenic viewpoint on Highdown cliffs. Or, if you’re seeking a little modern civility after all that wild excitement, head into Freshwater Bay for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. 

Gurnard Beach, Gurnard

A short drive, or a longer walk, from Cowes, you’ll find the sweet village of Gurnard with its cute pebble and sand beach and Solent waters. The nearby sailing club and dinghy club make it a popular spot with local sailors and sailors-in-training, so there’s always something to watch bobbing offshore. 

Head here for sunset as the cruise ships glide past, or visit with your family and enjoy the nearby village green and playground for a change of scenery or a sand-free picnic. For a seaside treat, head to the beachfront café and let them whip you up some local seafood. Or for sweeping sea views, head on up to the Woodvale Pub & Hotel.

Access is a doddle with a level promenade, nearby parking, and disabled toilets, yet it remains a quieter spot than nearby Cowes Beach and Sandown to the east. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach between May and September, but there is a secret loophole: head to Gurnard’s hidden beach. Track the footpath around the back of the sailing club, and you’ll arrive at a rocky, sandy beach where your dog is welcome.

Binnel Bay, Puckaster

Sandwiched between popular Ventnor beach to the east and Puckaster Cove to the west, you’ll find Binnel Bay - a remote stretch of exposed shoreline backed by low woodland cliffs and sweeping sea views towards Catherine’s Point. 

As well as its rugged good looks, it’s a fascinating spot - you can spot the scattered remains of Spindler’s Folly seawall. Archaeological findings from Binnel Bay have found evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period, including a soil horizon dated to 2,530BC that contains the remains of red squirrel, red deer, and marine molluscs. 

Wild and rugged, there are no specific dog restrictions in place here. Access is hard work, and the coast path is steep and uneven in places. It’s definitely not one for wheelchairs or pushchairs, and probably too challenging and uneven for most little legs. But if you’ve got the stamina, it pays off once you arrive. 

Other hidden beaches on the Isle of Wight to consider

Woodside Bay, Wootton: Framed by woodlands with Solent views, it’s a peaceful spot for those seeking solitude.

Orchard Bay, St Lawrence: Secluded and a bit of a drama queen, this under-visited cove is perfect for adventure seekers who don’t mind challenging routes.

Duver Beach, St Helens: With its generous flat sands, salt marshes, and old church ruins, this National Trust beach enjoys easy access from the car park, making it perfect for families. 

Rocken End, Niton: Head to the Island’s southern tip for this remote spot, which attracts hardy hikers looking for something wild and beautiful. 

Ready to book your next beach-based getaway? Browse our collection of Isle of Wight holiday cottages and get your next adventure in the calendar.