Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Ventnor

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available Isle of Wight Coastal Path Dog friendly Seasonal lifeguard cover Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming

Season: summer

This is the Isle of Wight’s most southerly beach, sitting in front of a Victorian seaside resort.  Terraces planted with subtropical ferns and plants decorate the winding road down to the beach.  As you’d expect, there are cafes, eateries, pubs and amusement arcades, with a car park and even a paddling pool.  The beach huts once had wheels to transport coy bathers into and out of the sea.  Ventnor’s bathing water is of an excellent standard.  The beach is sandy and there are deckchairs for hire.  This is a timepiece, a flavour of the past, but relevant and enjoyable today.

What the beach means to Philip.

The scene at Ventnor.

Monks Bay

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available Isle of Wight Coastal Path Dog friendly Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming

Season: summer

Named after the Norman monks who crossed to here from Lyra Abbey, this charming, secluded beach was once the haunt of smugglers.  Nowadays, you’ll find occasional lobster and crab fishing in the bay.  At low tide, there is plenty of sand and the small beach has a pleasing crescent shape.  With a promenade and wooded cliffs beyond, the setting is one of peace and tranquility.  This is a place to get away from it all.

What the beach means to Phil and Glynis.

A summer day at Monks Bay.

Shanklin

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available Isle of Wight Coastal Path Dog friendly Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming

Season: summer

Dunnose Point protects Shanklin beach from the prevailing winds, making this a popular spot for swimming and water sports.  There’s a slipway to help with the launching and recovery of dinghies and beach huts sit at the back of the beach.  This is a family-friendly attraction too, with crazy golf, go-carting and an amusement arcade to enjoy.  The Esplanade has traditional beach shops and cafes, as well as an indoor play area for rainy days.  In short, all bases are covered for fun times at Shanklin beach.

What the beach means to Christopher and Anne.

A bright day at Shanklin beach.