Sandown, Isle of Wight
Sandown, Isle of Wight
Sweeping Sandown Bay offers some of the Island’s best beaches, and seaside amusements for all the family. Favoured by the Victorians as an elegant holiday destination, it has many fine villas dating from that period.
Sandown Pier has amusement arcades and rides for all ages, and the promenade is awash with shops, pubs and restaurants. During the summer the road train provides a fun way to whizz along to Culver Parade and Yaverland which is an excellent hunting ground for fossils. Those favouring a more leisurely pace can enjoy the coastal walk which meanders to nearby Shanklin.
Not to be missed is the Isle of Wight Zoo. Famous from ITV’s Tiger Island series, the wildlife centre is home to Britain's largest collection of tigers, as well as lions, leopards, jaguars, lemurs, monkeys, snakes, spiders and lizards.
Nearby, Dinosaur Isle has over 1,000 fossils as well as scarily realistic animated life-sized dinosaurs and interactive exhibits.
Further afield, Adgestone Vineyard, is one of the oldest vineyards in the UK with a history of viticulture dating back to the Roman era. Set in 10 acres on a south-facing slope, the vineyard offers tours and tastings in a picturesque setting.
A Day in the Life of Sandown
Things to do in Sandown
- The sheltered bay and golden sands provide an excellent beach experience.
- Stroll along the seafront promenade and enjoy the parks and gardens that were created by the Victorians.
- Culver Parade provides a host of amusements to keep the family busy, including tennis, bowls, crazy golf, pitch & putt, the Isle of Wight Zoo & Tiger Sanctuary and the Dinosaur Isle Museum.