The Isle of Wight is a fantastic destination for dog friendly coastal adventures. With long sandy bays, quiet shingle beaches and rugged stretches backed by cliffs and farmland, there are plenty of places where dogs can enjoy the shoreline alongside you.
In this guide, we’ve pulled together some of the best dog friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight. You’ll find a mix of beaches with year round access and others with seasonal restrictions, offering options for everything from relaxed seaside strolls to longer coastal walks.
Compton Bay
Compton Bay is one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic beaches and a favourite for dog owners. Stretching for over a mile along the island’s south west coast, it offers wide open space, dramatic cliffs and a real sense of wilderness that’s rare elsewhere on the island.
Dogs are welcome here all year round, making it ideal for off lead walks, games of fetch and long shoreline wanders. It’s also a popular surfing spot, but the sheer size of the beach means it rarely feels crowded.
- Restrictions: None year round
- Off lead potential: Lots
- Beach type: Sand and shingle
- Best for: Long walks, scenery, space
Brook Bay
Just south of Compton Bay, Brook Bay offers a quieter and more rugged alternative. The beach is mainly shingle with areas of sand exposed at low tide and is well known locally for fossil hunting along the shoreline.
Dogs are allowed all year and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a great choice if you want to avoid busier spots. Coastal paths above the bay also allow you to extend your walk with elevated sea views.
- Restrictions: None year round
- Off lead potential: Lots
- Beach type: Shingle
- Best for: Quiet walks, fossils, coastal paths
Yaverland Beach
Yaverland Beach sits at the eastern end of Sandown Bay and is one of the most popular dog friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight outside the main summer season. The wide sandy beach stretches out towards Culver Downs, creating a great backdrop for longer walks.
Dogs are not permitted during the peak summer months, but from autumn through spring this becomes a brilliant place for off lead exercise and relaxed strolls along the water’s edge.
- Restrictions: Seasonal summer restrictions
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Sand
- Best for: Wide open space, winter walks
Steephill Cove
Steephill Cove is a small, tucked away beach near Ventnor, accessed via a steep coastal path. It has a traditional feel, with fishing boats pulled up on the shore and a sheltered cove that feels very different to the island’s larger beaches.
Dogs are welcome outside the main summer season, and when allowed it’s a lovely place for a short coastal visit combined with nearby cliffside walks. Due to its size, it’s best suited to calmer dogs.
- Restrictions: Seasonal summer restrictions
- Off lead potential: Limited
- Beach type: Shingle
- Best for: Quiet visits, coastal scenery
Priory Bay
Priory Bay is a peaceful, tree backed beach on the island’s east coast and is often considered one of the prettiest spots on the Isle of Wight. The beach is sandy, gently sloping and feels sheltered compared to more exposed locations.
Dogs are welcome here outside the summer season, making it a great option for off season visits when the beach is calm and uncrowded. Access is via a footpath, so it’s best suited to walkers rather than quick stop offs.
- Restrictions: Seasonal summer restrictions
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Sand
- Best for: Peaceful walks, quieter beaches
Bembridge Beach
Bembridge Beach offers a long stretch of shingle backed by low sea defences and views across to the Solent. It’s less touristy than nearby beaches and tends to attract walkers rather than families.
Dogs are allowed year round along much of the beach, making it a good option for steady walks with sea views and minimal crowds. The firm shingle makes it better suited to walking than running.
- Restrictions: None year round
- Off lead potential: Some
- Beach type: Shingle
- Best for: Coastal walks, quieter atmosphere
Freshwater Bay
Freshwater Bay is a striking beach on the island’s west coast, framed by white chalk cliffs and sea stacks. The beach is mostly shingle with patches of sand at low tide and feels dramatic in all weather conditions.
Dogs are welcome outside the summer restriction period, and when allowed it’s a brilliant spot for scenic walks and photography. The surrounding coastline also links into some excellent clifftop paths.
- Restrictions: Seasonal summer restrictions
- Off lead potential: Limited
- Beach type: Shingle
- Best for: Dramatic scenery, coastal walks
Visiting Dog Friendly Beaches on the Isle of Wight
Before heading out, it’s worth checking local signage for any seasonal restrictions, as some beaches have clearly defined dog exclusion zones during summer months. Even on dog friendly beaches, keeping dogs under control around wildlife and other beach users is essential.
Tides can make a big difference to how much space you have, particularly on shingle beaches, so planning around low tide can open up longer stretches for walking. Fresh water, shade and a towel for sandy paws are all worth packing, especially on warmer days.
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches on the Isle of Wight
Explore the stunning dog friendly beaches of the Isle of Wight using our handy map below, simply click the pins to uncover more information and directions to the nearest car park.
Freshwater Bay is one of the island’s most dramatic beaches, framed by chalk cliffs and exposed coastline. It’s ideal if you enjoy rugged scenery and bracing coastal walks rather than purely sandy beach days.
Parking is close to the bay, making it easy to combine beach time with nearby viewpoints and clifftop paths.
Beach type: Shingle bay with dramatic scenery
Restrictions: Check local signage for seasonal dog rules
Off lead potential: Some (busy periods and mixed terrain)
Best for: Big views, west coast walks
Facilities: Available nearby
Bembridge Beach offers a traditional east coast feel with plenty of space for steady dog walks along the shoreline. It’s relaxed, open and tends to attract walkers rather than large crowds.
Lane End provides straightforward access to the seafront, making this an easy beach to slot into a wider east Wight day out.
Beach type: Long shingle beach
Restrictions: Check local signage for seasonal dog rules
Off lead potential: Some to lots (season dependent)
Best for: Easy coastal walks, quieter pacing
Facilities: Available nearby in Bembridge
Priory Bay is a quieter, scenic beach known for its clear water and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great option for dogs that enjoy a calmer wander and for owners who prefer beaches that feel less busy than the headline bays.
Access is typically on foot, with Seaview acting as the most practical base for parking before walking in. It’s well suited to slower, more considered beach visits.
Beach type: Scenic bay with a sheltered feel
Restrictions: Check seasonal signage and local notices
Off lead potential: Some (narrow access routes)
Best for: Peaceful beach time, scenic walks
Facilities: Better back in Seaview
Steephill Cove is one of the Isle of Wight’s most characterful little bays, tucked under the cliffs with a proper hidden cove vibe. It’s ideal if you want a quieter spot with a bit of effort involved, rather than an easy seafront stroll.
The most practical parking option is Ventnor Botanic Garden, which serves Steephill Cove access and nearby coastal paths. From there, you’re looking at a walk down to the cove, so pack light and be ready for steep sections.
Beach type: Sheltered cove with a tucked-away feel
Restrictions: Check local signage and be mindful of cliff stability
Off lead potential: Some (tight paths and narrow spaces)
Best for: Scenic stops, calmer water days, exploring
Facilities: Limited down at the cove
Yaverland is an easy, classic beach day on the east side of the island, with a big sweep of sand and a relaxed feel. It’s a strong option if you’re visiting with a dog that likes to potter near the waterline, and you want flatter, simpler access than some of the island’s more rugged bays.
The seafront parking makes it especially convenient for quick visits or mixing beach time with other stops nearby. It’s also a handy pick if you’re building a few hours out rather than committing to a full coastal hike.
Beach type: Broad sandy beach
Restrictions: Check seasonal signage on arrival
Off lead potential: Some to lots (depends on time of year and busy periods)
Best for: Easy access, sandy walks, quick dips
Facilities: Toilets nearby and easy parking
Brook Bay is part of the same spectacular south west coastline as Compton, but it often feels quieter and a bit more “local”. It’s a great shout if you want a dog friendly beach day that leans more towards exploring than sunbathing, with a raw, natural shoreline and plenty to sniff out.
Parking at Brook Chine is a popular access point for both beach time and coastal path walks. It’s a solid choice if you want to combine a beach wander with a clifftop leg without moving the car.
Beach type: Natural bay with mixed sand, rock and shingle
Restrictions: Check local signage for seasonal dog rules
Off lead potential: Lots (space and quieter feel)
Best for: Peaceful beach walks, exploring the coastline
Facilities: Basic, bring what you need
Compton Bay is one of the Isle of Wight’s biggest, wildest-feeling beaches, with huge skies, long sands at low tide, and proper coastal drama from the cliffs behind. It’s brilliant for dogs that love a long roam, especially outside peak times when you can get a real sense of space. islandcottageholidays.com+1
Access is straightforward from the National Trust Hanover Point parking area, with steps down to the beach. Expect a more “rugged” day out than a resort beach, so bring water, a towel, and be ready for wind and changing conditions.
Beach type: Long sand and shingle bay backed by cliffs
Restrictions: Check local signage for seasonal dog rules
Off lead potential: Lots (wide open beach, best at low tide)
Best for: Big walks, sunsets, space to run
Facilities: Limited, seasonal and car park dependent
Explore dog friendly locations across the UK, including beaches, walks, campsites and even more on our Wildpack Map.
What’s Nearby?
- Dog friendly walks on the Isle of Wight: Coastal path loops, downs walks, and woodland trails that pair perfectly with a beach day.
- Dog friendly beaches in Dorset: Great if you’re planning a wider south coast trip with multiple stops and varied scenery.
- Dog friendly walks in the New Forest: Ideal for combining coastline and forest trails, plus plenty of dog friendly pubs and pit stops.
- Dog friendly walks near Bournemouth: A strong option for more coastal variety, especially if you want easier access and shorter strolls.
- Isle of Wight campsites and campervan friendly stays: If you’re journeying in a van you’ll find plenty of dog friendly campsites.
- Dog friendly pubs and cafes on the Isle of Wight: Perfect for post walk refuelling and rainy day planning.
Final Thoughts
From vast open bays to quiet shingle coves, the Isle of Wight offers an excellent mix of dog friendly beaches throughout the year. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, there’s no shortage of coastal spots where your dog can enjoy the island just as much as you do.
If you’re looking to explore further, many of these beaches link directly into coastal paths and countryside walks, making it easy to combine beach time with longer adventures.