WRWIGHTRIDES
SANDOWN &
SHANKLIN
Two of the Isle of Wight's best-known seaside towns, with sandy beaches, family attractions, restaurants, hotels, railway connections and the character of Old Shanklin Village — with WightRides available for local journeys and Island-wide travel.
Things to do, attractions & places to visit
Discover Sandown Pier, Dinosaur Isle, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Shanklin Chine, Old Shanklin Village and more — with WightRides available for pre-booked journeys between attractions, beaches, hotels, railway stations and destinations across the Island.
Things to do in Sandown
Sandown Pier
One of the most recognisable landmarks on Sandown's seafront. The pier sits directly beside the beach and forms part of the town's traditional seaside experience.
Dinosaur Isle
The Island's specialist dinosaur museum features fossils, prehistoric exhibits and life-sized displays, making it a popular family destination beside Sandown Bay.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITEWildheart Animal Sanctuary
An animal sanctuary opposite the beach at Yaverland, caring for rescued animals including bears, lions, tigers, lemurs and other species.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITESandham Gardens
Seafront gardens and family entertainment with activities including karting, adventure golf and other seasonal attractions overlooking Sandown Bay.
Things to do in Shanklin
Shanklin Chine
Shanklin's famous tree-lined gorge runs between the Old Village and the beach below, with waterfalls, pathways, heritage and dramatic natural scenery.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITEShanklin Beach
A popular sandy beach backed by the Esplanade, with traditional seaside entertainment, cafés and family activities along the waterfront.
Shanklin Theatre
A well-known local venue hosting live entertainment, theatre, comedy, music and touring performances throughout the year.
VISIT THEATRE WEBSITELuccombe & the Coast
The quieter Luccombe side of Shanklin leads towards dramatic coastal scenery and provides a contrast to the busy seafront and town centre.
Old Shanklin Village
Away from the Esplanade, Old Shanklin Village has a very different character, with traditional buildings, places to eat and drink, independent shops and access towards Shanklin Chine.
We'll give the Old Village much more attention in the Food & Drink section because it contains a number of pubs, restaurants and places popular with visitors.
WightRides can provide pre-booked collections from the Old Village, accommodation and restaurants, including journeys back to hotels, railway stations and other parts of the Island.
CALL WIGHTRIDES — 01983 868686Visiting an attraction in Sandown or Shanklin?
Pre-book WightRides for attractions, hotels, beaches, restaurants, railway stations and onward journeys across the Isle of Wight.
Beaches in Sandown & Shanklin
Sandown Bay links Sandown, Lake and Shanklin with a long stretch of coastline. Visitors can enjoy the main resort beaches, seafront cafés and attractions, or the quieter section of beach between the two towns.
Sandown Beach
A long sandy resort beach beside Sandown Pier and the Esplanade, with cafés, traditional seaside attractions and easy access to Sandown town centre.
Lake Beach
A quieter stretch of Sandown Bay between the two resorts, with the sea wall providing a pleasant coastal route between Sandown and Shanklin.
Shanklin Beach
Shanklin's popular sandy beach sits below the town and Old Village, with the Esplanade providing cafés, restaurants and traditional seaside entertainment.
Restaurants, cafés & places to eat
Sandown and Shanklin have a large choice of places to eat, from seafront restaurants and beach cafés to traditional pubs, town-centre cafés and restaurants around Shanklin Old Village. The selection below gives visitors a useful starting point rather than attempting to list every food business in the two towns.
Eating out in Sandown
The Reef
Seafront restaurant overlooking Sandown Bay, conveniently located for visitors enjoying the beach and Esplanade.
Ocean Deck
Bar and restaurant on Sandown's seafront, close to the beach, pier and central Esplanade.
The Beach Cafe
Popular café close to Sandown Pier and the seafront, providing a convenient stop while visiting the town.
The Caulkheads
Family dining pub offering a broad menu and another useful option away from the immediate seafront.
The Old Corner Bank
Characterful town venue retaining features from the building's former life as a bank and serving food and drinks.
Fins Beach Cafe
Beachside café along the Sandown coastline and a convenient stop for visitors walking beside the bay.
The Beach Shack
Seafront café close to Sandown's beach, giving visitors another casual option along the Esplanade.
Sandown Boulevard
Restaurant on Culver Parade, well positioned for the northern end of Sandown's beach and nearby visitor attractions.
Eating out in Shanklin
The Steamer Inn
Seafront venue overlooking Sandown Bay and one of the established places to eat along Shanklin Esplanade.
The Waterfront
Situated immediately beside Shanklin's beach, providing food and drink in one of the town's main seafront locations.
Fisherman's Cottage
Historic dining pub tucked beneath Shanklin Chine beside the beach, in a particularly distinctive Shanklin setting.
The Hideaway
Cliffside venue away from the main town centre, offering another scenic option for visitors eating out in Shanklin.
The Crab
Traditional pub in the heart of the Old Village and a convenient choice for visitors exploring this historic part of Shanklin.
Pendletons
Established restaurant in Shanklin Old Village, adding to the area's strong choice of evening dining options.
Vernon Cottage
Traditional cottage setting in the Old Village, serving homemade food and also housing a local tourist information point.
Salix Beach Cafe
Beach café at Small Hope, between the main Shanklin seafront and the coastline towards Lake and Sandown.
Eating out in Old Shanklin Village
Old Shanklin Village deserves its own mention because visitors can combine its traditional streets and buildings with a choice of pubs, restaurants, tearooms and cafés.
It is also close to Shanklin Chine and makes a popular destination for visitors who want to spend an afternoon or evening away from the main Esplanade.
If you're eating or staying in the Old Village, WightRides can provide pre-booked collections for your return journey or onward travel elsewhere on the Isle of Wight.
Going out for a meal in Sandown or Shanklin?
Pre-book WightRides for restaurants, cafés, hotels, Old Shanklin Village, the Esplanades and journeys home or onwards across the Island.
Hotels, B&Bs & accommodation in Sandown & Shanklin
Sandown and Shanklin are two of the Isle of Wight's best-known seaside resorts and offer a wide choice of accommodation. Visitors can choose from large seafront hotels, smaller independent hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering accommodation and properties close to the beaches, town centres and Old Shanklin Village.
A great base for exploring the Isle of Wight
Staying in Sandown or Shanklin puts visitors close to beaches, attractions, restaurants, railway stations and bus connections, while still providing easy access to destinations across the rest of the Island.
WightRides provides pre-booked hotel collections and drop-offs throughout both towns, including journeys to ferry terminals, restaurants, attractions and other Isle of Wight destinations.
The properties below are a useful selection rather than a complete directory — there are many more guest houses, B&Bs, apartments and holiday accommodation options throughout the area.
Places to stay in Sandown
Trouville Hotel
A substantial hotel directly on Sandown seafront, overlooking Sandown Bay and positioned close to the beach, pier and town centre.
VIEW DETAILSSandringham Hotel
Long-established Sandown accommodation overlooking the bay, with the sandy beach and several seafront attractions close by.
VIEW DETAILSThe Wight
Set in its own grounds within a short walk of Sandown beach and the shopping area, making it a convenient base for the resort.
VIEW DETAILSRoyal Pier Hotel
Historic hotel facing Sandown's beach and pier, placing guests immediately beside the heart of the traditional seafront.
VIEW DETAILSBayshore Hotel
Positioned opposite Sandown's sandy beach and pier, with convenient access to the resort's seafront and visitor attractions.
VIEW DETAILSMontague House
Guest accommodation within walking distance of Sandown's beach, attractions, shops and local rail and bus connections.
MORE INFORMATIONPlaces to stay in Shanklin
Luccombe Hall Hotel
Clifftop accommodation overlooking Sandown Bay, with gardens and easy access towards Shanklin Old Village and the coast.
VIEW DETAILSLuccombe Manor
Victorian hotel set in landscaped grounds close to Old Shanklin Village, Shanklin Chine and the coast.
VIEW DETAILSOcean View Hotel
Elevated hotel overlooking Shanklin Bay, within convenient reach of the seafront, town centre and Old Village.
VIEW DETAILSHaven Hall Hotel
Edwardian hotel overlooking the sea, providing a distinctive accommodation option on the Shanklin side of Sandown Bay.
VIEW DETAILSPalm Court Hotel
Boutique accommodation in Shanklin within walking distance of the town's sandy beach and coastline.
VIEW DETAILSThe Swiss Cottage
Independent Victorian guest house in central Shanklin, close to local amenities and within walking distance of the beach.
VIEW DETAILSHotel & accommodation taxi transfers
WightRides provides pre-booked collections and drop-offs for hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and holiday accommodation throughout Sandown, Lake, Shanklin and the surrounding area.
We can also provide onward journeys to Ryde, Newport, ferry terminals, visitor attractions, restaurants, railway stations and destinations across the Isle of Wight.
Pre-book your WightRides collection from your hotel, guest house or holiday accommodation.
01983 868686Trains, buses & taxis in Sandown and Shanklin
Sandown and Shanklin have some of the strongest public transport connections on the Isle of Wight. Both towns are served by Island Line trains and Southern Vectis buses, while seasonal services such as the Island Coaster provide scenic connections around a much larger part of the Island.
Sandown Station
Sandown railway station is on Island Line and provides direct rail connections towards Lake and Shanklin in one direction and Brading, Ryde St John's Road, Ryde Esplanade and Ryde Pier Head in the other.
SANDOWN STATION INFORMATIONShanklin Station
Shanklin is the southern terminus of Island Line. Trains run north through Lake and Sandown towards Ryde, providing useful connections for visitors arriving from or travelling towards Ryde Pier Head.
SHANKLIN STATION INFORMATIONSouthern Vectis
Southern Vectis operates local and Island-wide services serving Sandown, Shanklin and surrounding areas, with connections towards Ryde, Newport, Ventnor and other Isle of Wight destinations.
VIEW BUS TIMETABLESWightRides Taxis
WightRides provides pre-booked journeys from railway stations, hotels, beaches, attractions, restaurants, Old Shanklin Village and locations throughout Sandown, Lake and Shanklin.
CALL 01983 868686Island Coaster
The seasonal Island Coaster links Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin with Ventnor, Blackgang Chine and West Wight, continuing through areas including Freshwater, Alum Bay and towards Yarmouth. It provides visitors with a scenic way to see a large section of the Isle of Wight by bus.
Taxi collection from Sandown Station
National Rail's onward-travel information states that Sandown Station does not have a taxi rank or cab office and advises passengers that advance booking is essential.
WightRides can be pre-booked for collections from Sandown Station to hotels, the seafront, Yaverland, attractions, Shanklin, ferry terminals and destinations elsewhere on the Island.
Taxi collection from Shanklin Station
Shanklin Station serves the town centre and is also useful for visitors travelling towards the beach, Esplanade, Old Village, Shanklin Chine and accommodation throughout the resort.
Although Shanklin has taxi provision at the station, visitors requiring a specific collection time or onward journey can pre-book WightRides before arrival.
Sandown & Shanklin area map
Sandown, Lake and Shanklin run along the eastern side of Sandown Bay. Use the map to explore the relationship between the two towns, beaches, railway stations and surrounding visitor areas.
Key local areas
Town centre, beach, pier, station and seafront.
Dinosaur Isle, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and beach.
Between Sandown and Shanklin with its own Island Line station.
Railway station, town centre, beach and Esplanade.
Restaurants, pubs, traditional buildings and Shanklin Chine.
Quieter coastal area immediately south of Shanklin.
Popular taxi pickup areas
WightRides can be pre-booked from accommodation, stations, attractions and visitor areas throughout Sandown and Shanklin.
Need onward transport in Sandown or Shanklin?
Pre-book WightRides for railway stations, hotels, restaurants, beaches, attractions and journeys across the Isle of Wight.
Popular Sandown & Shanklin taxi journeys
Pre-book local journeys, railway station collections, hotel transfers, attraction journeys and longer-distance travel from Sandown, Lake and Shanklin to destinations across the Isle of Wight.