Sandown was originally a small farming and fishing settlement. Its sheltered bay, backed by cliffs, made it a practical landing spot for boats. Like most of the Isle of Wight, it changed dramatically during the reign of Queen Victoria. Sandown Pier was opened in 1878 and helped cement Sandown’s reputation as a popular holiday destination. Over the years, the pier has been rebuilt after storm damage and fire, but it remains an iconic feature of the seafront.
Sandown Bay is sheltered from strong currents, which is why it’s a favourite holiday spot for families, paddleboarders, and kayaking enthusiasts. The two-mile stretch of sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing, sandcastle building, and forgetting the pressures of daily life. As the Dinosaur Capital of Europe, you may even find an incredible and very old souvenir if you go fossil hunting!
The Sandown Pier is a hub of seaside entertainment, with amusements, arcades, and cafés. Sandham Gardens is another great family attraction, with crazy golf, big bounce skynets, and go-karts all in one place. And for a more educational day out, Dinosaur Isle exhibits over 1,000 fossils as well as life-sized models.
Animal lovers are spoilt for choice as Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is located just off Yaverland Beach and has some incredible animals to see including lions, tigers, lynx, lemurs, and wallabies.
Amazon Rainforest Conservation Centre also in Sandown features a variety of exotic animals from South America, including giant anteaters, armadillos, and sloths. The zoo contributes to several international breeding programmes including ones for highly endangered species.
Sandown is easy to reach from across the Island and the mainland. The closest ferry arrivals are at Fishbourne or Ryde, with onward travel by car or Southern Vectis bus.
The town is well served by the Island Line train, connecting Sandown to Ryde, Shanklin and Ventnor, making it convenient for visitors without a car. For drivers, there are multiple car parks along the promenade and in town.
Cyclists will enjoy scenic rides along the coastal cycle path, which links Sandown to Shanklin and beyond, offering a safe and picturesque route along the seafront.
Sandown is the “Dinosaur Capital of Europe” with the area having produced some of the rarest dinosaur fossils in the continent.
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