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 is the island's top family resort. Browse our holiday homes in Sandown — from beachfront homes steps from the golden sands to family-friendly holiday parks with everything you need on site.
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.
Sandown is known for its two-mile sandy beach (the longest on the island), the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown Fort (home to tigers, leopards, and lemurs), Dinosaur Isle (the world's first purpose-built dinosaur museum), fossil hunting, and Sandown Pier. The island's most popular and complete family resort.
Yes — Wildheart Animal Sanctuary offers a rewarding day out for visitors of all ages. Located on the seafront at Sandown, it provides the opportunity to see rescued animals up close while learning about wildlife welfare and conservation. The sanctuary combines engaging animal encounters with educational exhibits, making it a popular attraction for families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in supporting ethical animal care.
Yes — Sandown Bay has a long, wide sandy beach stretching from Sandown to Shanklin. The bay is naturally sheltered from strong currents, making it one of the safest island beaches for swimming and paddling.
Exceptionally so. The beach, Wildheart, Dinosaur Isle, Sandham Gardens, fossil hunting, and Sandown Pier make it the island's most complete family destination — enough to fill a full week without leaving the immediate area.
Approximately 20 minutes by car from the Red Funnel terminals in Cowes and East Cowes, and around 15 minutes from the Wightlink car ferry in Fishbourne. The Island Line train connects Ryde Pier Head to Sandown in approximately 20 minutes using converted 1930s London Underground carriages — a journey worth making in its own right.
The world's first purpose-built dinosaur museum, opened 2001. It houses over 1,000 fossils including specimens from the Isle of Wight, which has one of the most significant dinosaur fossil records in Europe. Life-sized replicas of island-discovered species displayed throughout. Admission applies.
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