Bembridge Beach

Bembridge is a mostly pebble beach on the east coast of the Isle of Wight. However, once the tide is out a good stretch of sand appears below the high water mark. The sand here is interspersed with many interesting rockpools.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the beach here is the lifeboat station. It is situated on the end of a purpose-built 200 metre long pier. This was originally constructed in 1922 to allow a motor lifeboat to be launched beyond the ridge of rocks just off the coast. The scale of this construction reflects the importance of its location on one of Britain’s busiest shipping lanes.

Bembridge beach is popular for a range of water sports including sailing, with a number of clubs located in the town of Bembridge.

The beach is a good spot for walking, with views of Portsmouth and the south coast of England, as well as the sight of many boats leaving the harbour, particularly in the summer months. You may also spot some of the big cross-channel ferries leaving from Portsmouth as they pass close to the coast here.

During low tide, it might be possible to see Bembridge Ledge. This rocky outcrop has caught out many an unlucky boat over the years. It poses a particular risk to small, private boats, especially during the stormy winter months.

There is pay-for parking, including disabled spaces, next to the lifeboat station along Fisherman’s Walk. There are also toilets, a shop and a café here, as well as a pier that leads to the boathouse.

The beach is accessed via a gentle slipway. Further parking can be found at the western end of the beach near the harbour, behind some sand dunes that lead down to the beach. There is also a café here that overlooks the harbour.

In the village of Bembridge, there are a good range of facilities, including shops, pubs, and restaurants.