Yaverland Beach (Sandown)

It’s about 1 mile from the car park to the far end of the beach, beyond the red cliffs. This section is naturist friendly, although unofficial. On a warm weekend, you’ll find quite a few who enjoy getting an overall tan and swimming in the buff. Dog walkers pass by regularly but it’s all non judgemental and they turn a blind eye. Walking to and from this section of the beach should be at low or half tide. The red cliffs have regular rock falls and at high tide, the beach is cut off for a few hours - which at least gives the nudists a bit more privacy!

Yaverland is, in my opinion, the best beach on the Island with a huge expanse of sand and safe swimming. There is a large car park (but you must buy a ticket), clean public toilets and an excellent café and shop with outdoor seating. Also nearby is the Wildheart Wildlife Sanctuary as well as Dinosaur Isle which organises fossil walks along this beach. The views of Culver Down to the east and Shanklin Bay to the west are also splendid .

The far end of Yaverland beach has been an unofficial naturist beach for many decades. On a hot day, there may be 20 or so folk sun bathing in the buff or taking a skinny dip. Locals turn a blind eye and it’s very non judgemental. At high tide, the far end gets cut off for around three hours, making it even more private, although shingle is the only option. Care should be taken by the red cliffs, which need to be given a wide berth as rock falls are a regular occurrence.

A good beach comprising sand and pebble at the far end of Yaverland Beach towards the white cliffs. Some locals know this is a naturist beach although visitors with their dogs tend not to know. Some fossil hunters come along from time to time. I would say the users of the beach respect each others space. Do be careful of the ‘Redcliff’ as you approach the naturist area. There are numerous falls of material and sometimes people risk it by sitting or laying directly under the cliff itself.