Colwell Bay

  • Colwell Bay - Isle of Wight
    © J W Parker and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Colwell Bay - Isle of Wight
    © Humphrey Bolton and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Colwell Bay - Isle of Wight
    © David Smith and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Colwell Bay - Isle of Wight
    © Kurseong Carl and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Colwell Bay - Isle of Wight
    © Philip Halling and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Colwell Bay - Isle of Wight
    © J W Parker and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Colwell Bay - Isle of Wight
    © Stephen D Bennett and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Colwell Bay is a sand and shingle beach on the western shore of the Isle of Wight. It is a relatively quiet beach, and is reputed to be one of the cleanest on the island (it is cleaned daily). The water here is generally calm and clear, making it a good beach for swimming and snorkelling. 

    Colwell is also a popular beach for various water sports such as windsurfing and canoeing. For those looking for a more relaxing time beach huts and deck chairs are available for hire.

    Behind the beach there is a long promenade on the sea wall which continues all the way down to Totland Bay to the south. From the beach and promenade there are excellent panoramic views of the mainland, including views of Hurst Castle just over the Hampshire / Dorset border.

    There is a car park with about 40 spaces, including 2 disabled spaces, that has access to the beach via a small slipway. There are also toilets here, a beach shop, and a café. A short walk along the sea wall visitors can find a restaurant looking out onto the bay. Adjacent to the northern end of the beach is a holiday park.

    Type of beach

    Sand & shingle

    Lifeguard service

    No

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed

    Dogs are allowed on most of these beaches throughout the year. There are restrictions between 1 May and 30 September on the section to the left as you leave the car park. However, the entire stretch to the right (up to Fort Albert) is dog friendly.

    Isle of Wight dog friendly beaches »

    Activities

    • Kayaking/canoeing
    • Jet-skiing
    • Swimming/bathing
    • Rock pooling
    • Wind surfing

    Facilities

    • Cafe/restaurant
    • Toilets
    • Disabled facilities
    • Deck chair hire
    • Beach hut hire
    • Slipway

    Nearest town

    Freshwater

    Postcode

    PO40 9FH

    OS grid ref.

    SZ 3289 8808

    Parking

    Road parking with payment and disabled spaces is available.

    Water quality

    Water quality star rating

    Awards

    Marine Conservation Society Recommended

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