Isle of Wight Public Waters
Isle of Wight Seaside Towns / Beaches
The Isle of Wight is a stunning island located off the southern coast of England, known for its beautiful beaches, charming seaside towns, and natural beauty. The Isle of Wight’s seaside towns each have their own unique charm, making it an ideal place for a variety of holidays. Whether you’re into sailing, relaxing on the beach, or exploring nature, the island has something for everyone. Seaside Towns - Atherfield - Bembridge - Brighstone - Chale - Cowes - Freshwater - Freshwater Bay - Mottisone - Ryde - Sandown - Seaview - Shanklin - St Helens - St Lawrence - The Neddles - Ventnor - Wooton Bridge - Yarmouth. Isle of Wight coastline and seaside towns has a mixture of beaches, harbours, mariners, piers and sea walls where you will find a mixture of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, takeaways, ice creams, entertainment and activities like biking, bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, photography, sightseeing, swimming, walking, wildlife also ideal for them relaxing strolls and chilling out.
Bembridge
Overview - Located on the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight, Bembridge is a quiet, charming village with lovely beaches and an idyllic atmosphere. It's a fantastic spot for walking and exploring the coastline. Bembridge Beach - A peaceful beach with stunning views of the surrounding area. Bembridge Lifeboat Station - A fascinating place to visit and learn about the island’s lifeboat history. The Bembridge Windmill - A historic windmill that’s perfect for a bit of local history and sightseeing.
Cowes
Overview - Famous for its sailing and maritime heritage, Cowes is a vibrant town on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight. It’s known for the world-renowned Cowes Week, an annual sailing regatta. Cowes Beach - The beach is pebbly but offers stunning views of the Solent and the yachts that come in and out of the harbour. Egypt Point - The northernmost point of the island, where you can enjoy spectacular sea views. Cowes Maritime Museum - Learn about the island’s maritime history and its important role in yachting.
Freshwater
Overview - Located on the western coast of the Isle of Wight, Freshwater is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and natural beauty. It's a peaceful town with lovely walking routes and beaches. Freshwater Bay - A scenic bay perfect for swimming and enjoying the rugged coastline. The Needles - A famous landmark, consisting of three white chalk stacks rising out of the sea. You can visit the Needles Landmark Attraction for a more immersive experience. Compton Bay - A beautiful, less crowded beach that's great for surfing and fossil hunting.
Ryde
Overview - Ryde is the largest town on the island, known for its long, sandy beaches, vibrant seafront, and excellent transport links to the mainland (via ferry). It has a mix of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Ryde Beach - A long stretch of sand that’s perfect for a day out by the sea. Ryde Pier - A Victorian pier that stretches out into the Solent, offering stunning views and a fun walk. Isle of Wight Bus Museum - A quirky museum dedicated to the history of public transport on the island.
Sandown
Overview - Sandown is a family-friendly seaside town known for its wide sandy beach, traditional seaside amusements, and nature reserves. It’s a great destination for outdoor activities and relaxation. Sandown Beach - One of the best sandy beaches on the island, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Dinosaur Isle - A museum dedicated to the island's prehistoric past, with exhibits about dinosaurs that once roamed the area. Sandown Pier - A classic British pier offering fun, food, and games for all ages.
Seaview
Overview - Seaview is a picturesque seaside village located near Ryde. It has a lovely beach, calm waters, and a peaceful vibe, making it ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Seaview Beach - A pebble beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming or just relaxing by the sea. Seaview Wildlife Encounter - A small wildlife park that’s great for families with children. The Old Village - A small, quaint area full of charming cottages and small shops.
Shanklin
One of the most popular seaside towns on the Isle of Wight, Shanklin is known for its sandy beaches, traditional Victorian architecture, and the beautiful Shanklin Chine (a deep, wooded gorge). It's a great spot for family holidays. Shanklin Chine - A beautiful gorge with waterfalls, lush plants, and pathways leading down to the beach. Shanklin Beach - A sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sea. Old Village - A quaint part of Shanklin, filled with thatched cottages, tea rooms, and local shops.
Ventnor
Overview - Located on the southern coast of the island, Ventnor is a charming Victorian seaside resort with a warm microclimate, which has made it a popular spot for gardening enthusiasts. Ventnor Beach - A mix of pebbles and sand, perfect for a relaxed beach day. Ventnor Botanical Gardens - Located just above the town, the gardens feature subtropical plants, which thrive in the area’s warm climate. St Boniface Down - A lovely walking spot with great views of the coast.
Totland
Overview - Totland is a quieter, more relaxed spot compared to some of the other seaside towns. Located on the western coast, it offers some of the best sunsets on the island. Totland Bay - A sandy beach that's great for picnics and a peaceful day by the sea. Headon Warren - A scenic hill offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding coastline. Colwell Bay - A lovely area for water sports, walking, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Isle of Wight Rivers
Eastern Yar - Source: Near Niton (in the south). Mouth: Bembridge Harbour (east coast). Passes Through: Sandown and Brading Marshes (important nature reserve). The Brading Marshes RSPB reserve is a significant wetland area along the Eastern Yar. River Medina - The longest river on the Isle of Wight, Flows north through the center of the island. Source: Near Chale (south of the island). Mouth: Newport Harbour, then flows into the Solent. Historical Use: Navigation, trade, and shipbuilding (especially in Newport and Cowes). Modern Use: Popular for sailing and boating. Western Yar - Source: Freshwater (in the west). Mouth: Yarmouth Harbour. Short river (around 3 miles long). Flows through: A tidal estuary and marshland – important for birdlife and saltmarsh habitats. Part of the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Other Streams and Brooks - Gatcombe Brook - Lukely Brook - tributary of the River Medina. River Caul Bourne - flows into the Western Yar. Wootton Creek A tidal estuary at the island’s north coast, also known historically as “Wootton River” or “Fishbourne Creek,” designated as an SSSI. These are small watercourses that contribute to the island’s drainage and ecology.
Island Scale: Rivers here are short and small most aren’t much longer than streams by mainland standards. The Eastern Yar is only about 12 miles long, despite being the longest. Unique Freshwater Ecosystems: The island’s isolation means few freshwater species and habitats—yet this rarity makes its rivers ecologically precious. Water voles and other species thrive due to absence of predators like feral mink. Conservation Efforts: Many catchments suffer from agricultural runoff, drainage issues, and historic alterations. Restoration initiatives are underway, outlined in the Island Rivers Catchment Plan updated in 2023. Wetland Habitats: Particularly significant are Brading Marshes (Eastern Yar) and Afton Marshes (Western Yar), along with other bogs like Bohemia and Munsley—many hosting rare plants and invertebrates.
Places of Interest
Where there is Public Waters in Isle of Wight there will be even more in and around other places of interest like accommodation, castles and stately homes, campsites, hotels, nature reserves, parks, swimming pools, spas, theme parks, water parks, water sports, zoos, and general activities like biking, bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, photography, sightseeing, swimming, walking, wildlife. Some of which may help complete your visits, trips, tours, holidays planning ahead and enjoying your time in one of your favourite Public Waters destinations in Isle of Wight. Alverstone Mead - Bouldnor Forest Nature Reserve - Brading Marsh - Cascades Gardens - Dinosaur Expedition Centre - Isle of Wight AONB - Newtown National Nature Reserve - Sandown Meadows Nature Reserve - Shanklin Chine - The Neddles - Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. Places of interest are ideal for your photography skills and taking some of those great pictures for your photograph albums, social media and special memories.
England Counties
South East
Berkshire - Buckinghamshire - East Sussex - Hampshire - Isle of Wight - Kent - London - Oxfordshire - Surrey - West Sussex
South West
Bristol - Cornwall - Devon - Dorset - Gloucester - Isles of Scilly - Somerset - Wiltshire
East of England
Bedfordshire - Cambridgeshire - Essex - Hertfordshire - Norfolk - Suffolk
East Midlands
Derbyshire - Leicestershire - Lincolnshire - Nottinghamshire - Rutland
West Midlands
Herefordshire - Shropshire - Staffordshire - Warwickshire - Worcestershire
Yorkshire and Humber
North Yorkshire - South Yorkshire - West Yorkshire
North West
Cheshire - Cumbria - Greater Manchester - Lancashire - Merseyside
North East
County Durham - Northumberland - Tyne and Wear
Top Destinations
We are always out and about searching for new public waters and there locations so as we can share with everyone, all these amazing beautiful scenic places which are ideal for recreation, socializing, biking, boating, camping, fishing, photography, swimming, walking, nature, wildlife, activities, food, drink and relaxation.
Not only will we seek and find these locations we will also find such things in around and close by which may help in planning any trips, activities, adventures, tours or expeditions which you may have plans for and going to one of your favour or new public waters locations.
Be it the sea, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals and streams in and around all counties, departments, cities, towns and village areas. Life's Natural Environment and Activities.
Retail & Leisure
In each location country, region, county, towns, departments, provinces or even states, we plan and aim to provide you with maps, facilities, supplies, local shops, hotels, camp sites and means of travel all of which will have continuous updates when made available.
Also along the way there will be endless amounts of places for socializing, food, drinks, like restaurant's, takeaways, cafes, bars, pubs, and supermarkets and local shops.
As well as supermarkets, local shops plus some other suppliers and retail outlets including shops nearby for things like clothing, footwear, biking, boating, camping, fishing, photography, swimming, scuba diving / snorkelling, walking and wildlife for all your activities, adventures and socialising moments.
Public Waters Photography
Take a Picture of Your Favourite Location
Using your Android, iPhone or your favourite brand of a digital camera like Cannon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Panasonic, Go Pro or DJI drone capturing a still shot or video of that really special moment you wont ever forget also sharing them with your friends and family.
Public Waters Take A Look
Amazing Pictures and Videos.
" Some Of These Aeriel Shots Will Make You Want To Jump Through The Screen "
Public Waters will endeavour to put some of the most amazing pictures and videos of public waters be it the coastal towns, sea, beaches, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals, streams, water falls, which will be added to our web pages on a regular basis.
The great thing about public water locations is that sense of freedom and getting away from the everyday life and into one of life's natural environment's with a breath of fresh air.
Public Waters has some of the best scenic views in the world within its natural environment surrounded by a natural growth of forest, woodland, trees, wild plants, flowers and its amazing wildlife inhabitants.
Public Water Locations
Lakes - Rivers - Canals - Sea
Your Public Waters and Activities
Biking - Boating - Camping - Fishing - Photography - Swimming - Scuba Diving - Snokeling - Walking - Wildlife.
Activities
Biking
Riding a mountain bike through woodlands, forestry, even into the surrounding mountains and hill tops, or taking to the local roads with your bike or motorbike, also a great way of traveling from one location to another, or a family biking trip out into the country side. Camping and biking from one camp to another is becoming more popular over the years in some countries even towing small trailers along behind or using rucksacks, saddle bags, panniers and top boxes. The great thing is being able to take in and absorb the wonderful surroundings you're cycling or biking through at a different pace.
Boating
Lakes, Rivers, Canals and Sea are the perfect places for your boating activities be it canoeing, rowing, cruising along in your motorboats or sailing along with the behind you, enjoying all of them magnificent scenic views in and around public waters. Some prefer taking off on a jetski, water skiing, surfing, paragliding, swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling. Other great alternatives is professional water tours sailing, cruising, crossings, ferries, either way it’s like being in another place away from the land with a totally different view of its surroundings sightseeing in a relaxing atmosphere.
Camping
Setting up camp right next to your favourite public water. Having a cuppa or lighting up the barbeque and having a few drinks chilling and relaxing in the sunny weather and evening sun sets. There are some amazing new types of tents and accessories these days, some tents don't even need poles and can be inflated with hand or electric pumps. One of the other ways of camping and ideal for moving around is by campervan, motorhome and caravans, some even use a push bike with trailers or motorbikes, some even by foot with rucksacks known as backpacking.
Fishing
Night or day fishing and catching that big carp, catfish, setting a new personnel best record in lakes, rivers and canals. Sea fishing be it from the beach, pier or boat catching some marcel, cod, bass, dover soul, and so many other different species of fish in our seas. Casting a line from the bank or boat fly fishing for them rainbow, brown trout or even a salmon. Being out in them fantastic public water locations with them fantastic views and social times enjoying your favourite hobby. There are so many different types of tackle, bait and equipment for fishing from tackle shops or online.
Photography
What better places than a public water with a idyllic landscape in the background for some amazing photos and videos of all your special locations and memories. Not forgetting the amazing wildlife inhabitants which create some of the best images. That special selfie shot of you and your loved ones. All of them special memorable moments saved in one click. Using your Android, iPhone or your favourite brand of a digital camera like Cannon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Panasonic, Go Pro or DJI drone capturing a still shot or video of that really special moment you won't ever forget sharing them with your friends and family.
Swimming
There are so many public water locations which are ideal for swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling, around some of the coastline as well as some inland lakes, rivers or nearby pools. Taking a dip with your toes, paddle or diving in for a wild swim and that invigorating boosting feeling in public waters. Scuba diving and snorkelling from the shores and boats exploring the underwater world and its amazing sights like sealife fish and creatures moving around the seabed wrecks and reefs. Before entering into any public water it's advisable to take some professional lessons, guidance, and local knowledge of your chosen locations.
Walking
Walking along the shoreline, rivers, canal tow paths or through the countryside, woodlands, forestry during them wonderful sunrise or sunset times of the day with your loved ones and maybe the dogs. Whilst having that relaxing stroll, walk or hike it's considered by many this is one of the best forms of excises for health and wellbeing. What better way to get into training ready for them charity walks and hikes ahead. Some may even enjoy stepping it up with a gentle jog and a run, or even turning it into a triathlon with a walk, run, swim and bike ride at the end. Or taking your dogs along for the walk as well.
Wildlife
Where there is water the local wildlife inhabitants is never to far away and can be amazing at times and full of wonderful surprises within the towns, villages, hamlets, countryside's, forestry, coast lines, and all types of public waters, with its local inhabitants insects, bees, butterfly's, reptiles, fish, birds, ducks, swans, geese, deer and different types of mammals all of which are a living in and around our surrounding environments. The wildlife is constantly changing throughout the different seasons in their migrations. For breeding and food supplies needs.
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