Name: Compton Bay and Downs
Rating: 5.0

Compton Bay and Downs

Compton Bay, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 4HB, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Compton Bay and Downs home to what is generally considered to be one of the best beaches on the Island and backed by fossil-rich cliffs, Compton Bay is the perfect place for families to enjoy soft sands, sparkling waters and dinosaur footprint hunting.

From creating a sandcastle and surfing the waves in the summer to talking a wild winter walk along the beach, the many coloured cliffs and the coastal views to Dorset provide a wonderful backdrop and a fascinating geological history stretching back millions of years.

If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Beach: Enjoy one of the Isle of Wight's most dramatic and tranquil sandy beaches. The gently sloping shore creates the perfect conditions for surfers. The beach is rich in prehistoric history including dinosaur bones, foot casts and fossilised wood.
Countryside: Wildlife-rich Afton, Brook and Compton Downs and Dunsbury, are one of the biggest expanses of open downland, covered in wildflowers and colourful butterflies.
Things to see and do at Compton Bay and Downs: Spend a day at one of the Isle of Wight’s best swimming spots. From its sandy beach to open downland with fine views over to Tennyson Down and The Needles, there’s plenty of space to explore, search for fossils, spot local wildlife, surf, cycle or go horse riding.
Fossil hunting and geology at Compton Bay and Downs: Go fossil hunting and discover history on a gigantic scale at Compton Bay and Downs, with the cliffs getting younger as they change colour from east to west and revealing both meat-eating and herbivorous dinosaur footprints, fossilised oyster shells, ammonites, flint made from ancient sponges and even modern-day shipwrecks.
Compton Bay and Downs walk: Enjoy far-reaching views on this walk over the ridge of Afton, Brook and Compton Downs. Follow in the footsteps of the dinosaurs and look for their fossilised remains as you stroll back along the coast.
Discover Dunsbury trail: Take a breezy and invigorating walk over the farmland and downs of the Dunsbury Estate on the Isle of Wight for magnificent coastal views and to learn a bit about the history of the island's coastguard too. We're working to improve the habitat here so that wildlife can flourish so, along the way, keep your eyes peeled for birds such as skylarks and butterflies such as the Glanville fritillary.

Facilities

Car park: Three car parks at Brook, Hanover & Compton Chine, managed via the JustPark app. Free for NT members but members must register their membership card details in the JustPark app to benefit. Non-members can pay using the app. Other car parks: east end of Brook Down, Afton Down & Freshwater Cliffs. No overnight parking. NO COACH PARKING.
Food & Drinks: Food and drinks available from mobile catering van (seasonal).
Toilet: Toilets, baby change facilities, accessible toilet, and a ‘Changing Places’ standard cubicle available at Hanover Point car park.
Dogs allowed: Dogs welcome on beach between Hanover Point and Brook Chine all year. Seasonal dog ban on beach west of Compton Bay car park (15th May – 15th September). Dogs welcome elsewhere - please keep your dog on a short lead around livestock and under close control at all other times.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Countryside: Dawn - Dusk.

Address: Compton Bay, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 4HB, UK

Post Code: PO30 4HB

Council: Isle of Wight

County: Isle of Wight

By road: Compton Bay lies on the A3055 Military Road which follows the coast between Freshwater Bay to Niton. The downs can also be accessed from the Military Road.
On foot: There are many footpaths in this area: consult Ordance Survey Landranger Map 196 or OS Explorer OL29. The waymarked Isle of Wight Coast Path passes along the cliff tops at Compton Bay.
By bus: Southern Vectis bus service from Newport stops at Compton Bay in the summer.
Cycling: The 'Round the Island' cycle path passes by Compton Bay on the A3055 Military Road.
Car park: Three car parks at Brook, Hanover & Compton Chine, managed via the JustPark app. Free for NT members but members must register their membership card details in the JustPark app to benefit. Non-members can pay using the app. Other car parks: east end of Brook Down, Afton Down & Freshwater Cliffs. No overnight parking. NO COACH PARKING.