Location: Sandown
Top Things to do in Sandown
9 Free Things to do in Sandown That You Shouldn't Miss
Sandown is a seaside resort town and civil parish on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight, England, which neighbours the town of Shanklin to the south, with the village of Lake in between the two settlements. Sandown Bay is the name of the bay off the English Channel which both towns share, and it is notable for its long stretch of easily accessible golden sandy beach. It is the site of the lost Sandown Castle. Whilst undergoing construction, this was attacked by a French force which had fought its way over Culver Down from Whitecliff Bay, resulting in the French being repulsed. It was built too far into the sea and constantly suffered erosion, until now reduced to a pile of rocks. Later forts in the town include the Diamond Fort (named after its plan), built inshore to replace the castle and which fought off a minor attack from privateers (probably French) in 1788, and the present "Granite Fort" at Yaverland, which is now the zoo. Together with Shanklin, Sandown forms a built up area of 21,374 inhabitants.
Restaurants in Sandown
1. Ager Farm Nursery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By mrsmuffinmon - Bembridge, United Kingdom
We are very keen gardeners and absolutely love this nursery. It's a bit of a drive from our place but always worth the journey. The plants are beautifully laid out, always very healthy and the prices are incredibly reasonable. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable with their suggestions for planting and advice on the care of your purchases. If we ever had a nursery of our own, we'd want it to be exactly like this one.
2. The Holistic Emporium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
We specialise in raw, polished and tumbled gemstones, crystals and fossils; each with their own unique healing and guidance properties. We are a popular new age shop based on the Isle of Wight and we also sell many items such as bags, candles, incense, books, angel/tarot and oracle cards, original new age art, and lots of wild and wacky Steampunk creations.
3. Kaleidoscope
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Established in 2000 Sandown's original gemstone shop selling gemstone jewellery, gemstone carvings, crystals, fossils, rough and tumbled stones, and dream catchers. Our opening times are as follows: Monday, Tuesday , Friday : CLOSED Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 11.00 - 13.00; 15.00 - 17.00 SUMMER HOLIDAYS from end of July to end of August open daily 10.30 - 17.00 and evenings 20.00 - 21.30
Reviewed By 952yvettep
The gentleman that served us, I believe he and his wife own the shop and he was such a lovely gentleman to talk too. He knew what allot about what he sells and was so helpful to my young daughter with her choice of rocks.
4. The Garlic Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,311 reviews
The Garlic Farm is all about garlic...We've been growing garlic on the Isle of Wight for over 30 years now and are the UK's largest specialist garlic grower. We are proud of our exceptional quality garlic which is renowned for its flavour, keeping quality and beauty. We also travel the world to find the best quality garlic varieties to offer our customers. We sell our garlic through our farm shop, farmers' markets, our website and through specialist food retailers across the UK including farm shops and delicatessens. We welcome visitors to our beautiful farm in the Arreton Valley. We offer free entry, free tastings, farm shop, garlic restaurant, education room, farm walks, farm animals, children's play area and access to farm land. We aim to educate our customers all about garlic, amazing flavours and a natural, rural farm experience for adults and children.
Reviewed By H8807AXrichardb
great walk around the farm, shop in nice and big and there is a tasting room (try before you buy) and theres a educational area as well, worth a visit
5. Glory Art Glass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
An independent glassblowing studio / gallery in Sandown, Isle of Wight. A family run business now in it's 20th year making beautiful hand sculpted art glass inspired by the natural surroundings of the island. Witness the magic of this ancient craft with their free glass blowing demonstrations which happen throughout the day (in season) Not only is every piece a stunning work of art, much of gallery itself was designed and hand built by the family, giving it a truly memorable touch. Their vibrant and unique glass makes perfect souvenirs and gifts for all occasions. The Evans family look forward to meeting and introducing you to the world of glass! School and large group bookings are available on request.
Reviewed By chucksf2020
Caught A Glimpse of Mind blowing gallery overflowing with Colourful glass Artifacts coupled with live Magical glass making viewing. Undeniably Quite an Amazing Beauty of Discovery ! Defo would recomend to all
6. Yaverland Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By iandD2328HO - Bedford, United Kingdom
A stunning beach. Unlike those further west in Sandown and Shanklin, Yaverland is backed by cliffs rather than hotels, crazy golf and cafes. A large car park has toilets, outdoor taps (for cleaning off sandy feet) and baby changing facilities. There is a cafe that offers both sit down and take always, plus beach paraphernalia like sand shoes and buckets and spades. Check tide times as the beach is at its best at low tide - especially when they are Springs. The sand goes on forever and the beach shelves really gently, so super safe for children. Predictably, the first 200 yards from the car park gets very busy but the beach is a mile long - so worth tracking further to find your own space. Take real care under the red cliffs which are prone to regular rock falls and give them a wide berth. It’s dog friendly throughout the year and locals walk there every day of the year. The far end, beyond the red cliffs, is naturist friendly and on a hot day, there may be 20 or so getting an all over tan or swimming in the buff. At high tide, this section of the beach gets cut off for several hours, giving even more privacy. Also worth checking the forecast - if a strong breeze is blowing, a walk in to wind gets you well and truly sand blasted!
7. Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By PVilly
I was staying with friends who live right opposite the entrance to Sandown Meadows reserve and we went for an early morning bird watching walk. It turns out that there are actually three nature reserves right next to each other - Sandown Meadows, Sandown Community Orchard and Alverstone Mead - so we decided to visit all three! You can do this via a figure of eight route which means you can alternate between the old railway track path and muddier paths across fields. The bird hide at Alverstone was definitely the highlight, especially with the birdfeeder which was covered with blue tits and great tits. We didn't see any kingfishers and red squirrels - so an excuse to go there again!
8. The Castle Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Allain151 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Called in for a Sunday lunchtime pint or two. Warm friendly welcome from the bar staff, and the locals seemed welcoming too. The decor is definitely unique and different! Good selection of real ales, at prices consistent with other pubs on the IOW. Would definitely do a return visit if back in Sandown.
9. Sandown Pier
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 1,431 reviews
Reviewed By Debslovestravel
We visit this beautiful Pier every year without fail while down visiting family, as per usual the place was as lovely as always great rides for kids and plenty of machines for the adults too endless fun, crazy golf was as suggested crazy it’s amazing how they fit such a large course into such a small space on it stretches many levels and is always good fun. Stopped to have fresh hot donuts on the end and look out to sea weather was beautiful and so were the donuts, cafe has been refurbished and looks wonderful, we were delighted to find out it’s still run by the same family after 35 years!! (Great photo of owner back in 1984 on the wall) Lovely mother and daughter working told us all the good places to visit on the island and had plenty of time to chat to us even tho the cafe was busy. Rides at the end of the pier were also great for our children they loved the teacups.The men working on the end were also cheerful, Great to find out you can also fish from the end of the pier too!!
