Isle of Wight beach named one of the most unique in the world

It is described as a prime fossil-hunting spot for dinosaur teeth and ancient footprints

Yaverland Beach at Sandown Bay
Author: Greg DeanPublished 24th Feb 2026

An Isle of Wight beach has been named as one of the most unique in the world, according to Tripadvisor.com

The travel guidance website has placed Yaverland Beach at Sandown Bay at 15th out of just 19 beaches, alongside such destinations as Brazil, Chile and Hawaii.

Yaverland Beach at Sandown Bay

Only one other UK beach has made the list, Bamburgh in Northumberland, on the northeast coast of England.

Tripadvisor said about Yaverland Beach:

“More "Jurassic Park" than "Baywatch," this beach off the coast of southern England is known as a prime fossil-hunting spot for dinosaur teeth and ancient footprints. Before you hit the sand, stop by the Dinosaur Isle Museum to learn about the area's prehistoric residents.”

VisitIsleOfWight.co.uk, the Island’s most visited destination website, describes the beach:

“Yaverland Beach is one of the Isle of Wight’s best beaches, providing a long stretch of sand and great swimming waters for children and families. Yaverland has a few smallish rocks dotted here and there and when the tide is out, the sandy beach expands across acres. The beach stretches northeast from the Yaverland Sailing and Yacht Club all the way to the foot of the chalk cliffs of Culver Down.”

Yaverland Beach at Sandown Bay

Steve Wells of the Bay Business Association, and Vice-Chair of Visit Isle of Wight, said the accolade was great news for Sandown Bay:

“For Tripadvisor to put Yaverland Beach firmly on the map is fantastic. Seeing part of Sandown Bay sat alongside such destinations as The Bahamas, Mexico and New Zealand really is great news, recognising the Bay’s unique contribution to the Isle of Wight as a leading holiday destination.

“Tripadvisor has certainly shone a spotlight on the Bay and given people even more reason to visit!”

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