Compton Bay
A long sandy beach on the southwest coast, where fossilized dinosaur footprints can be seen on the rocks at low tide, and one of the island's best surfing spots.
Compton Bay lies southeast of Freshwater Bay, with a golden beach backed by soft red and yellow cliffs, part of the Isle of Wight's 'Dinosaur Coast.' At low tide, on the rocks near Hanover Point at the eastern end of the beach, you can see fossilized three-toed footprints left by iguanodons in the Cretaceous period. Small fossils such as ammonites are often found on the sand (please do not hammer the cliffs). The waves here are reliable, making it a popular spot for surfing and watching the sunset. The clifftop National Trust car park charges a fee, and you descend to the beach by wooden steps. The cliffs are prone to collapse, so do not stand at their base.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Freshwater Bay
- Yarmouth Castle
- Tennyson Down
- Mottistone Gardens
- Alum Bay
- Needles Old Battery & New Battery
- The Needles
- Newtown & Newtown National Nature Reserve