Activities at Compton Bay and Downs

Family bodyboarding at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Activity feature
Surfing

Surfing at Compton Bay

Compton Bay and Downs, Isle of Wight

The place to surf on the Isle of Wight is at Compton Bay. It offers some of the best surf and facilities in the south of England, so come along.

Compton Beach
Activity feature
Surfing, Walking

Things to see and do at Compton Bay and Downs

Compton Bay and Downs, Isle of Wight

Compton Bay and Downs is one of the Isle of Wight's most beautiful spots. Whether it's surfing, walking, spotting wildlife or hunting for fossils, there's plenty to see and do at Compton Bay and Downs.

The footpath sign ahead beckons to the chalk cliffs of Freshwater Bay
Walking trail

ABC of the downs walk on the Isle of Wight

Compton Bay and Downs, Isle of Wight

Have a go at our walk taking in Afton, Brook and Compton Downs. It could take you right back to the Ice Age, and you might even be lucky enough to spot a dinosaur footcast near Hanover Point.

  • Moderate
  • 3 hours
  • 7.5 miles (12.05km)
A common blue butterfly rests on top of a yellow bird's foot trefoil wildflower.
Walking trail

Paradise on the Isle of Wight butterfly walk

Compton Bay and Downs, Isle of Wight

Walk the chalk ridge running through the middle of the Isle of Wight and spot wonderful butterflies on one of our best bits of chalk downland, including Adonis blue, small blue, dark-green fritillary and Glanville fritillary.

  • Moderate
  • 2 hours
  • 5.0 miles (8.0km)
The trees have been bent by the wind, but all is calm today looking down to Dunsbury Farm
Walking trail

Discover Dunsbury trail

Compton Bay and Downs, Isle of Wight

Come with us to discover the Dunsbury area, one of our latest acquisitions. Admire the views, and understand our vision.

  • Moderate
  • 1 hour 30 mins
  • 3.4 miles (5.45km)