Things to see and do at Compton Bay and Downs
Spend a day at one of the Isle of Wight’s favourite spots. From beach to open download, there’s plenty of space to explore, search for fossils, spot local wildlife, surf and ride your horse.
A magnificent surfing beach
Compton Bay is the Isle of Wight's prime location for surfing and watersports, but its sandy beach and fine views over to Tennyson Down and The Needles make it ideal for just a day on the beach.
Butterfly spotting trail
Follow our self-guided trail and walk along part of the ridge running through the middle of the Isle of Wight and you will visit one of the best sites for butterflies in the UK. Butterflying does not get any better than this.
Our ABC of the Downs trail
Enjoy splendid views on this leg-stretching 8-mile walk over the ridge of the downs. Then follow in the steps of the dinosaurs back along the coast.
Dinosaur coast on the Isle of Wight
120 million years ago dinosaurs roamed the earth and you can look for their fossilised foot casts preserved in the rocks on the beach near Hanover Point.
The best place to go looking for fossils on ‘Dinosaur Island’ is on the beach at Compton Bay. Not only is it the richest source of dinosaur remains in Europe, but other interesting things can be found here too.
Wildflowers on the downs
You can stride out across the open expanse of Compton Downs and admire a profusion of downland flowers.
Play on the beach
Compton Bay has a firm sandy beach, and the tide doesn’t go out too far so it's good for swimming. It isn’t too crowded, and there are excellent views towards the Needles and Dorset beyond – perfect.
Go surfing
Compton Bay is probably the best place on the Isle of Wight for surfing of all kinds, because there can be a considerable swell. The view is pretty special too.
Walk your dog
Dogs love the breezy walk over the grassy downs at Compton, or racing through the tide along the beach (beach restrictions apply mid-May to September).
Ride your horse
The bridle paths over Afton, Compton and Brook downs are great for horses, being firm under foot and with wide vistas. There are numerous car parks close by for horse boxes.
Take to two wheels
The off-road Tennyson Trail crosses our land as it passes over Afton Down, Compton Down, Brook Down and Mottistone Down. It's a wonderful chalk track along the ridge tops, but be warned that it isn't flat.
This is one of the classics for Isle of Wight cycling. But we can also offer more gentle quiet country lanes and routes to take you from ferry terminal to our places. So who needs that car?
Spot butterflies
The quarry slopes on Brook Down and Compton Coombe are the best places to spot butterflies. The chalk soils are especially rich in blue butterflies in summer. We can recommend other good places to spot butterflies on our land across the island too...
Enjoy a picnic
Compton Bay beach is a favourite for many picnickers. But the cliff top overlooking the beach and high spots on the downs tend to be quieter. You're spoilt for choice on the island - try these suggestions...
