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St Helens Duver
Sand dunes with a royal history and great coastal views
St Helens Duver, St Helens, Isle of Wight, PO33 1XZ
Opening times for 6 July 2025
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Parking is managed via the JustPark app. Free parking is available for National Trust members, but members must register their membership card details in the JustPark app to benefit. Non members can use the app to pay for parking. We don't allow overnight parking due to the impact on nature and wildlife, staff resource and visitors.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome but please pick up after your dog and keep them on a short lead around livestock, and under close control at all other times.
Access to the beach via sandy paths, with a ramp onto the soft sand. At high tide the top of the beach can be covered. Path in the woods behind the beach can get very muddy and has steps. Pay and display car park. Dogs welcome - keep on short lead and close control around livestock.
- Level access/terrain
The Duver has expanses of short turf and gently undulating ground. Some sand and gravel paths. No gates or stiles. Access to the beach via sandy paths onto the concrete sea wall.
- Ramped access/slopes
There is a ramp onto the soft sand.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Path in the woods behind the beach - can be very muddy and has steps.
- By road
0.5 mile (1 Kilometer) off the B3330 from the village of St Helens. 5 miles south west from Ryde on A3055 and B3330. 4.5 miles north west of Sandown on the A3055 and B3330
Parking: Pay and display car park, free to National Trust members
- On foot
St Helens Duver is on the Isle of Wight Coast Path. Download travel map here or consult Ordnance Survey Landranger map 196 or OS Exlporer OL29
- By bus
Hourly buses from Newport or Ryde bus stations dropping off at St Helens village green on B3330. The Duver is about 800 metres walk down the Duver Road or the path beside St Helens Common. See bus details on www.islandbuses.info
- Cycling
The 'Round the Island' cycle path passes less than 0.5 mile (1 kilometer) from St Helens Duver. View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting St Helens Duver with your dog
Discover all you need to know about visiting St Helens Duver, Isle of Wight, with your four-legged friend. St Helens Duver is a one pawprint rated place.
Highlights
St Helens Duver
Sandy spit of land on the eastern tip on the Isle of Wight, which is rich in wildlife and history. Once home to The Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club.
Rock pools and beach
The limestone ledges are great for rock pooling. Sandy beach and viewpoint for sealife and passing ships.
Common
Rich in wildlife and home to a flock of Hebridean sheep, alexanders flowers, red squirrels, blackcap and many other small birds.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at St Helens Duver
Discover the wild woodland and beachside activities that will keep the whole family feeling happy on a visit to St Helens Duver, including the dog.
Article
Wildlife at St Helens Duver
Discover the huge range of wild animals that have made a home in the rock pools, grassland and woodlands on the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight.
Places to stay
Chert
A light-filled, 70s-styled home with impressive sea views from its large balcony.
Little Chert
A stylish 70s hang-out, high on a wooded cliff with fabulous views.
Old Church Lodge
A pretty Victorian cottage in its own walled garden, within walking distance to the beach.
The Old Club House
This former clubhouse is now a quirky holiday cottage with a verandah great for wildlife watching.
Top trails
Trail
A coastal walk at St Helens Duver
A circular coastal walk from St Helens village that takes you along a wildlife-rich sandy spit of land.
Trail
Down on the Duver circular walk
A short but varied coastal walk exploring St Helens Duver, a sandy spit of land on the eastern tip of the Island.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About St Helens Duver
St Helens Duver is a lovely place to relax or gently wander. There are sandy beaches, rock pools, sand dunes and coastal woods all within a small area. There is easy access from the car park onto the Duver with its short turf and gently undulating ground and views over Bembridge Harbour.
The beach is also very close at hand and although it can get quite busy in the summer there's space for everyone if you wander further along the shore.
The Duver has an interesting history as a Victorian golf course with royal patronage. But now it is a fascinating place to look for wildlife from burrowing digger wasps to wasp spiders, and tiny flowers or water birds over the harbour.
History
Article
The history of St Helens Duver
Discover the human history of St Helens Duver, from the earliest evidence of human activity, the building of Old St Helens Church, and the smuggling activity rife in the area.
Article
The History of the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club
Explore the history of one of England’s first golf courses, which once counted royalty and celebrities among its members, and shaped the sporting rules still used today.
Article
St Helens Duver’s maritime history
Discover the rich maritime history that surrounds St Helens Duver, including the fort built as defence against a French invasion, which was used in the First and Second World Wars.