Gurnard, just along the coast from Cowes, is a quieter, more local beach with a genuinely pleasant green space behind the sand — a good alternative if you want to avoid the busier resort beaches.
The Green and Play Area
Behind Gurnard's beach huts, a sloping green and children's play area give families somewhere to picnic or take a break from the shore without needing to pack up and leave the beach entirely — a nice feature not every island beach has.
Parking
Parking at Gurnard is notably easier than at the island's busier resort beaches: on-street parking along the seafront is largely free, with spaces found on the edge of the green next to the beach, and a small car park is also available directly at the beach. Visitor reports consistently describe parking here as easy to find, which is a genuine point of difference from Shanklin or Sandown in peak season.
Facilities
Toilets, disabled facilities, a promenade, a shop and a slipway are all available, along with a popular restaurant and cafe at the eastern end of the seafront with an ice cream window facing the shore.
Gurnard Sailing Club
The Gurnard Sailing Club is based here, with summer memberships available, making sailing and watersports a popular local pastime at this beach specifically.
Dog Restrictions
Gurnard has seasonal dog restrictions in summer — see our dog-friendly beaches guide for current dates and alternatives.
Best For
Visitors wanting a quieter, more local beach experience with easier parking than the island's main resort towns, and families who'd value a green picnic space alongside the sand.
For more options, see our best beaches for families roundup or our free beach parking guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free at Gurnard Beach?
Much of the on-street parking along the seafront is free, with spaces on the edge of the green next to the beach, plus a small car park directly at the beach.
What facilities does Gurnard Beach have?
Toilets, disabled facilities, a promenade, a shop, a slipway, a children's play area, and a restaurant/cafe at the eastern end of the seafront.
Is Gurnard Beach dog-friendly?
Gurnard has seasonal dog restrictions in summer — see our dog-friendly beaches guide for current dates and alternative beaches with year-round access.
Related: Free beach parking guide · Best beaches for families · Dog-friendly beaches guide
