Shanklin has been named the South of England’s Beach of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times‘ annual guide to the UK’s best beaches, with Compton Bay also securing a place in the prestigious top 50.
The accolade comes in the 18th edition of The Times and The Sunday Times 50 Best UK Beaches guide, which saw chief travel writer Chris Haslam inspect hundreds of beaches across the country over a 5-week, 4,307-mile tour.
Shanklin topped the South of England category, with Compton Bay also recognised among the region’s finest beaches. The Isle of Wight features for the first time after the guide expanded beyond mainland Britain to include the Island, alongside the Outer Hebrides and the Isles of Scilly.
Describing Shanklin, Chris Haslam praised its enduring charm, saying:
“It’s an hour on the ferry from Southampton to West Cowes and 20 minutes from there to Shanklin. If you enjoy such whimsy you’ll love it here: a former fishing hamlet in fairytale valley that caught the eye of the picturesque movement in the early 19th century.
“Two centuries later Shanklin still has the magic, with striped deckchairs on the sands, guesthouses on the prom and a footpath up the forested Shanklin Chine to the Old Village: described by the poet William Longfellow in 1868 as ‘one of the quaintest and loveliest places in the kingdom.’ That’s still true.”
The annual guide is based on personal inspections of every featured beach within the previous 8 weeks, with locations assessed against a 12-point checklist covering cleanliness, accessibility, parking, lifeguard provision, facilities, dog-friendliness and water quality.
A new category recognising community engagement has also been introduced this year, highlighting the role local communities play in making beaches attractive destinations throughout the year.
The South of England’s beaches featured in this year’s guide are:
- Shanklin, Isle of Wight – South of England’s Beach of the Year
- Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
- Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex
- Dungeness, Kent
- Botany Bay, Kent
Chris Haslam said he had “never seen our seaside look more beautiful” after completing his annual tour of Britain’s coastline, encouraging holidaymakers to make the most of the UK’s beaches during what is shaping up to be a memorable summer.
He must of timed it right then,when the bins are not overflowing, rubbish scattered across the car park,horse mess on the road,also missed the unfit buildings ,and the annoying homeless guy always sat in the shelter there oh and the cliff lift isn’t always working
So all your moans have nothing to do with the actual beach then!
The Bins are an embarrassment to holidaymakers.
It’s about time the Fish and Chip shop laid on large
bins for it’s customers.
Great beach shame they have never installed safety rails / fencing
after the 2003 death of the professor.
One part of the beach I wouldn’t lay on. I don’t feel safe with
cars parked overlooking the beach with no safety in place.
Shanklin beach is lovely but I’d question whether the reporter ever went there. It’s definitely not an hour on the ferry to “West” Cowes and certainly not 20 minutes from there to Shanklin. Even if they meant East Cowes it’s at least 30 minutes from there to Shanklin (Island Roads permitting). Still let’s not let factual cobblers get in the way of a good story, I’m sure they had a lovely day out by the sea. Times articles aren’t what they used to be.
It is an hour on the ferry and it is 20 mins on the train.
It’s a lovely beach especially looking right to Dunnose and left to Culver. We had it all in the 1980’s I worked on the deck chairs 1984/85. Money was lousy but you made up for it with a free tan and literally taking a different girl out every night that you met that day. We had the Redcliff Bars opposite the beach i worked. Shanklin Pier for a pint of of Hofmeister on our lunch break and Keats and Beachcomber Bar on a Friday and Saturday nights. Great days that will never return but the memories remain. Lisa Cantello i’m sorry i never called you when you left your holiday in July 1985. I genuinely lost your number that you gave me. You were the prettiest girl i ever met from Nottingham. Sure you’re married now kids and maybe grandchildren! You were 19 and i was 23. I’m saying sorry now. Never forget Eurythmics Angel playing with my heart was in the charts x
The 80’s were the best.
Loved Keats Inn and The Redcliffe Bar not to mention
Shanklin Pier.
Such a shame when the Pier went and it was never replaced.
Joan and Fred ran a great pier.
Just have those memories to treasure.
Botany Bay pisses all over Shanklin Beach
Just saying.