8 things to do while visiting Priory Bay Beach

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a relaxing seaside holiday and Priory Bay Beach in the Isle of Wight certainly offers spectacular scenery from which to enjoy a few lazy days on the sand. There is a wide choice of things to do in the area in addition to having some downtime on the beach itself.

1. Priory Woods

A woodland wander is an excellent opportunity to spot some of the local wildlife such as red squirrels, dragonflies and birds. There is a public footpath through Priory Woods which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where hand axes that are hundreds of thousands of years old have been found.

2. Seaview Wildlife Encounter

If you’re up for a wild time with wonderful animals then hoof it to Seaview Wildlife Encounter. Otters, owls, wallabies and alpacas are just some of the amazing animals waiting to greet you. There is a variety of fun daily events to participate in such as feeding the penguins and the chance to touch the animals in the pets’ corner.

3. Wight Taste Trail

Enjoy a delicious dining experience using locally sourced foods at Priory Bay Hotel, a beautiful country house hotel that forms part of the Wight Taste Trail. The beach is situated at the back of the hotel grounds so it’s easy to combine a visit to both locations. Wild garlic, a variety of fish, razor clams, seaweed, rocket and green strawberries are just some of the wonderful ingredients sourced from the Priory Bay area.

4. St Helens Duver and St Helens Old Church ruins

About a half an hour’s walk from the beach you can explore St Helens Duver, a spit of land that includes rock pools to keep the kids entertained, as well as the nearby remains of an old church. Known as St Helens, the church itself was washed away but the church tower, which dates from the 13th century, still remains. If you explore inland you may also come across some Hebridean sheep.

5. Bembridge Windmill

Just a short nine-minute drive or alternatively an hour’s scenic walk from Priory Bay is the last surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight. Bembridge Windmill was constructed around 1700 and last used in 1913 but maintains the majority of its original parts. You can climb all the way to the top of the windmill as well as explore the four floors to learn how it operated.

6. Set sail for sea escapades

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to sail a boat, why not find out with a sailing lesson. Alternatively if you’d rather sit back and enjoy the views, you can charter a sailing boat that includes the likes of lunch and enjoy some fabulous food while the capable crew provide a terrific trip.

7. Take a seaside saunter

Priory Bay Beach is well situated for an extended relaxing seaside stroll. Adjacent to Priory Bay is Seagrove Bay and a chance to dig your toes into the sand, relish the refreshing sea air and explore both of the bays should not be missed. You may even want to start or end your walk at Springvale Beach next to Seagrove Bay if you’re keen for a longer walk. Just make sure to plan your walk to avoid high tide when the beach at Seagrove Bay disappears almost completely.

8. Get hooked with fantastic fishing

If you love to fish you certainly won’t feel like a fish out of water here. This area is a real catch when it comes to fun fishing. Charter a fishing boat from nearby Bembridge Harbour and get set for some exciting deep sea fishing.

A picturesque retreat with a multitude of marvellous activities

A visit to Priory Bay Beach offers so much to see and do that you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you fancy some lounging with a good book on the beach, a stroll along the sands, going wild on the waves or getting up close to a variety of charming animals, a holiday to this area is a holiday to remember.