Whitecliff Bay is a sandy bay which is at the eastern most point of the Isle of Wight and about a mile from where I live in Bembridge . It is one of my favourite beaches especially at the end of the tourist season when the beach is usually quiet , perfect place for walking a dog which you can do on this beach all year. When people ask on Social media what are the best beaches to go to on the island I am often reluctant to comment as I love the quiet . The island is very often like a retreat and I would not want to be anywhere else .
To get to the bay you have to go through one of two caravan park which are private owned but once there it is so worthwhile with miles of walking ….but don’t get cut off by the tide… .Access is limited and only possible down two steep sloping concrete tracks.
Whitecliff Bay is renowned for its fossils and wildlife.
The site is of major geological interest being part of the Whitecliff bay and Bembridge ledges. Many groups enjoy the bay to research and explore findings.
It is a Site of Special Scientific interest which is from Bembridge Harbour around Foreland to Whitecliff bay. The site was notified in 1955 for both it’s biological and geological features.
Below are a few cliffs that are by the beach and most have fossils in .The first one has a seam of thousands of tiny shells going from top to bottom , the others have shells imbedded in them .
There are always treasures to be found, Sea glass which has been in the solent for possibly hundreds of years and china that has probably at some stage been thrown overboard from boats . Below a few of my finds which I have collected along with rubbish.
Culver Down.
The beach is surrounded by cliffs with access to Culver down with stunning views looking towards Sandown and beyond. Anyone can walk along the coastal path from here and get to the top of Culver Down within about twenty minutes.
Historically Culver has been known for breeding Peregrines as well as common Woodpigeons ( Culvers) the source of the cliffs name.You often see Cattle grazing there now plus there are wild flowers and orchids to be found .
French invasion 1545
Whitecliff Bay was invaded by the French in 1545 .On the 21st July the French landed on the Isle of Wight on Whitecliff Bay and would try and cross Bembridge Down in order to attack Sandown , another party landed at Bonchurch with the intention of linking up at Sandown .
The French force was intercepted crossing from it’s beachhead at Whitecliff bay to attack Sandown by locals under Sir John Oglander and a skirmish was fought on the down . The French were finally repulsed at Sandown.
The Battle of the Solent on 19th July 1545 saw 200 French ships attempt to invade England .It also saw the last action of the Mary Rose.
Moving on to Bembridge 