The Fernside Guest House - family-run guesthouse in Sandown, Isle of Wight

Sandown is situated on the south-east side of the island with all the settings for a traditional seaside holiday. With the beach's safe golden sand gently sloping into the sheltered waters of Sandown bay, its seafront promenade and pier offers all the facilities needed for traditional holidays at the seaside, with trampolining, amusement arcades, fairground and watersports. Also within an easy stroll from the beach is the town centre with plenty of shops, pubs, restaurants and nightlife. All these attractions and more for all ages, it's no wonder that many people return year after year.

Once again, Sandown is among only 13 Beaches in the southeast that has reached the strict high standards needed to fly the international blue flag. Only 119 beaches in the country have achieved this status (passing tests on water quality, facilities and beach cleanliness) making Sandown beach the perfect place to swim in the sea, play on the beach or just to relax and unwind.

Getting around is easy on the island whether you have a car or not as Sandown has excellent bus, train and Dotto train services. The island line train service runs from Ryde pier head to Shanklin. The "Island Explorer" bus service will take you around the coast to Ryde, or clockwise to Shanklin, Ventnor, Blackgang or Alum bay. The "Route Rouge" takes you to Godshill, Newport and Cowes. The Dotto train will take you along the seafront and into the town centre.

Along the Esplanade and on the pier you will find restaurants and all-weather amusements. There are all kinds of watersports to enjoy, from pedaloes to jet ski's. At the north end of the beach you can enjoy pitch & putt and there is also a children's playground. In Yaverland you will find sailing and wind surfing.

The most accessible sections of the coastal path are in this area, with cliff top gardens providing you with a seat to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. Country walking and off-road cycling trails start near the the railway station.

Sandown itself contains many popular visitor attractions, such as the Tiger & Big Cat Sanctuary, home to Britain's largest collection of tigers, and the Dinosaur Isle, the first purpose built dinosaur museum in the country down on the sea front. Other places of interest are just a short drive away, including Amazon World, Blackgang Chine, Robin Hill, Waxworks Museum, Brading Roman Villa & many, many more things to see and do. We will be only too pleased to help you in deciding what to see & do.