Isle of Wight, England, United Kingdom

Gurnard Bay

Gurnard Bay is a picturesque beach located on the Isle of Wight, near the town of Cowes. The beach is known for its pebbly terrain, with some areas of sand closer to Gurnard. The beach offers stunning views across the bay, making it a popular spot for sunset views.

The beach is backed by a grassy hill, adding to its natural charm. It is also a popular spot for walking, with a flat walkway along the seafront that extends all the way into Cowes. This walkway, known as the esplanade, provides various points to access the beach.

In terms of amenities, there is a regularly parked ice cream van along the seafront for refreshments. A coffee trailer is also present during the day. For younger visitors, there is a fenced play area.

The beach is also a popular spot for swimming, with some visitors even braving the waters year-round. However, it should be noted that there are restrictions for dogs swimming on the main section of the beach between May and October. Despite these restrictions, there are always areas where dogs are allowed to swim.

Discover stunning views and explore places to stay near Gurnard Bay, where picturesque sunsets await.

The beach is easily accessible from the centre of Cowes, making it a convenient spot for a leisurely stroll. From here, visitors can watch cruise liners pass by or explore the independent shops in Cowes. The beach's friendly atmosphere and natural beauty make it a must-visit location on the Isle of Wight.

What to do at Gurnard Bay?

Restaurants

One of the best restaurants near Gurnard Bay is Gurnard Press Bistro.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beauty and tranquility of the beach, with its pebbly and sandy stretches, grassy hills, and stunning views across the bay. They appreciate the flat walks along the seafront, the opportunity for dogs to swim, and the friendly atmosphere. However, some visitors express dissatisfaction with the restrictions on the main section of the beach between May and October.

Where to Stay near Gurnard Bay?

Visitors to Gurnard Bay often stay in the nearby town of Cowes, which offers a variety of accommodation options and is within walking distance to the beach. Many also explore the charming village of Gurnard itself, enjoying the beautiful coastal walks and the scenic views across the Solent.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Gurnard Bay?

Latitude: 50.7623481 / Longitude: -1.3235992

Gurnard Bay is located in Isle of Wight. The following map of Gurnard Bay shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Gurnard Bay: Weather Today

📅 Friday, January 16, 2026
Today at Gurnard Bay is not ideal for a beach day. Expect a chilly day with a high of 9.8 °C. There will be some rain, so bring an umbrella. The wind will be noticeable, with stronger gusts at times. The sea temperature is 8.4 °C, far too cold for swimming. The waves are low. The sun will be mostly hidden behind the clouds, and the UV index is low.
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Air

Low / High5°C/9.8°C
Feels Like (High)6.1°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature8.4 °C
Wave Height0.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance55%
Rainfall0.7 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:59/16:30
Sunshine Hours6.7 hrs
UV Index1.15
Cloud Cover71%
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Wind

Speed21.4 km/h
Gusts38.9 km/h
DirectionS

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