St. Helen's - A Day at The Duver

 Just a short drive from the charming village of St. Helen's (home to arguably the UK's second largest village green!), you'll find The Duver, a beautiful sandy spit at the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight. With its sand dunes, open common land, and a sand/shingle beach that leads into Bembridge Marina, it's the perfect spot for a family day out. You'll find convenient facilities, including places to eat, toilets, and of course, the compulsory ice cream shop!

What to Do:

• Beach Fun: The shallow, gently sloping waters are ideal for paddling and wading. At low tide, the water's edge is a bit of a walk, so bring water shoes for comfort on the sand and shingle.

• Crabbing Adventures: The Duver is a crabbing hotspot! When the tide goes out, a rocky headland is exposed, teeming with crabs. Bring or buy a crab net from the Baywatch Cafe (but don't forget to bring bait – bacon, chicken, or hot dogs work wonders!). Water shoes are recommended for navigating the rocks. If the tide's not cooperating, the Causeway is a great backup crabbing location.

• Watersports: During the summer months, Tackt-Isle Adventure often sets up shop on the beach, offering kayak and SUP board rentals at reasonable prices. You can also book courses through their website. Many families bring their own paddle boards to enjoy the calm and shallow waters of The Duver. 

• Scenic Walks: The Duver's mix of landscapes, from open grasslands to the shoreline, makes it a perfect place for a refreshing and varied walk, especially for your four-legged friends!

A walk along the beach is truly therapeutic. At low tide, kids can go searching for crabs, blennies, and even eels. Keep an eye out – you might even spot a seal basking on the opposite bank! If the tide is very low, walk left along the beach and around the headland to discover "the secret beach" (Priory Beach), a stunning stretch of untouched white sand. Be mindful of the tides, though, as a high tide can make for a long walk back!

• Bird watching Paradise: The lagoons and marshes provide a haven for a variety of birds, making it a great spot for bird watching.

• Horseback Riding: From May to September, Sally's Riding School is located nearby at Nodes Point offering beach and local area rides. 

• Art & Culture: Near the marina entrance, you'll find a charming art shop showcasing local artists' work, including jewellery and stationery. It's a peaceful place to browse and find unique gifts.

• Food & Drink: In the summer months, you'll typically have two dining options besides your own picnic! 

The Baywatch Cafe, on the main stretch of beach serves breakfast, lunch (sometimes dinner), alcoholic drinks, and ice cream. Their menu is creative, and we have found the food to be consistently good. Seating is available both inside and outside, with stunning views over to the Solent. 

 
For a more casual and budget-friendly meal, the Duver Cafe at the marina entrance offers breakfast and lunch, including jacket potatoes and sandwiches. They also have pizza evenings on Fridays and Saturdays. Next door, Steve's Bar, in a converted shipping container, offers a selection of local Isle of Wight drinks. 

• Fishing Fun: You can fish from the quieter end of the beach, or for a guided excursion, check out https://www.cachalot-charters.co.uk/ for a kid-friendly trip that might just land you dinner!

Useful Information:

• Parking: There are three parking options: on the beachfront (using the PaybyPhone app), in the National Trust car park (bring your membership card if a member), or along the road leading to the beach (free). Alternatively, you can also park in the village and enjoy a scenic walk along the causeway.

• Toilets: Bathrooms are located next to the Baywatch Cafe and are well-maintained.

• Dogs: Dogs are welcome on the beach but must be kept on a lead during the summer months.

• Tesco Extra is located about a 10 minute drive should you forget essentials like bathers, or St.Helen's convenience store is located in the centre of the village if you need to top up on kid friendly snacks.

Our family Favourite:

Our family loves having breakfast on The Duver. We pack up cereal, milk, bowls, and everything we need, then head to the beach early in the morning. It's the perfect way to start the day, exploring the beach, seeing what the night's tides have left behind and enjoying the peaceful moment.

A Glimpse of History:

St Helen's Duver boasts a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Old Stone Age. Religious activity began in the Saxon era and continued at the Old Church of St Helen's (part of it still remains) until the 17th century. Its secluded location also made it a popular spot for smugglers. In the 1880s, the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club, one of England's first, opened here, utilising the natural landscape. It closed in 1961.