Understandably 70% of people said that the summer was their favourite time for an Isle of Wight beach trip but this left a sizeable minority who specifically chose to visit the Island during the mild spring and autumn months. And when you consider the diversity of reasons for spending time on a beach, it’s hardly surprising!

Safe swimming conditions came high up the list of priorities for most of the people who answered the survey.

Car parking and toilet facilities on or close to the beach were also important considerations – and you’ll find information on these points in the individual beach listings. But your overriding concern was for beach cleanliness – rated the most important factor by an overwhelming 97%. Bouquets went to Blue Flag beaches Sandown and Shanklin as well as to Appley and Colwell Bay.