Thorness Bay

Thorness Bay overlooks the Solent and consists of a low shingle beach, which is backed by a small freshwater marsh with shallow pools and a reedbed. Thorness Bay is an 86.2-hectare “Site of Special Scientific Interest” which is located to the west of Cowes. The bay stretches about 3 km from Salt Mead Ledge in the west to Gurnard Head to the east.

Parking and amenities

Footpaths to the foreshore are via Little Thorness Farm, Whippance Farm or the Coastal Path from either Gurnard Bay from the east or through Pilgrims Park to the west. Please note that there is no or extremely limited parking available, so using public transport is advisable. Simply click on the Public Transport Advice link at the bottom of this page to view preferred bus routes.

What to look out for - Calendar

Spring (March - June)

Year-round birds consist of cormorant, little egret, grey heron, ringed plover, Mediterranean gull, Cetti’s warbler and reed bunting. Spring passage migrants include whimbrel, sandwich and common terns. Cuckoo and reed warbler breed.