Monks Bay

Monks Bay is situated on the southern coast of the Isle of Wight, England just to the east of the village of Bonchurch.

Monks Bay is believed to be where French monks from Lyra Abbey landed from Normandy. It has proved popular with visitors and is one of the natural highlights of the town, which has been the venue for such figures as Charles Dickens. It is also the site of the Battle of Bonchurch which stopped French attempts to seize the island as its own, making war for continued operations against England.

The cliffs lining Monks Bay are made of Blue slipper clay and, as such, have been mixed with imported rock to prevent slippage, which would present a danger to the numerous walkers who pass along its shores every year. It has also proved to be a good state for local flora to be established.

The area was notable as a venue for smuggling rings. The bay was used to disembark cargo from ships which would then be transported into the island. Once a major source of income, fishing for local lobsters and crabs continues to occupy fisherman in this area.