Andy,
As a glider pilot, I've never actually flown into Sandown in my gider, however I did so as a passenger in a PA28 a few years ago and I have also 'glid' (is that a word - past tense of glide..??!!) at Bembridge. I can recommend the beaches though since as a kid I spent every summer on the I.O.W.
Sandown is a nice and (I believe) Blue Flag beach, however it is a large expanse of coastline and extends into Shanklin. I.M.H.O I think the beach at Whitecliff Bay is much nicer, its the other side of the white Culver Cliff headland that you fly over if you approach Bembridge from the sea and the water is probably only 30 mins walk from the airfield!
Anyone who does visit this area, either by air or whatever, its a sobering thought that the Culver Cliffs were used to train on by the Commandos and Rangers in preparation for the Dieppe and Point Du Hoc assaults.
Have fun!
"Skylark"
