Spend the day in a delightful secluded cove with a golden sandy beach surrounded by thatched cottages. It's the perfect place for a family day out, just don't underestimate the steep hill to get there (the clue is in the name).
Steephill Cove at a glance:
>Parking: Ventnor Botanical Gardens (steep walk), or private parking on the main road above the cove (also a steep walk). You can also park in Ventnor and walk along the coast path.
> Eateries: Cove Coffee Shop, The Boathouse and The Crab Shed
> Dogs: From 1st May – 30th September dogs must be on a lead, at other times they are allowed on the beach
> Public conveniences: available
> Close to: Ventnor
Steephill Cove is quite possibly one of the prettiest places on the Island but before you start reading about this lovely gem of a place take a look at our holiday cottages in Ventnor.
Steephill Cove is one of the best known and most secluded beaches on the Isle of Wight. I visited the cove on a lovely sunny summers day and it was idyllic. First of all, however, you have to get there and that in itself takes some planning. The cove is quiet and secluded, the reason for this being no cars are allowed.
To get down to the cove, there are two options; you can either park at Ventnor Botanic Gardens, which is a nice idea if you are interested in looking around the gardens. The second option is to park in the car park above the cove and walk from there - do keep in mind that the paths are very steep. Alternatively you can walk along the coast path from Ventnor, however this does have some challenging sections and not suitable for wheelchair users.
Whichever way you decide to arrive, the effort is well worth it - the cove is picture postcard paradise with little thatched cottages and old fisherman's floats making a colourful display along the waterfront. The beach is sandy and sheltered, perfect for a family day out with traditional deckchairs available to hire. The kids will love playing in the rock pools and the beach is always spotlessly clean. Out of season dogs are allowed on the beach but must be on a lead from 1st May until 30th September.
Tea and cake was the order of the day for my afternoon visit and sitting by the waterside enjoying the view was lovely. There are three places to eat, two restaurants and one cafe and if you plan to arrive just before midday you can join the queue at The Crab Shed for the freshest crab pasties which are available from 12 noon.
Steephill Cove is a seaside place from a bygone era. With no traffic noise and no noisy amusement arcades it is peaceful and tranquil. Put it on your list of places to visit on the Isle of Wight, you’ll be very glad you did.
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