With around 57 miles of glorious coastline to explore, the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination for a coastal stay.
The oh-so-pretty village of Seaview is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, with laid-back vibes and quiet, golden-sand beaches promising the perfect backdrop to your day out.
From summertime festivals to fabulous cafés and restaurants, this small but charming village boasts plenty to see and do, making it a wonderful place to ease into Island living. Soak up the ambience as yachts sail by and enjoy a cold drink on a warm evening - perfection!
Alan Hersey Nature Reserve
Just off Seaview's seafront is the tranquil Alan Hersey Nature Reserve, named after a local councillor with a passion for the environment. Meet its resident kingfishers, swans, and moorhens from the bird hide, or take a trundle around the paths for a peaceful leg-stretch. The site stretches to 20 acres, so there’s plenty to explore.
Seaview Regatta
The biggest event of the year in Seaview is its annual regatta, which has been held for more than 170 years. It is one of many Isle of Wight towns and villages to hold an annual celebration of the sea, with boat races and other activities on the water providing endless entertainment. In recent years, Seaview's regatta has been spread over three days and has included swimming, tug-of-war, and a challenge to climb along a greasy pole!
Shopping
Boasting a pocket-sized high street with a lovely little selection of shops, there’s always an opportunity for a bit of retail therapy in Seaview. Stop by the village store to fill your cupboard and picnic hampers with local goodies, head to This and That for some fabulous homeware, or spend a quiet moment browsing the art gallery for incredible works of art by local artists.
Beaches
Seaview has a couple of excellent beaches, each with its own characteristics and feel. The stretch of beach nearer to Appley is wonderfully wide, with a large open space at low tide for beach games. Further towards Bembridge, Seagrove Bay is a more sheltered area that’s popular with families. People can often be found relaxing on the sea wall with a newspaper, enjoying the hubbub of a summer's day.
Explorers may want to continue through the woods to Priory Bay, which is one of the Isle of Wight's finest beaches as it remains relatively quiet thanks to its secluded location. The long golden sands are backed by a woodland, which provides welcome shade on a hot day.
Walks
Living up to its name, the seafront at Seaview forms an appealing part of the Isle of Wight's coastal path, with lovely views on offer during your stroll. For the scenic route, park in Puckpool Park, home of a military battery. The Victorian remains are good for exploring and it makes a great location for hide and seek. From here, you will emerge onto the far end of Appley Beach. The Dell Café overlooks the golden sands and is a favourite spot for many morning walkers.
Head right along the footpath that hugs the coast and you'll soon find yourself on Springvale Road, which sweeps along the seafront. Most of Seaview dates from the early 19th century, when the Edwardians saw its potential and no-doubt enjoyed the views towards Hampshire and Sussex.
At one stage, Seaview had its own pier that was used to drop off passengers arriving from Southsea. It had an unusual design, similar to that used on suspension bridges but it was destroyed by a storm in 1951.
Places to eat
If you haven't already indulged at The Dell Café, take your pick from Seaview's small but popular selection of eateries. The Boathouse offers a traditional pub atmosphere with many diners opting for the outside seating, which boasts a rather special view. Further towards the centre of Seaview is The Old Fort, a multi-award-winning eatery that serves as the village's gastropub. Unsurprisingly, fish is a popular dish on the menu, but there are also burgers and vegetarian options.
If you are just after an ice cream or a sandwich on the beach, head for Seaview Deli for a couple of scoops or a Mr Whippy.
For a special occasion, the Aquitania restaurant within the Seaview Hotel is an excellent choice. It’s one of several Isle of Wight restaurants to get a mention in the Michelin guide, and it’s known for a changing menu that adapts to make the most of local produce. The Isle of Wight is blessed with a range of locally produced foods, including tomato and garlic, which both benefit from the Island's climate.
On the outskirts of Seaview is the Isle of Wight Distillery, home of Mermaid Gin. You will spot its exquisitely designed bottles in bars and restaurants across the Island. The distillery has its own bar where you can choose from several flavours of gin, each offering a taste of the Isle of Wight, with ingredients such as samphire and elderflower picked locally.
Dreaming of a coastal adventure on the Isle of Wight? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages in Seaview and start planning beach days and waterside wanders aplenty.
