6 fun things to do around Steephill Cove

Steephill Cove is a picturesque hidden gem on the Isle of Wight, tucked into an area of landslip known as the ‘undercliff’ and accessible only on foot or by boat. This beautiful and unspoilt little bay is backed by a handful of pretty cottages and brightly coloured deckchairs and beach huts.

The lack of road access means it is wonderfully peaceful and noise free place: there are some good options for eating and drinking and some excellent walks to be taken nearby.

Even better, Steephill Cove is situated in a microclimate, protected from cold northerly winds while retaining the warmth of its southerly aspect, making temperatures here feel Mediterranean. With its traditional fishing village feel, golden sands and a number of other fun attractions located just a short distance away, this is an ideal place to visit whilst on a family holiday. Here we highlight 6 fun things to do in and around Steephill Cove.

1. Isle of Wight Coastal Path

The entire Isle of Wight Coastal Path is 67 miles long and encircles the island, taking stunning scenery including beaches and woodland. There are a number of good routes surrounding Steephill Cove and the Coastal Path is excellent for families with young children as it is generally flat with only a few mild ascents.

A good choice is the Sandown to Ryde coastal path which is around 12 miles in length and begins not too far from Steephill Cove. Or try the 8 mile Brighstone to Niton route which starts a bit further round the coast and takes you past the popular Blackgang Chine theme park (see below).

2. Ventnor Botanic Gardens

Situated just north of Steephill Cove are the Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Thanks to the local microclimate, many exotic plants and flowers bloom wonderfully here without shelter and the gardens make for an excellent afternoon stroll.

The Visitor Centre here includes a gift shop and two great places to eat; The Plantation Room café and the newly opened Edulis restaurant. As you walk around you’ll also see exhibitions of artwork from local artists and have the chance to buy flowers in the piazza outside the garden entrance.

3. Beaches

Over half of the Isle of Wight is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the area around Ventnor and Steephill Cove, and there are lots of great beaches on this part of the island.

Steephill Cove Beach itself is lovely and completely unspoilt, offering a very relaxing escape away from the usual seaside trappings. The waters here are completely clear and perfect for swimming and there are lots of rock pools for the kids to explore.

Ventnor Beach is just a short walk from Steephill Cove and is ideal for families. This beach has plenty of space for the kids to explore the golden sands and as you walk along the seafront you are met with ice cream stands, an amusement arcade and plenty of other beach-themed shops to browse. The sea here is great for swimming too.

One of the finest beaches on the island is Sandown Beach just a 20 minute drive from Steephill Cove on the east coast of the island. This family friendly beach is bustling with plenty of shops, places to eat and a fantastic pier as well as ample opportunities for water sports such as surfing. You’ll also find the Isle of Wight Zoo overlooking the beach which is a great place to take the kids.

4. Seafood Cuisine

Steephill Cove itself has a few great places to eat particularly if you enjoy seafood. The Boathouse restaurant offers excellent fresh seafood while you sit out on the deck at the water’s edge with a chilled glass of wine. Booking is advised if you want to visit this fantastic restaurant because it is very popular.

The Crab Shed is a fun little place to eat providing an informal but beautiful setting with great views of the sea. Here you can try their famous crab pasties, mackerel ciabattas and daily specials as well as food for vegetarians and non-fish lovers. The fish is caught each morning just in front of the restaurant so you won’t find fresher than this!

5. Dinosaur Trail

The Isle of Wight has earned the name ‘Dinosaur Island’ due to being one of the richest sources of dinosaur remains in Europe and, thanks to this, there lots of dinosaur-themed attractions here that the kids will love. The Dinosaur Trail is a path running along the south and south west coast of the Island taking you to the island’s dinosaur ‘hotspots’ including Ventnor near Steephill Cove, where dinosaur remains were found behind the Spyglass Inn!

There are 6 interactive ‘meteorites’ situated along the trail that provide stories and information about the huge reptiles that once roamed here. Will you manage to find them all?

6. Blackgang Chine

Blackgang Chine, just 3 miles from Steephill Cove, is a fun and enchanting theme park aimed at families with young chidlren. Open from April to October, rides include roller coasters, a maze and water slides. Saver tickets for 4 people costs £45-£55 and tickets allow you entry for an entire week as many times as you like. You can also visit Blackgang Chine’s sister park Robin Hill, located in the centre of the island, for even more fun-filled activities.

Steephill Cove is a fantastic place to visit on the Isle of Wight is a great place to visit if you are looking for a fun family holiday. The many attractions in and around this hidden little place that are sure to delight the entire family and there are plenty of camping and caravanning sights nearby to help you really make the most of your trip.