Child holding a pine cone

A New York writer’s nostalgic holiday in Ventnor: Emma Brockes’ English seaside experience

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Ventnor, on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, recently played host to a delightful visitor, Emma Brockes, renowned Guardian columnist.

Swapping the bustling streets of New York for the tranquil seaside town, Brockes indulged in a nostalgic, family holiday with her children.

Simple pleasures
Discovering the simple pleasures of bus rides on Southern Vectis, the marvel of snails after rain, and the thrill of a local donkey sanctuary visit, the Brockes family immersed themselves in Ventnor’s timeless charm.

The term “Nature’s Barbies” coined by her daughter, symbolised their newfound appreciation for the raw beauty of nature.

An enchanting retreat
Their Ventnor experience showcased the enduring appeal of an English seaside holiday, reaffirming that sometimes, the simplest holidays resonate the deepest.

Ventnor, once again, has proved an enchanting retreat.

Read the Guardian column in full. Our thanks to Eileen for the heads-up.


Image: alexander grey under CC BY 2.0