Further along the coast you’ll find the Ventnor Botanic Gardens, it’s a great place to relax, and if you’ve got green fingers, it’s going to be in heaven on earth. The Royal Hotel are running the cafe there this summer, so make sure you check out what’s on offer in the cafe before leaving.
Enjoy the results of our warmer clime down in Ventnor and by walking through the gardens, you can get to Steephill Cove. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Island. There’s a cafe, a fabulous fish restaurant and you can buy fresh Crab pasties from the local fisherman.
Don’t stay too long though, because there is much more to see if you carry on your tour through the Undercliff. Travel west through the green tunnels (the location for one of Florence and the Machine’s fabulous videos), pass through the village of Niton (home of many talented musicians, such as the Motion Pictures) and carry on driving ’til you get to the viewpoint car park. Opposite the car park you’ll see signs up to the Oratory, the Pepper Pot to locals. From here you’ll get see awe-inspiring views along the South of the Isle, right up to the Needles.
Fuel is scarce around here, so take your chance to fill up at the garage half way along the Military Road (don’t tell everyone, but the previous owner used to work on the McLaren F1 team).
Along the journey heading West, you’ll pass Compton bay, one of the most popular destinations for surfers and you may even see a few kite-surfers flying high above the sea.
Once up the hill and down the other side, you’ll reach Freshwater Bay. If you’re lucky enough, the tide will be out and you’ll find some excellent sea caves. Take care though, as the tides can change quickly, and you don’t want to be having to call the coastguard out.
If you’re feeling active or in need of clearing your head, stick your car in the car park and take a bracing walk up along the Tennyson trail. Park in the car park and follow the signs up past the HF Holidays Hotel. If you fancy a bit of culture and a cup of tea with a slice of cake, follow the signs for Dimbola Lodge. Once the home of Victorian photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron, it is now run by her Trust and holds photographic exhibitions well worth taking a look around.
If you’re looking to repent for your Bestival sins, or just like seeing strange sights, there’s no better setting than St Agnes, the madness that is the Thatched Church, just up the road towards Totland from Dimbola Lodge.
Nearby you’ll also find Afton Park Farm – an apple farm who make the best freshly squeezed apple juice around.
