Traditional beach-side fun and relaxation is what springs to mind when you think of Steephill Cove.

This truly unspoilt cove is a gem of the Isle of Wight and one that the locals like to keep to themselves.  With no road down to the cove, it is only local knowledge or shear good luck that you should stumble across it.

With just a handful of character houses, fishermen, rock-pools, deck chairs and a safe friendly feeling, it is the perfect place for families to build sand castles, go rock pooling, or for couples to just relax.  There are no noisy arcades or kiss-me-quick hats, just good old-fashioned seaside bliss.  It's even got a donkey.

Mark Wheeler, who owns these beautiful self catering holiday houses, still fishes from the Cove. He and his brother, Jimmy Wheeler, launch every day to haul their pots for mouth-watering lobster and crab. They supply The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant with its fantastic alfresco dining and the Crab Shed take away which sells crab pasties.  There is also a traditional beach cafe for all your sandwiches, ice creams, tea and home-made cakes.

If that is not enough then just at the top of the Cove are the famous Botanical Gardens, with rare plants from around the world surviving due to the temperate micro climate.  There is also a children's play ground to the side of the gardens.  The Victorian sea-side town of Ventnor, which is just a fifteen minute walk away along the cliffs, has all the amenities you may need, from shops to restaurants and pubs.  Ventnor Cricket Club is a stone's throw from the Cove.  Ventnor Golf Course is a short drive away.

All in all, it is clear to see that once people have discovered Steephill Cove, it is no wonder that they return year after year; as in the ever changing rat-race world we live in , Steephill Cove really can be like stepping back in time.