Welcome to Virginia Cottage
Our favourite walks
You can walk or drive to Steephill Cove. Just over a mile from Virginia cottage it's a beautifully scenic route on foot. Once there you can swim in the bay, try the famous crab pasties, enjoy a drink and ice cream and then work it off walking back!
69 locals recommend
Steephill Cove Chalet
Steephill RoadYou can walk or drive to Steephill Cove. Just over a mile from Virginia cottage it's a beautifully scenic route on foot. Once there you can swim in the bay, try the famous crab pasties, enjoy a drink and ice cream and then work it off walking back!
A dramatic walk starting from the Smuggler's Tearoom. The Devil's chimney is thought to be a route used by smugglers to the bay below, cut deep into the rock. If you follow the path and head back to Bonchurch you're rewarded with spectacular views and an interesting meander though ancient woodland.
6 locals recommend
Devil's Chimney
A dramatic walk starting from the Smuggler's Tearoom. The Devil's chimney is thought to be a route used by smugglers to the bay below, cut deep into the rock. If you follow the path and head back to Bonchurch you're rewarded with spectacular views and an interesting meander though ancient woodland.
Starting from Niton Undercliff carpark follow the path down to St Catherine's point. Alternatively follow the higher footpath on St Catherine's Down. Both routes offer stunning coastal views.
15 locals recommend
St Catherine's Lighthouse
Starting from Niton Undercliff carpark follow the path down to St Catherine's point. Alternatively follow the higher footpath on St Catherine's Down. Both routes offer stunning coastal views.
A beautifully atmospheric walk through a delicate habitat. Look out for egrets who are frequent visitors
13 locals recommend
Newtown Creek car park
2 Coastguard CottagesA beautifully atmospheric walk through a delicate habitat. Look out for egrets who are frequent visitors
Sightseeing
Well worth driving to for the sensational views. Head for Down Lane and follow the road, there are a number of free parking points and various footpaths to follow.
Ventnor Downs
Down LaneWell worth driving to for the sensational views. Head for Down Lane and follow the road, there are a number of free parking points and various footpaths to follow.
Claims to be the largest village in England! Bembridge has some lovely shops to nosey around in plus a spectacular coastline - head to Forelands beach, Whitecliff bay, or St Helen's and the Duver for great views across the bay. There's also the lifeboat station, a windmill, and the heritage centre - all of which can be visited. If you like walking, there's an invigorating walk starting at the windmill taking you down through the marshes.
19 locals recommend
Bembridge
Claims to be the largest village in England! Bembridge has some lovely shops to nosey around in plus a spectacular coastline - head to Forelands beach, Whitecliff bay, or St Helen's and the Duver for great views across the bay. There's also the lifeboat station, a windmill, and the heritage centre - all of which can be visited. If you like walking, there's an invigorating walk starting at the windmill taking you down through the marshes.
It's worth driving up to Culver down near Bembridge. Park at the very top and you're rewarded with 360 degree views of the island, brill!
16 locals recommend
Culver Down
It's worth driving up to Culver down near Bembridge. Park at the very top and you're rewarded with 360 degree views of the island, brill!
A dog friendly beach all year round, and great place to look for fossils :)
16 locals recommend
Yaverland Beach
A dog friendly beach all year round, and great place to look for fossils :)
Food scene
We love the beach hut on Forelands beach. Sit back and soak in the views with a cocktail, fresh fish salad, or a coffee and cake. The atmosphere is blissful.
18 locals recommend
The Beach Hut
Forelands Field RoadWe love the beach hut on Forelands beach. Sit back and soak in the views with a cocktail, fresh fish salad, or a coffee and cake. The atmosphere is blissful.
Our local stop off just below the house in Wheelers bay. Food and drinks are delicious and so are the views. From a coffee, cake, sandwiches and snacks to a plate of mussels and fries it takes some beating.
12 locals recommend
The Seapot
Wheelers Bay RoadOur local stop off just below the house in Wheelers bay. Food and drinks are delicious and so are the views. From a coffee, cake, sandwiches and snacks to a plate of mussels and fries it takes some beating.
The True Food Kitchen
Castlehaven LaneStunning views and laid back atmosphere, great food !
Two Cooks
28 Pier StOur favourite breakfast/brunch spot. Lovely staff and fantastic food.
A must if you like the freshest seafood. Located in Bembridge harbour this charming restaurant/cafe on the pontoon has indoor/outdoor tables with superb views. You can also buy seafood to take home.
24 locals recommend
The Best Dressed Crab Ltd
Embankment RoadA must if you like the freshest seafood. Located in Bembridge harbour this charming restaurant/cafe on the pontoon has indoor/outdoor tables with superb views. You can also buy seafood to take home.
An absolute must! A wonderfully quirky convivial pub serving great food in huge portions. The atmosphere is fantastic and courtyard setting magical.
25 locals recommend
Bonchurch Inn
Bonchurch ShuteAn absolute must! A wonderfully quirky convivial pub serving great food in huge portions. The atmosphere is fantastic and courtyard setting magical.
An institution! Packed with nautical curiosities it's well worth a visit as the atmosphere and food are great, as are the views outside. There's no pre booking but the staff work hard to accomodate everyone quickly. Everything is home cooked, portion sizes are great, and very good value for money. There's often quality live music which is well worth staying for.
78 locals recommend
The Spyglass Inn
EsplanadeAn institution! Packed with nautical curiosities it's well worth a visit as the atmosphere and food are great, as are the views outside. There's no pre booking but the staff work hard to accomodate everyone quickly. Everything is home cooked, portion sizes are great, and very good value for money. There's often quality live music which is well worth staying for.
What a location and atmosphere. The George is wonderful, can be pricey but also offers pizzas and snacks. Tables aren't rushed and staff are very friendly.
33 locals recommend
The George Hotel
Quay StreetWhat a location and atmosphere. The George is wonderful, can be pricey but also offers pizzas and snacks. Tables aren't rushed and staff are very friendly.
Red Chilli
27 High StDoes a great Indian takeaway! Good sized portions and selection.
A really welcoming local pub which does outstandingly good value, delicious food. £7 for a Sunday lunch !!! It gets booked fast so best to ring well in advance.
20 locals recommend
The Crab & Lobster Tap
Grove RoadA really welcoming local pub which does outstandingly good value, delicious food. £7 for a Sunday lunch !!! It gets booked fast so best to ring well in advance.
Lovely pub with great beer garden and beautiful views onto the sea. Very family friendly and good service.
27 locals recommend
The Buddle Inn
Saint Catherine's RoadLovely pub with great beer garden and beautiful views onto the sea. Very family friendly and good service.
Just a couple of miles down the road the White Horse does a great breakfast outside amongst the apple trees if the weather is good. Their menu is really good value and they do a great Sunday lunch.
8 locals recommend
White Horse Inn
High StreetJust a couple of miles down the road the White Horse does a great breakfast outside amongst the apple trees if the weather is good. Their menu is really good value and they do a great Sunday lunch.
Lovely Asian inspired fresh menu with lots of seafood. It's a little gem - relaxed, fun, attentive staff, and delicious, but as such gets booked up quickly.
59 locals recommend
Smoking Lobster
EsplanadeLovely Asian inspired fresh menu with lots of seafood. It's a little gem - relaxed, fun, attentive staff, and delicious, but as such gets booked up quickly.