Steephill Cove Beach
Steephill Cove Beach
4.5
About
Steephill cove is a beautiful Hidden gem. With its ever changing beach of sand, shingle and fantastic rock pools it is no wonder that families return here year after year. Over the years Steephill has become a hot spot to eat as well. Cove Coffee Shop with Home made cakes, light lunches, ice cream, sweet treats and more along with gorgeous goodies to buy for you and your home (Hoodies, Tee shirts, mugs, body lotions, creams, hand wash, candles etc with the amazing Cove logo) The Crab Shed serving fresh crab pasties. The Beach Shack serving fare (all only open during the daytime hours). Steephill can only be reached by foot which adds to its safety and pure Charm... A true gem of old fashioned English seaside. A must visit for anyone on the island!
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63 within 3 miles
Attractions
60 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
549 reviews
Excellent
414
Very good
101
Average
26
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Tink
Banbury, UK18 contributions
Aug 2021
Ths used to be a beautiful 'secret' cove with little coffee shops furnished with real mugs and honesty boxes for deckchairs.Now it's a rather more commercial enterprise with cheap gifts and cardboard cups(possibly just a covid thing) and paddle board hire. From the quaint Victorian, it's verging on 21st century . Not only that but at the time of our visit it absolutely stank of sewers. Apparently, it's the seaweed but it's vile. £3.50/deckchair and lunch was a delight in the cafe on the end but otherwise my love affair with Steephill is over after so many years of happiness there.Visually it's pretty grim and everyone entering teh sea had to wade through what looked like sludgy seaweed; for the first time we didn't bother. A HUGE disappointment and clean up required.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trent19
Burton upon Trent, UK177 contributions
Sep 2020
Visited for the afternoon after hearing about how pretty the cove is. We parked in the Botanical Gardens car park (£5) for the day and walked the 5 minutes to the cove down the steep steps. The beach is very pretty and we found a place on the rocks to eat our picnic. The beach is shingle and was wet as the tide was on it’s way out but there is plenty of places to perch on the rocks. We spent about an hour and a half there before attempting the climb back up - having the choice of steps or slope. Would recommend this pretty, quiet little cove.
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RayeBow
Surrey, UK310 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Lovely little cove that we wouldn’t have stumbled across if it hadn’t been for Trip Advisor! Having said that, maybe it should have remained more of a secret as it was very busy.
A very pretty cove, with a restaurant and a cafe and a pastie shack. Toilets that are maintained by the locals.
We parked at the Botanical gardens, walked past the cricket ground and then down the lane (signposted) where I believe there is a public car park (best check though). We turned down the signposted walk to Steephill Cove. We took the steps and there is a slope too.
It took us about 5 minutes to walk.
We also walked down the coastal path to Ventnor and back again. It took 15-20 minutes to walk there.
We had lunch in the cove. Other people played on the beach and swam in the sea. There are a few cottages there and you can hire deckchairs and paddle boards. There is a path that runs between the cottages and the beach and lots of lovely flowers and greenery there and down the steps to the cove. It’s very pretty.
A very pretty cove, with a restaurant and a cafe and a pastie shack. Toilets that are maintained by the locals.
We parked at the Botanical gardens, walked past the cricket ground and then down the lane (signposted) where I believe there is a public car park (best check though). We turned down the signposted walk to Steephill Cove. We took the steps and there is a slope too.
It took us about 5 minutes to walk.
We also walked down the coastal path to Ventnor and back again. It took 15-20 minutes to walk there.
We had lunch in the cove. Other people played on the beach and swam in the sea. There are a few cottages there and you can hire deckchairs and paddle boards. There is a path that runs between the cottages and the beach and lots of lovely flowers and greenery there and down the steps to the cove. It’s very pretty.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
places2seeplaces2go
England, UK6,581 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Oh my goodness what a fabulous beach. It’s so picture perfect you almost feel you’re on a film set.
A mix of pebbles & sand and a smattering of what look like holiday cottages along with a fabulous beach front cafe make for the perfect beach.
Absolutely stunning & if we visit The IOW again we are sure to revisit.
A mix of pebbles & sand and a smattering of what look like holiday cottages along with a fabulous beach front cafe make for the perfect beach.
Absolutely stunning & if we visit The IOW again we are sure to revisit.
Written April 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle R
Lyndhurst, UK33 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Visited this beautiful cove on the advice of reviews on Trip Advisor. Parked in the privae car park ( thank you for the recommendation) and put our £3 in the honestly box at the top of Love Land and walked down the steps to the bottom. There was also a steep path option.
The beach was moderately busy but for a hot August day, not as busy as you'd expect. We had coffee in the Cafe and spent time exploring the rock pools and paddling in the shallows.
Although my son is older, this would be an excellent place to bring my chdren when they were smaller.
Decided to try the pasties from The Crab Shack, these were hot and delicious .
Highly recommended and definitely worth the walk down to the cove.
The beach was moderately busy but for a hot August day, not as busy as you'd expect. We had coffee in the Cafe and spent time exploring the rock pools and paddling in the shallows.
Although my son is older, this would be an excellent place to bring my chdren when they were smaller.
Decided to try the pasties from The Crab Shack, these were hot and delicious .
Highly recommended and definitely worth the walk down to the cove.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie W
20 contributions
Sep 2021
A beautiful bay with excellent cafe and Crab Shed for pasties (though they were all sold out both times we went!). The sea is tranquil and the beach shelves gradually giving very safe areas for swimming. Three ways to get there - all steep and it has to be on foot, but well worth it!
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beveraldo
London418 contributions
Jun 2022
Very pretty place. Nice and tranquil. We went on a changeable weather day so perhaps was less busy but people were still going into the sea on kayaks and lots of walkers with dogs passed by. The walk down is fairly steep so perhaps not appropriate for the elderly.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
13 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
What a wonderful piece of paradise!
Tucked away, about 20 minutes from Ventnor is this beautiful cove. The views are amazing, it was quiet and we visited here every day that we were on the island. The ice cream was out of this world, I’ve never tasted anything like it. Definitely worth a visit, the walk from Ventnor is challenging but worth it.
Tucked away, about 20 minutes from Ventnor is this beautiful cove. The views are amazing, it was quiet and we visited here every day that we were on the island. The ice cream was out of this world, I’ve never tasted anything like it. Definitely worth a visit, the walk from Ventnor is challenging but worth it.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rlvf
London, UK65 contributions
Sep 2020
Visited here yesterday afternoon at mid afternoon. Lovely little cove but not enough places to sit. Several cafes but not one open despite it being mid afternoon on a glorious late summers day and lots of holiday makers still around. nothing to eat or drink available not even an ice-cream!
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven P
51 contributions
Aug 2021
Nice walk from ventnor along the coastal path. Tide was in and the place was busy. You can hire deck chairs and loungers but space is at a premium. This had that faded glory look, closed shops and places to eat. There was one small coffee and tea shop and there is a toilet behind the lighthouse run by the locals which is a nice touch as you are a long way from any other public toilets.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill E
London, United Kingdom
I have two elderly dogs that go in a buggy is it easy to get a Steephill cove with a buggy?
Written July 11, 2023
The clue is in the name really. It is a steep walk down to the cove and some of the paths are uneven. You also need to choose, part way down, to go down the slope and not the steps.
Written July 12, 2023
Can you get down to Steephill cove on a mobility scooter.
Written May 18, 2019
It's not advisable,because it's so steep,but where there's a will,there's a way,but,on the path,I took,I think not, choose another cafe,but wait Dawn C,might have he answer!!good luck,if not,there are plenty of little places along the sea front.
Written September 17, 2019
Can someone please advise roughly how long it takes to walk from The Botanical Gardens into Ventnor town centre (with two small boys)?
Written January 9, 2019
There is a coastal path and I’d be surprised if you take thirty minutes, though it is quite hilly (up and down). That said the delicious homemade ice cream parlour in town will help scoot them along!
Written April 5, 2019
Is this a dog friendly beach? Thanks
Written July 16, 2018
Yes it is. There were lots of owners taking their pets along there.
Written July 18, 2018
Hi,
I am hoping to rent one of the property's here next summer. Does anyone know how much the car park on love lane is ? And can you but a week ticket ?
Thanks Rachel
Written August 12, 2017
Hello Rachel
The car park is three pound a day, no weekly ticket you just put the money in the box every day. Each holiday let in Steephill cove has one parking space each. Also you can park on the road for free. Hope that helps.
The Lighthouse 😀
Written August 14, 2017
Hi does the crab shack close at the end of the season? And when is the end of the season?
Thanks
Written July 16, 2017
I don't know, sorry! I am a tourist too!
Written July 26, 2017
How long does it take from love lane car park to the cove andhow steep
Written June 27, 2017
Hi there sorry only just seen your message.
It takes around 3-5 mins to walk from the car park. There are around 80 steps or a slope to get down to the beach.
Hope that helps 😀
Written July 2, 2017
Going there in June for a week and wondered if anyone knows if its a viable shore fishing venue
Written June 4, 2017
Yes I think so, lots of fishing done here and around the corner in Ventnor. Good luck
Written June 20, 2017
annban2017
Southampton, United Kingdom
Please could you tell me if dogs are allowed to the botanical gardens and beach ...Thank you
Written March 25, 2017
Hello I do believe Days are allowed in the Botanical gardens on a lead. Steephill cove you can take dog also on a lead. Hope that helps.
Written March 25, 2017
Booked in to stay in self catering accomodation at the cove and wondered where the closest point to drop off our lugage would be? We have an allocated garage up a steep path but not sure if there is another drop off point for loading/unloading? Anyone know?
Written January 19, 2017
Sadly its walking only if your lucky you could get up Love lane where the steps begin there is a path without steps but we find the steps easier, more control .!!
Good luck.
Written January 20, 2017
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