Five beautiful self catering cottages in an unrivalled coastal meets country setting
Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats
As featured in Coast Magazine, Mail on Sunday,
The Times ‘Best of Britain’s Cottages, Beach Houses and Rural Retreats,’
Bonchurch, renowned for its timeless small village charm is built on a series of terraces on the lower slopes of St Boniface Down. Set on a former strawberry farm with sunshine and sea air aplenty. Since 2006 OceanBlue Coastal Retreats have specialised in presenting unique coastal cottages for your perfect Isle of Wight holiday.
Follow the lane through the woods, besides the old strawberry field and roll down towards the sea.
Our Coastal Retreats
Set in nearby Ventnor, Plum Cottage is a beautiful New England style cottage quietly positioned in a peaceful courtyard location just 5 minutes from Ventnor’s blue flag beach.
Location
Ventnor
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3
Cascading with seaside charm and natural light, this former piggery now features huge south facing windows, two ensuite bedrooms including a four poster bed and underfloor heating throughout.
Location
Bonchurch
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2
Cute whilst contemporary, 'The Hideaway' is a lovingly restored holiday cottage set between leafy slopes and coastal contours.
Location
Bonchurch
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1
A unique seaside cottage with an ocean inspired interior, stunning coastal views and palmy surrounding gardens.
Location
Bonchurch
Sleeps
4-8
Bedrooms
3
Quintessential English charm meets seaside style at our spacious open plan cliff top cottage. A perfect house for larger groups and family holidays.
Location
Bonchurch
Sleeps
4-8
Bedrooms
4
Rates
Carmel
| Season | From | To | Price | ||
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| Winter Off Peak 01 25 | 2025-01-05 | 2025-02-13 |
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| Feb half Term 25 | 2025-02-14 | 2025-03-02 |
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| Winter Off Peak 02 25 | 2025-03-03 | 2025-04-03 |
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| Easter 25 | 2025-04-04 | 2025-04-25 |
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| Spring 25 | 2025-04-26 | 2025-05-22 |
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| May Half Term 25 | 2025-05-23 | 2025-05-29 |
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| Early Summer 25 | 2025-05-30 | 2025-07-17 |
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| Summer 25 | 2025-07-18 | 2025-08-29 |
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| Autumn 25 | 2025-08-30 | 2025-09-25 |
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| Late Autumn 25 | 2025-09-26 | 2025-10-23 |
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| Autumn Half Term 25 | 2025-10-24 | 2025-10-31 |
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| Winter Off Peak 03 25 | 2025-11-01 | 2025-12-18 |
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| Christmas 25 | 2025-12-19 | 2026-01-05 |
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Stable Cottage
| Season | From | To | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Off Peak 01 25 | 2025-01-05 | 2025-02-13 |
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| Feb half Term 25 | 2025-02-14 | 2025-03-02 |
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| Winter Off Peak 02 25 | 2025-03-03 | 2025-04-03 |
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| Easter 25 | 2025-04-04 | 2025-04-25 |
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| Spring 25 | 2025-04-26 | 2025-05-22 |
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| May Half Term 25 | 2025-05-23 | 2025-05-29 |
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| Early Summer 25 | 2025-05-30 | 2025-07-17 |
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| Summer 25 | 2025-07-18 | 2025-08-29 |
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| Autumn 25 | 2025-08-30 | 2025-09-25 |
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| Late Autumn 25 | 2025-09-26 | 2025-10-23 |
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| Autumn Half Term 25 | 2025-10-24 | 2025-10-31 |
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| Winter Off Peak 03 25 | 2025-11-01 | 2025-12-18 |
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| Christmas 25 | 2025-12-19 | 2026-01-05 |
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Strawberries
| Season | From | To | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Off Peak 01 2022 | 2022-01-08 | 2022-02-10 |
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| Feb Half Term 2022 | 2022-02-11 | 2022-02-24 | £1,045.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Winter Off Peak 02 2022 | 2022-02-25 | 2022-03-31 | £150.00 per night | |||
| Easter 2022 | 2022-04-01 | 2022-04-21 | £1,380.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Spring 2022 | 2022-04-22 | 2022-05-26 | £1,210.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| May Half Term 2022 | 2022-05-27 | 2022-06-02 | £1,570.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Early Summer 2022 | 2022-06-03 | 2022-07-14 | £1,300.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Summer 2022 | 2022-07-15 | 2022-09-01 | £1,750.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Early Autumn 2022 | 2022-09-02 | 2022-10-20 | £1,300.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Autumn Half Term 2022 | 2022-10-21 | 2022-11-03 | £1,590.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Winter Off Peak 03 2022 | 2022-11-04 | 2022-12-22 |
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| Christmas 2022 | 2022-12-23 | 2023-01-03 | £1,280.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Winter off peak 01 2023 | 2023-01-06 | 2023-02-09 |
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| Feb Half Term 2023 | 2023-02-10 | 2023-02-23 | £1,045.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Winter off peak 02 2023 | 2023-02-24 | 2023-03-30 |
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| Easter (Friday Change Over) 2023 | 2023-03-31 | 2023-04-20 | £1,265.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Spring (Friday Change Over) 2023 | 2023-04-21 | 2023-05-25 |
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| May Half Term (Friday Change Over) 2023 | 2023-05-26 | 2023-06-01 | £1,570.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Early Summer (Friday Change Over) 2023 | 2023-06-02 | 2023-07-20 | £1,200.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Summer Peak (Friday Change Over) 2023 | 2023-07-21 | 2023-08-31 | £2,000.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Early Autumn (Friday Change Over) 2023 | 2023-09-01 | 2023-10-19 | £1,300.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Autumn Half Term (Friday Change Over) 2023 | 2023-10-20 | 2023-11-02 | £1,390.00 for a 7-night stay | |||
| Winter Off Peak 03 2023 | 2023-11-03 | 2023-12-14 |
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| Christmas 2023 | 2023-12-15 | 2024-01-04 |
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| Winter Off Peak price 01 2024 | 2024-01-05 | 2024-02-08 |
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| Feb Half Term 2024 | 2024-02-09 | 2024-02-22 |
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| Winter Off Peak price 02 2024 | 2024-02-23 | 2024-03-28 |
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| Easter 2024 (Friday change over) | 2024-03-29 | 2024-04-11 |
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| Spring 2024 | 2024-04-12 | 2024-05-23 |
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| May Half Term 2024 (Friday change over) | 2024-05-24 | 2024-05-30 |
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| Early Summer 2024 (Friday change over) | 2024-05-31 | 2024-07-18 |
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| Summer 2024 (Friday change over) | 2024-07-19 | 2024-08-29 |
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| Early Autumn 2024 (Friday change over) | 2024-08-30 | 2024-10-17 |
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| Autumn Half Term 2024 | 2024-10-18 | 2024-11-02 |
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| Winter Off Peak price 03 2024 | 2024-11-03 | 2024-12-19 |
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| Christmas Price 2024 | 2024-12-20 | 2025-01-04 |
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| Winter Off Peak 01 25 | 2025-01-05 | 2025-02-13 |
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| Feb half Term 25 | 2025-02-14 | 2025-03-02 |
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| Winter Off Peak 02 25 | 2025-03-03 | 2025-04-03 |
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| Easter 25 | 2025-04-04 | 2025-04-25 |
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| Spring 25 | 2025-04-26 | 2025-05-22 |
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| May Half Term 25 | 2025-05-23 | 2025-05-29 |
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| Early Summer 25 | 2025-05-30 | 2025-07-17 |
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| Summer 25 | 2025-07-18 | 2025-08-29 |
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| Autumn 25 | 2025-08-30 | 2025-09-25 |
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| Late Autumn 25 | 2025-09-26 | 2025-10-23 |
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| Autumn Half Term 25 | 2025-10-24 | 2025-10-31 |
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| Winter Off Peak 03 25 | 2025-11-01 | 2025-12-18 | £180.00 per night | |||
| Christmas 25 | 2025-12-19 | 2026-01-05 |
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The Hideaway
| Season | From | To | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Off Peak 01 25 | 2025-01-05 | 2025-02-13 |
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| Feb half Term 25 | 2025-02-14 | 2025-03-02 |
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| Winter Off Peak 02 25 | 2025-03-03 | 2025-04-03 |
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| Easter 25 | 2025-04-04 | 2025-04-25 |
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| Spring 25 | 2025-04-26 | 2025-05-22 |
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| May Half Term 25 | 2025-05-23 | 2025-05-29 |
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| Early Summer 25 | 2025-05-30 | 2025-07-17 |
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| Summer 25 | 2025-07-18 | 2025-08-29 |
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| Autumn 25 | 2025-08-30 | 2025-09-25 |
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| Late Autumn 25 | 2025-09-26 | 2025-10-23 |
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| Autumn Half Term 25 | 2025-10-24 | 2025-10-31 |
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| Winter Off Peak 03 25 | 2025-11-01 | 2025-12-18 |
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| Christmas 25 | 2025-12-19 | 2026-01-05 |
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Plum Cottage
Local Information
LOCATION
Beautifully restored cottages in a stunning coast meets country setting.
Our cottages are set down a private lane on the south coast of the Isle of Wight. The Undercliff is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is famous for its unique microclimate, offering year round temperatures milder than anywhere else in the UK.
Follow the path down the cliff to Monks Bay, a beautiful sheltered sandy beach, safe for bathing. The offshore breakwater to the west is the perfect place to cast a fishing line out to sea. At low tide hundreds of rock-pools are exposed, home to many small fish, prawns and crabs. When the tide comes in float over the rocks with a mask and snorkel – you will be amazed at what you see.
Explore the wooded area to the east of Carmel known as The Landslip. As with the rest of the Undercliff, the Landslip has been sculpted over the last 10’000 years by erosion and landslides giving rise to a distinctive landscape onto itself. The unique coastal path will lead you from rugged cliff top through enchanting woodland and open glades with views far out to sea. Climb the steps cut into the cliffs known as ‘The Devils Chimney’ where smugglers stashed their hauls from wrecked ships hundreds of years ago.
Bonchurch
Built on a series of terraces on the lower slopes of St Boniface Down, the timeless village of Bonchurch is recognized as much for its natural beauty as it is for its historical connections.
Beginning at the foreshore the village is fronted by Monks Bay and Horseshoe Bay. The wide beach at Monks Bay provides a safe bathing area for children and exposes an abundance of fabulous rock pools to explore at low tide. Further to the west, Horseshoe Bay marks the start of the sea wall which runs through to Ventnor with a seasonal ice cream shop and café about half way.
Climbing from the front towards the village you will pass St Boniface Old Church. Rebuilt in 1070AD, the church was once visited by Charles I who attended a funeral here during his imprisonment on the Island at Carisbrooke Castle.
The heart of the village is the Pond, home to an abundance of wildlife including ducks and moorhens. Huge carp rise to the surface for scraps of bread thrown by visitors. You may even see a herring waiting patiently for is catch in the shallows.
Across the road is The Pond Café – a fabulous bistro style restaurant. Walking on up the Shute, you will pass the New Church dating back to 1780. Following the road round is the Bonchurch Inn. The Pub serves an excellent Italian Menu as well as many traditional favourites and a good selection of Real Ales.The top of the Shute leads to Upper Bonchurch with many footpaths leading to the Downs behind and the Landslip to the East. The view from Upper Bonchurch is spectacular, overlooking Lower Bonchurch and The English Channel. If you’re feeling energetic, climb St Boniface Downs, to the most elevated position on the Isle of Wight. At 830ft the entire island is at your feet with unbroken views of farmland and woodland across The Solent to the Mainland.
Ventnor - the British Madeira
Similar to Bonchurch, Ventnor was built on the sheltered slopes of St Boniface Down and takes full advantage of the Gulf Stream. The town grew up in the Victorian era, after the island was made popular for summer holidays by Queen Victoria. At this time many beautiful Victorian mansions were built on the terraces taking full advantage of the seaviews looking far out over the channel. In recent years many of the Victorian houses have been restored to their former splendor. The town now hosts a number of growing music and food events.
Ventnor Harbour, opened in 2003 offers a fair-weather Haven for small sailing boats and powerboats travelling round the back of the island. It is also the base for a community of fishing boats catching and selling seafood into Ventnor Pubs and Restaurants year round. Swimming on Ventnor Beach is safe and Lifeguards are currently appointed. The bay is a typical bucket and spade type destination with plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants selling a good variety of food.
Further along the coastal footpath to the west is Steephill Cove, a popular sheltered bay, with numerous cafes and restaurants again selling seafood. Not to be missed is one of Mandy’s homemade crab pasties, made freshly with crab caught from the cove.
The Botanic Gardens is further up the cliff. Due to the mild climate of The Undercliff many Mediterranean and even tropical plants thrive here. The walk along the cliff top through the St Lawrence Undercliff is one of one of the best walks on the Isle of Wight. Heading towards the Island’s most southerly point the rugged cliff tops give way to countless secluded coves and bays. Looking back towards Ventnor it is also the best place to see the natural terracing of the Undercliff. Ventnor nick named ‘Curio Capital of the Isle of Wight’ has all the usual general amenity stores. More interesting, however are the speciality shops, selling rare books, antiques, unusual craft, furniture and general bric-a-brac. The unusual landscapes of the Undercliff attract many artists and photographers giving rise to some exceptional artwork.
Our four beautifully restored self catering cottages in an unrivalled coast meets country setting on the Isle of Wight. Book now for 2025 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🍓Great news for last minute escapes🍺
Our little collection of coastal cottages are now available for short spring snaps.
If you want to escape to the island for a few nights we are offering short breaks with discounts for couples and smaller parties staying in the larger cottages. Ferry discount also included.
Amazing walks on the doorstep, 10 minutes to the village pub, 2 minutes to the beach and 1 mile along the seawall to Ventnor's pubs and restaurants.
4 cottages sleeping 2-8 above Monks Bay, Bonchurch.
PM for more details or see our website: oceanbluecoastalretreats.co.uk ... See MoreSee Less
Message Page
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Looks beautiful
🍓Spot light on Strawberries our simple yet adorable barnstay. Back in the 60s when Keith and Julie Strevens bought and worked the farm, the first Strawberries of each season were sent to the queen.☀️
The sunny sheltered terraces and walled gardens facing south east captured optimum energy from the sun’s rays year round, whilst the slopes and hills above protected the plot for cooler winter weather. The result - the first crop of iconic English strawberries in the British isles.
Today the gardens and fields are a semi tropical palmy paradise. The mild winters, added sunshine hours and fresh sea air make OceanBlue Coastal Retreats a perfect year round Island escape. 🌿Strawberry Fields Forever🍓 ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Absolutely fabulous place to spend a holiday, beach on your doorstep, lovely pub in walking distance, Bonchurch Inn, great walks and accommodation is superb 😀👍🏼
Escape to the island. Spring walks, cosy evenings by the fire, summer holidays & romantic retreats by the sea. 4 delightful cottages sleeping 4-8 above Monks Bay, Bonchurch. Quiet peaceful setting. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🍁Shorter days and longer shadows as the earthy season creeps into Island Time.🌾
Still time for crunchy walks in the woods, a quick dip in the bay, yet chilly enough to get cosy by the wood burner as the evening creeps in.
We're offering winter rate short stays perfect for pre Christmas get togethers or just time to escape to the coast.
Drop me a message and quote OBOct for 10% off throughout October and November. Still availability at the smaller cottages for anyone keen to escape christmas completely. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Island Time
A few photos of the diamond isle, the best place for a golden September sunrise & sunset. Fill the time between with sea swims, amble along the clifftops, catch the late autumn sun and if you can be bothered, wander up to the pub at the end of each day. Sounds good? We have Autumn availability at Carmel and The Hideaway. Drop me a message and quote OBSept for 10% off throughout September and October. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Stunning 🤍
Autumn Availability at our coastal cottages perfect for hikers, bikers and likers of real local ale at quintessential english pubs🍻 ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Hi, how many does this sleep please ? X
So happy to share this feedback from our European guests staying Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats last week:)
'We are really excited about Carmel Cottage. It is tastefully furnished and cosy. It's an extraordinary place, so peaceful, so magical, secluded from everything else. You don't hear anything except the sound of the waves, so you sleep like in heaven. The garden is well maintained and yet enchanted with a clear view of the sea. The beach without people in the best weather - very exclusive! A place in paradise!
From here you have direct access to the Coastal Path on which we were able to circle this beautiful island.
Congratulations to this wonderful place!' ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
We've stayed here.... no where could be better 🙏❤️❤️
🌿Where time stands still....☀️
Our coastal cottages sit on the southern slopes of the island alongside leafy lawns, tropical terraces, tall trees and plenty of sea views. Monks Bay is a two minute walk down the coastal path.
The cottages are all soft yellow, built in local stone with white windows, old arches, tonnes of original feature and amazing sea views. Hideaway: 1 bedroom, Strawberries: 2 bedroom, Carmel: 3 bedroom and Stable Cottage: 4 bedroom. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Stayed at Strawberries in April, most amazing place, fantastic location, relaxing, loved the rock pooling, coastal walks, Bonchurch Inn which serves great food and is only a 10 minute walk away! Can’t recommend highly enough, you have to go! 😀😀