Neptune's Caves

Carved into the chalk cliffs between Freshwater Bay and The Needles, these natural sea caves offer a proper Isle of Wight adventure for those willing to scramble down the rocky shoreline. You'll need to time your visit carefully - the caves are only accessible at low tide, and even then, you're looking at a bit of a climb over slippery rocks to reach the openings.

What you find inside depends entirely on the sea conditions. On calm days, the largest cave stretches back about thirty metres, with shafts of light filtering through cracks in the ceiling above. The acoustics are brilliant - kids love shouting into the darkness to hear their voices bounce back. When the tide's up or the sea's rough, forget it entirely.

Families with older children who don't mind getting their feet wet will get the most from this. It's not suitable for pushchairs or anyone unsteady on their feet. Allow at least two hours for the walk from Freshwater and the exploration, though you might find yourself staying longer if the conditions are right.

Staying at nearby parks like Tapnell Farm or Heathfield Farm Camping makes this a decent half-day excursion, especially combined with a walk along the coastal path towards Alum Bay. Just check the tide times before you set off - there's nothing more frustrating than a wasted journey.