Ventnor

The Victorian façades tumble down the hillside like a waterfall of weathered stone and peeling paint, creating one of the Isle of Wight's most atmospheric seaside towns. Ventnor spreads across steep terraces that catch the southern sun, its microclimate so mild that palm trees actually survive the winter.

Steep streets wind between grand old hotels and cottage gardens bursting with subtropical plants. The town feels properly continental in summer - less Bournemouth, more Nice. Ventnor's sheltered position beneath the downs means it stays surprisingly warm even when the rest of the island shivers.

Above the town, St Catherine's Hill dominates the skyline with its medieval lighthouse known as The Pepperpot. It's a proper climb to St Catherine's Oratory, but the views across the English Channel are cracking. The coastal path from here leads to dramatic viewpoints at Gore Cliff and Blackgang Bluff, where the island's soft cliffs crumble spectacularly into the sea.

Adventurous types should seek out Spider Cave, tucked away in the cliff face - though check the tides first. The Smuggler gallery in town showcases local artists, while history buffs will appreciate the Hoy Memorial and various historic sites scattered across the downs.

Getting here involves the ferry crossing to either Cowes or Fishbourne, then a 30-minute drive south. The town itself is walkable, though those steep streets will test your calf muscles. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Appuldurcombe Gardens or Ninham Country Holidays puts you within easy reach of both Ventnor's unique microclimate and the wilder downland scenery that surrounds it.