Ventnor

The sea air hits differently down here on the Undercliff. Ventnor clings to the southern slopes of the Isle of Wight like a Mediterranean hillside town that's somehow found itself in the English Channel. The Victorian terraces tumble down towards a surprisingly sheltered beach, protected by those famous landslip cliffs that give this stretch its unique microclimate.

Palm trees actually survive the winter here - that's how mild it gets. The Botanical Garden proves the point with exotic plants that would struggle anywhere else on the island. Down at the seafront, the esplanade runs east towards the quieter end of town where locals walk their dogs and kids still build proper sandcastles.

Just inland, the countryside opens up into classic Wight downland. All Saints Church sits in the heart of the old village, while a short drive north takes you to Godshill with its thatched cottages and Model Village - touristy but undeniably lovely on a summer afternoon. The area around High Hat offers cracking walks through Sandpit Copse and Park Withybed, where the forest paths wind between ancient trees.

Getting here means the Red Jet to Cowes or the car ferry to Fishbourne, then a scenic 20-minute drive south through Shanklin. The nearest railway runs to Shanklin itself - steam trains in summer, which the kids will love.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area makes perfect sense. Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park gives you easy access to both the coast and the interior, while Ninham Country Holidays puts you right in the countryside but still within striking distance of Ventnor's cafes and that surprisingly good beach.