Isle of Wight - Bonchurch?

[TheyMostlyComeOutAtNightMostly]

I fancy the Isle of Wight this summer. Left it a bit late as ever so choices are limited but there are some decent looking cottages in Bonchurch. Is it nice? We just need a pub, village stores and a beach within walking distance.

Bonchurch is a very pretty, tucked away, somewhat shaded from the sun, village, steeped in history, beautiful duck pond , cute cottages and famous Pond restaurant (not sure if open this season) Beautiful part of the island. Not much of a beach in Bonchurch itself but a bracing 20 minute walk (or 5 mins in car inland) along the sea front to Ventnor beach which is sandy and great. Fab little harbour too. Walk from there up the rather steep hill into town which has it all (restaurants, great cafes, cofee shops, decent co op) Beautiful Ventnor park to the east of the town, around ten mins walk, has a fab putting green n serves fab cream teas. Steep hill Cove, a hidden gem, a short walk from there. (You can tell I love this part of the island! On a warm sunny day feels very Sorrento- like!) Hope this helps!

That does sound sweet. The only question is whether we’ll be happy with Monks Bay beach for our evening walks: it’s not a holiday for us if we can’t toddle to the beach to see the sun go down.

Lovely walks along the undercliff. Google devils chimney and the chink. If you've got a car the whole island is accessible. Stenbury down is beautiful and you can see both ends of the island on a clear day.

Alternative choice would be Freshwater/Totland/Freshwater Bay - but they're not singing to me from my toddles along Google Streetview

Compton and Brook bays are unspoilt, sandy beaches on the south west side of the island, probs the best for watching the sun go down but a bit of a trek to get down steps to access if carrying little ones and buggies - So worth it for the fossils n dinosaur prints revealed at low tide. Both beaches are on the Military road and views are stunning. Nearer to Freshwater than Totland. Look out for the little car parks with access down to the beaches, as you drive along, Compton one has a permanent ice cream van! And loos. Stunning scenery.