The nearest parking is La Falaise Carpark. From here it's a short walk west where you will come across the VENTNOR sign. Made from rocks painted white and set into the grass, it is so large that it's visible from the sea. It's so visible, that it had to be removed temporarily during WWII to help thwart bombing raids.
Just to the left, a tarmac path heads uphill, taking you to the Dinosaur Labyrinth that's painted on the grass directly above the VENTNOR sign. It is a bit like a maze but without a choice of routes and without any walls. It's aimed at young kids. The dinosaur depicted is the life-size shape of a plant-eating Diplodocus, a very large, long-necked, quadrupedal creature of the Late Jurassic period. Although these dinosaurs never stepped foot on the Island, footprints and a few remains of their sauropod relatives have been discovered here.
Visit the Dinosaur Museum in Sandown to learn more.
Continue up this path where it will narrow as it goes through high hedging and trees. It then descends down lots of steps until it opens out again onto a grass field. This area is known as Flowersbrook.
A stream runs to the right hand edge of the field, with points where you can cross it using a little stone bridge and stepping stones. The stream is shallow and a refreshing spot for a paddle on a hot day.
From up here the views are glorious. Keep a close eye on the kids and dogs though, as there is no fencing separating the path and the steep cliff edge.
For food and refreshment, you have two choices. You can either continue westwards along the coastal path and descend down to Steephill Cove where there a few cafes in summer.
Or retrace your steps back up the steps but take a path off to your left (with your back to the sea). This will come out at the top of Ventnor Park. Walk through the park and make your way to the putting green where there is a kiosk serving drinks and hot food. Have a go at the extra large games available, the putting green, or try a game of table tennis.
