Steephill Cove is a beautiful hidden gem, tucked away at the foot of the Undercliff. The unspoilt beach has clear waters, smooth sand, some shingle, and lots of rock pools. It has become a hot spot to eat and has a selection of tasteful beach cafes and a coffee shop that also sells gifts.
A traditional, unspoilt fishing cove with a safe, sandy beach that is nestled between rocky cliffs and smugglers’ coves. This little bay has no road access and, as the name suggests, it's a steep walk down from Undercliff Road.
DOGS ALLOWED: Yes, all year round, but must be on a lead before 6pm
TOILETS: Yes
OTHER AMENITIES: Cafes, coffee shop and gift shop. Kayak hire operates during the summer season.
LIFEGUARDS: No
ACCESS ON FOOT: The cove is a short walk from Ventnor Esplanade and Beach, along the coast path. This route is the most level, although there up some ups and down in places. There's a shorter but steeper descent down Love Lane which runs past Ventnor Cricket Club, which involves some steep steps. It is also possible to get to Steephill Cove by walking from the back of the Ventnor Botanic Gardens, where the path joins the end of Love Lane. Again, you will encounter steep steps.
ACCESS BY CAR: There is no access by car to the cove. Parking is 10 minutes away Ventnor Botanic Gardens (AN ENTRANCE CHARGE TO THE GARDEN APPLIES), or the private car park above the Cove on the main Undercliff Road (SMALL CHARGE). Alternatively, park in La Falaise carpark at Ventnor Beach, and walk west along the coastal path.
AS WITH ALL BAYS ON THE SOUTH OF THE WIGHT, CARE MUST BE TAKEN DUE TO UNSTABLE CLIFFS. LANDSLIPS ARE NOT UNCOMMON IN THIS AREA.
HISTORY
Steephill is a hamlet that was once the location of a Victorian country estate with a castle-style mansion, Steephill Castle. Sadly the castle fell in to disrepair and was demolished in the 1960s to build bungalows. Fishermen have been catching the famous Ventnor crab from the cove for hundreds of years, and this still takes place today.
