Beautiful Bonchurch OLD

 

Beautiful Bonchurch 

Bonchurch is a wonderful tonic at all times of the year.  The Ventnor Undercliff, of which Bonchurch is a part, has long been recognised for its Mediterranean  microclimate.  We have sat outside in January on occasions,  and often enjoy really warm sunny weather and beautiful light from March to October.

The village has many artistic and literary associations.  Dickens and Keats both spent time here, and Monks Bay has been immortalised by a number of the Victorian watercolourists.

Bonchurch has ancient foundations.  The old church was built in 1070 and has changed little since.  However most of what you see today was developed in Regency and Victorian times as a retreat for the wealthy, with large houses in expansive gardens, all built in the local stone.  In Victorian times, Bonchurch and Ventnor were the very height of fashion, and the exceptional beauty of both natural and man made features remains little changed to be enjoyed today.

Where else could a 30 minute walk encompass almost deserted sandy beaches, a wooded chine with burbling spring, stunning stone buildings, a fine pub, a great restaurant, wonderful specimen trees and a splendid pond teeming with fish and bird life?

Spring

In Spring, enjoy walks through the Landslip towards Shanklin with wild garlic underfoot, watch the ducklings on the Pond (and try to distract the heron), or walk over the downs to Godshill on a sunny day, with lunch at the excellent Taverners gastropub.  The coast here is also great for watching the Round the Island yacht race.

Summer

In Summer there is the beach or lunch on the decking at Grebe Cottage. The walk along the coast to Steephill Cove is exceptional, as is the 1930s family seaside experience when you get there. The Sea Pot Cafe is between Bonchurch and Ventnor on the sea front and a food place for drinks and snacks.  Buy some of the day's catch at Ventnor Haven on the way home.

Autumn

Autumn brings an amazing show of colour from the trees behind the Pond, and the whole coastal path is well worth exploring.  This time of year has exceptional light, and the fresh sea air is a joy.

Winter

Winter brings some of the best times.  On a fine day the Undercliff stays warm all year so why not walk to Ventnor along the seafront and enjoy a coffee at one of the beach front cafes. Grebe Cottage is always sheltered, but wild and stormy days make for exhilarating beach walks, secure in the knowledge that a roaring log fire can warm you through on your return. The Bonchurch Inn (great at any time of year) is perhaps at its best in winter, with fewer and more local people to share it with.

Beyond Bonchurch!

We often find the car gets left untouched for days, but should you feel the need to venture further afield the Island's many attractions are close to hand.  Bus services are also plentiful, with the nearest stop a 5 minute walk.

The Island is also a great if hilly cycling destination, and Bonchurch is ideal for day rides.  Indoor cycle storage is available (please ask at time of booking).