Ventnor Bay House

About Ventnor Bay House

Ventnor Bay House is a two-bedroom bed and breakfast in a Victorian terrace of nine houses built on the clifftop for naval officers, directly above Ventnor Haven. Because there are only two rooms, the whole place operates more like staying with well-organised friends than checking into a hotel, and the sea view from the front is completely uninterrupted - you look straight out over the harbour wall and the Channel.

Both bedrooms have super-king beds and their own en-suite shower rooms with WC. Rooms come with television, Wi-Fi and a fridge, and breakfast is included. The owners also offer a washing and drying service, which is worth knowing if you are walking the coastal path or arriving off a boat. There is off-road parking, a genuine advantage on Ventnor's steep and narrow streets.

The house is over three floors and there are around thirty-six steps up to the second floor, so it is not suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties. It does not take children or pets, and it opens seasonally - broadly spring through to the end of September - so it pays to enquire early for summer dates. Payment is by cash, cheque or bank transfer rather than card.

The location is about as central as Ventnor gets. The Esplanade, the Haven's fish kiosks and the town's restaurants are a short walk down, and the Botanic Garden, Steephill Cove and the cliff paths towards St Catherine's are all within easy reach. Ventnor's sheltered microclimate keeps it noticeably warmer than the rest of the Island, and the town has a slightly bohemian character that suits couples looking for somewhere small, quiet and comfortable.