Compton Bay and Down

The cliffs at Compton Bay rise up like a geology textbook made solid - layers of sandstone and shale stacked in golds and reds, tilted at mad angles where the earth buckled millions of years ago. It's the kind of place that makes you stop halfway down the beach path and just stare. The bay itself is a proper crescent of sand and shingle, backed by those dramatic cliffs that drop straight down without apology. At low tide you get decent stretches of beach to walk, and the rock pools are worth investigating if you've got the patience. The Isle of Wight's south coast does this sort of thing well - raw geology on display where you'd normally expect manicured seaside.

This is walker territory, really. Families with young kids might find the beach a bit pebbly underfoot, and there's not much in the way of facilities once you're down there. Give yourself a couple of hours minimum if you want to properly explore. Birdwatchers get proper excited about the cliff nesting sites in spring and summer. The rocks themselves reward a closer look - you'll spot fossils if you know what to look for, though please don't bash away at the cliffs.

Compton Farm Holiday Park sits barely half a mile away, so you could easily base yourself there and walk down most mornings. The other parks scattered inland - Tapnell Farm, Grange Farm, Camp Wight - all offer quick access if you're staying a few days. Newport, the island's main town, is close enough for supplies and coffee. The cliffs here are worth the trip, though go in proper light and check the tide times before you head down.