The Bay Colwell

The beach at Colwell Bay stretches out in a long, golden crescent between Totland Bay and Yarmouth, backed by low cliffs and a scattering of beach huts that look like they've been there since the 1950s. It's the sort of place where you can actually walk for miles along the sand without tripping over too many people, which on the Isle of Wight is saying something.

What you're really here for is the fossil hunting. The cliffs erode steadily, releasing ammonites and belemnites that have been embedded there for 180 million years. Bring a small hammer and patience - finding anything decent requires proper attention, not just a casual mooch about. The beach itself is fine for swimming when the tide's out and you've got proper sand underfoot; when it's in, you're basically looking at a strip of shingle and seaweed.

Families with younger kids will manage an hour or two, but if your lot are proper fossil enthusiasts or keen beachcombers, you could stretch it to half a day. Walkers should head west toward Yarmouth - the coastal path improves the further you go. The beach is free and always accessible, though parking nearby is tight on summer weekends.

Staying at Heathfield Farm Camping Park or Glamping The Wight Way puts you within spitting distance. Tapnell Farm Holiday Destination is another solid base if you're planning a longer stay and want access to this stretch of coast alongside the island's other attractions. Come on a calmer day - strong westerlies make it fairly grim.