Fernhurst Holiday Apartments

The scent of salt air drifts up from Shanklin Bay even before you catch sight of the sea — that particular Isle of Wight mix of chalk cliffs and Victorian charm just minutes from your door.

Fernhurst suits couples after a proper bed and a base for coastal walks, or anyone who prefers four walls and WiFi to canvas but still wants that holiday feeling. The pods offer a middle ground if you fancy something a bit different — compact, cosy, sheltered from the island's sea breezes. Dog owners should ask ahead, as policies vary depending on where you're staying. Shanklin's beach huts, clifftop path to Ventnor, and the Old Village's thatched tearooms are all close enough to reach on foot.

It's open year-round, so you can visit when the island empties out after summer and the coastline feels like your own. WiFi's included, campfires need checking at arrival, and the setup leans more toward comfort than camping ritual — think early morning coffee before a coast path ramble rather than bacon over an open flame.