The Retreat
3741St Helens / Sleeps 4 (no children under 6)
7 Nights from £644
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearest pub
The Pilot Boat Inn (½ mile)
Situated on Bembridge Harbour, pay a visit to this unusual inn which looks like a boat (you need to see it for yourself!). A friendly welcome awaits along with an open fire in winter and outside seating in summer. Children are welcome and there is a kids menu available. Dogs are also made welcome. There are two sunny terraces at the back and bench seating at the front.
June 2017
Quirky Building
It is actually built in the shape of a boat which is quite cool. There's a bit of seating outside but mostly inside, although it's quite small so there aren't that many tables. Menu is limited but that's not necessarily a bad thing as food is freshly cooked to order.
Nearest beach
St Helens Beach (¼ mile)
The beach is a fairly flat area of sand and pebbles with rock pools at the far end. St Helens Old Church ruin stands proudly in front of you when you enter the pay and display car park with single file parking and overspill parking availabile a few hundred yards away. There's a cafe but this is only open during the busier months. Dogs are allowed on the beach year round. There is no lifeguard cover.
Nearest walk
Bembridge Village Stroll (½ mile)
A two mile meander around the village of Bembridge, taking in the historic windmill and, if the tide is out Bembridge beach. The route takes in the Lifeboat station on the beach which opens to the public during the summer holidays. The route starts and finishes at the Pilot Boat Public House, ideal for refreshments,
Nearest town
St Helens (¾ mile)
A little village near the water where you can sit and watch cricket on the village green, glass of wine almost obligatory. It's across the harbour from Bembridge on the far western point of the island so has its own little shingly beach, watched over by a shipping landmark in the form of an ancient church. It's a particularly good place for rockpools and dog walks.
Also nearby
The Old Village Inn (¾ mile)
This pub is bang smack in the middle of the village and is popular with locals and visitors alike. Parking is fine on the roads nearby.The menu is created using food locally sourced in the village so expect seasonal, fresh produce. Specials change daily and include fish fresh from the local harbour.
June 2017
Traditional village pub
I like it here. It's casual, frequented by locals (usually a good sign) and the food is pretty good for a village pub. The meat is from the local butchers and highly recommended.
Bembridge (1 mile)
The most easterly point of the island, this friendly town is full of beaches that are dog-friendly year-round with pubs to stop in when you've had your fill of fresh sea air. There's lots of places to eat as well as shops for local ingredients to make the most of your self-catering stay.
Liz Arnell July 2017
Lovely village
The centre of the village is where you'll find the majority of the shops including some decent cafes, a fish monger, great butcher (Woodfords) and a lovely bakery. It is like going back in time; in a good way.
Seagrove Beach (1 ¼ miles)
A real gem in the Isle of Wight's crown, Seagrove Beach has a gently sloping sandy shore with rocky outcrops. An untamed stretch of coast, this safe-swimming beach is often quiet and provides a real haven of tranquility. Enjoying beautiful vistas, Seagrove Beach is a sight for sore eyes and there are toilets and a cafe for your convenience. The easiest access is via Seaview village, with a short walk from there. Dogs are welcome year-round.
Mrs BT August 2018
Hidden gem
We booked a weeks holiday in a cottage in Seagrove and didn’t realise how amazing the beach was going to be. The water is clean and clear and as we had super hot weather most of the week we were able to swim and play in the water with our small grandchildren. There are lovely walks in both directions and the beach is safe and not too crowded. The children loved seeing the local horse riding school take their route along the beach.
Seaview Village Community Shop (1 ¾ miles)
A recently opened community shop offering local produce, newspapers, fresh fruit, veg and milk. It's ideally situated in the middle of Seaview and a great place to stock up. They are only open mornings until Easter and then will extend to all day until October.
Liz Arnell February 2018
Great Little Local Shop
A new community shop recently opened in the heart of the village. It offers fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, bread and other local produce. This is the perfect place to get provisions in Seaview and saves a trip to the supermarket in the car.
Seaview Beach (2 miles)
Nestled between Seagrove Bay and Priory Bay, you'll find a mixture of sand and pebbles with large beach at low tide. Parking is nearby along the esplanade with small shops and cafes in Seaview down the road. Dogs are not allowed from May to the end of September. There is no lifeguard cover.
Mrs Carway August 2017
Old fashioned in the best possible way
This beach is always popular with lots of rocks for crabbing off, an easy part to get into the sea and a sandy bit for games
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