Every August I fall for the same spot of self-delusion: that summer time in Britain means sunshine. Then I book a week away somewhere in the UK, thinking only of that one holiday in my own childhood (1976 as you ask) that was a shimmering and unbroken heat-haze of beach picnics and sea swims.

So, it was when I signed us up for five days on the Isle of Wight this August. It was only when the first fat rain drops hit the floor on day 2 that I remembered that long, wet afternoons eating sandwiches in a steamed-up car were a truer representation of the family holidays of my youth.

Luckily, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, in the warm micro-climate of Undercliff, are a good spot to weather the inevitable storms. For starters, admission is free. You can wander round the classy gift shop, where the smiley staff didn’t seem to mind my two poking around at the books and momentoes, and eat kid-friendly food in the light & expansive Royal Garden Cafe.

The soaring trees and palms in the garden itself let you wander without getting soaked in anything but the worst downpour. And once the shower has passed there’s a wonderful little play park. My 4-year-old Fin and 7-yr-old Scarlett were captivated by the huge amiable carp in the ornamental pond that nibbled their fingers as they trailed them in the water.

Baby-Friendly Boltholes nearby:

Seaside House, Cowes, Isle of Wight http://www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk/seaside_house-child-friendly-accommodation-18917.htm

Kiss Me Quick has its charms. My two Scarlett and Fin loved the amusement arcades, sticks of rock and long sandy beaches of Sandown and Shanklin on the Isle of Wight’s tourist-thronged south coast. But Jane & I were longing for something a bit more chilled – and Steephill Cove, near Ventnor was the answer to our prayers.

The fab little horse-shoe sandy bay – reachable only by foot down the steep and wonderfully-named Love Lane – is the locals’ best-kept secret. It’s fringed by a ring of huge rocks that you can retreat to, with towels and buckets, when the tide comes in.

Then you can watch the kids shriek with laughter in the crashy-but-safe waves or mooch around a classy smattering of knick-nack shops, charming cottages, and brilliant eateries.

Wheeler’s Crab Shack, proud purveyors of totally yummy crab pasties, was our favourite. Jane & I loved their crab sarnies, while Scarlett, 7, and Fin, 4, were wowed by the best-ever kiddy meal package – little cucumber and marmite sandwiches, cut into fish shapes, and served with hand-cooked crisps.

Baby Friendly Bolthole nearby:

Manor Farm Cottage, Wroxhall, nr Ventnor

http://www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk/manor_farm_cottage-child-friendly-accommodation-37790.htm