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