Holiday rentals in Seaview

Looking across the waters of the Solent to the historic port of Portsmouth and its Spinnaker Tower, it’s clear how the village of Seaview got its name. Located off the south coast of England, on the north-east of the Isle of Wight, the hamlet is conveniently located just a few miles east of the town of Ryde and boasts expansive views of the sea. Seaview became popular as a seaside resort at the turn of the last century, and relics of its Edwardian origins can be found in the architecture and stone sea wall. Walk towards the slipway of the Seaview Yacht Club and you can spot the sailing boats and leisure crafts dotted throughout the water.

The village has two main beaches — the first is the popular Seagrove Beach, where children play in the golden sand and parents sunbathe while the tide is out. Follow the sea wall to the village’s second beach, Springvale, which features modern beach huts by the road bursting with colour.

The best time to stay in seaside cottages is the summer months, when the village springs into action and the streets come alive. Indeed, many shops and attractions tend to open in March and stay open until late October, when they close for the winter months. In winter, the days are shorter, the temperatures are lower, and the rainfall is higher. The island is normally at its busiest during the Isle of Wight Music Festival, which takes place over a few days in June, and the sailing regatta Cowes Week at the beginning of August.

Bembridge Windmill

Four miles to the south of Seaview is the Bembridge Windmill. Dating from the 1700s, it is the only windmill remaining on the island, and was immortalised in a watercolour by a prominent member of the Pre-Raphaelites, a 19th-century society inspired by Romanticism. Although it hasn’t produced flour for over 100 years, you can go inside to see the mill’s original workings and learn about the varied history it has had since its closure.

Alan Hersey Nature Reserve

To see different kinds of local and migrating birds, head to the Alan Hersey Nature Reserve behind Springvale beach in Seaview, created in 2002. Keep your eyes peeled for local species such as the sandwich tern, dark-bellied brent goose, and Eurasian teal.

Puckpool Park

Puckpool Park is a must for families. It used to be a battery fort from the 19th century, but has since been transformed into a dramatic, mesmerising park close to the sea, with cafes and lots of activities for your younger ones, including mini golf, tennis courts, and a children’s play area.