Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Cliffway peaceful cottage gdn sea-view 5 min walk to seafront/beach restaurants.
Visitors can save up to 35% discount on Wightlink ferries. SPRING BREAKS AVAILABLE enjoy the daffodils/primroses/bluebells.
OVERVIEW: Cliffway is the best property of its type in the Totland area & is in a prime location, close to the beach with lovely sea views, spectacular sunsets & its own large private garden, ideal for people of all ages to explore & enjoy.
Cliffway's peaceful location, attractive garden & sea views are ideal for romantic stays, families, children, the retired and those who are less able, & is perfect for a three-generation holiday experience.
The dramatic sunsets and National Trust rural/seaside walks are also ideal for those who wish to 'blow the cobwebs away' at any time of year.
Ideally located to explore the rural countryside/woodlands of West Wight, to relax & enjoy the garden, enjoy an early morning/evening swim or to amble down to the beach for lunch/supper.
Cliffway is located 7 mins drive from Yarmouth & the ferry & 4/5 mins walk from the beach & The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar. A splendid restaurant called 'The Hut' is a short walk away, along the waterfront promenade to neighbouring Colwell Bay (booking required). Local shops & coastal walks are all within walking distance.
Cliffway has a large sunny garden, with trees for shade, & is a great place to relax with the family.
Totland Bay is a Marine Conservation Society Recommended Beach (MCS Award) & is classified as Excellent by the Environment Agency. It also forms a part of the Needles Marine Protected Area.
The Headon Warren Walk, highlighted by the NT as one of the UK's 'Walks with a 'WOW Factor' starts a few metres away at the Turf Walk. It crosses the Headon Warren & West High Down (SSSI), an area of lowland heath covered by a mix of heather/gorse. There are a range of breeding birds on the cliffs, and views of the Solent, the island & mainland are possible from the top of Headon Warren. Other SSSI's are nearby at the Yar Estuary & Freshwater Marshes plus Afton Marshes (LNR) and Newtown Harbour (NNR). The King Charles III Coastal Path passes through Totland.
THE PROPERTY Cliffway has 2 bedrooms (sleeps 5). It's single storey, with an open plan living space, & a timber floor throughout. Double glazed doors open (180 degrees & fasten, against the outside wall) to give easy access to the garden.
The garden is enclosed by a white timber picket fence at the front & a combination of trees/hedge/fence & gates. Parking is at the rear or in a lay-by opposite.
The shower room includes a low-profile shower, walled fixed shower seat, towel rail, wash basin & toilet. A combi boiler provides heating & hot water.
Two bedrooms provide 1 x king & 1 x single bed & 2 x single beds plus a fold up child's cot.
A rear covered walkway is ideal to store bicycles/ surf boards etc or as a dry area to hang washing. A glazed front porch is great to hang coats/ store wet shoes etc.
Cliffway's unique character lies in its quiet peaceful location, large attractive garden, great beach access & lovely sea views which are ideal for all the family.
Cliffway allows you to relax & sunbath in the garden, to sit & gaze at the sea while you watch the boats pass or to enjoy a romantic supper sitting in the garden watching one of Totland's renowned spectacular sunsets.
The view in inclement weather can be just as fun as you gaze though the full-length double-glazed doors, & watch the wind, the waves, the ever-changing sky, turbulent seas & dramatic evening sunsets & boats passing by, all from the warmth & comfort of the living room. You might hear 'Moaning Minnie'.
Great beach access makes it easy for all the family to enjoy swimming, exploring rock pools, making sandcastles, collecting shells or to try your hand at crabbing, etc before strolling back to Cliffway buckets & nets in hand for tea in the garden.
It’s a great spot for an early morning/evening swim or a relaxing stroll along the seafront. Several times when the sea has been so calm & 'oily' I've been enticed to jump in fully clothed for a swim!
Cliffway really offers the opportunity to 'dump' the car and relax.
Catching the ferry adds to the excitement, just like going abroad only without the passports!
THE LOCAL AREA Totland has a wide sweeping Bay. The beach is sandy & relatively shallow for a good distance & ideal for younger children. The western end of the bay has plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide. The beach can be accessed by car.
Totland has something to offer whatever the season. It is popular with the fisherman who camp out over night at the far end of the bay & with local water sport enthusiasts who also use nearby Freshwater & Compton Bays.
The IOW has many forts & fortifications, Nearby Forts Albert & Victoria, Yarmouth Castle & Hurst Castle.
Watch the Round the Island Yacht Race (Sat 11 July 26) from Totland/Cliffway & in summer boats moor in the bay to lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant.
For the dinosaur enthusiast the IOW dinosaur fossils were discovered on the coast at nearby Compton Bay & Brighstone Bay.
Cliffway is an ideal base to explore West Wight & enjoy some of the UK's most spectacular & dramatic coastline - by foot, with a pram, a wheelchair, as a cyclist or on the Island Coaster, the round the island, open top bus.
BY FOOT: The IOW boasts a 68-mile-long coastal path that circles the island & connects to footpaths that cross the island. The Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay section runs along the Totland Bay waterfront (or you can join from the Turf Walk). It crosses Headon Warren & heads to the coloured sands of Alum Bay & the Needles Old Battery (past the old rocket station/museum), before heading along Tennyson Down, past Tennyson's Monument, to Freshwater Bay where the path continues to Chale.
The coastal path connects with Colwell Bay & Yarmouth in the other direction. A footpath also connects Freshwater to Yarmouth along the River Yar.
The Freshwater to Yarmouth cycle path provides a walk along the disused railway line (alongside the River Yar). There's a café/restaurant at either end in the old railway stations.
DISABLED /PRAM ACCESS: Totland can be enjoyed by those who are less able to walk or who may rely on a wheelchair. The bay can be accessed by car with parking along the waterfront (including disabled bays).
The waterfront walkway runs from Totland Bay to Colwell Bay. I was told that this provides an unusual opportunity for someone who uses a wheelchair to experience the sea, at close hand during a high tide. Unfortunately, a small section of the path now rises due to a past landslide.
BY BUS: The 'Island Coaster' provides around the island bus route which you can hop on & off as you wish. The 'Needles Breezer' offers a fun local ride.
CYCLISTS: The island is popular with cyclists & it stages the Isle of Wight Randonnee (Sun Sept 6 26). The Lonely Planet apparently described the route as the best place in the world to cycle. The route can be followed all year as key junctions are marked. The Freshwater/Yarmouth cycle path is nearby.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS The Waterfront Restaurant/Bar is located on the Totland seafront which serves a range of good dishes including Greek Kleftiko & fish.
'The Hut' is located on the seafront, at Colwell Bay & has a growing reputation for great seafood among other dishes. The restaurant has been used by James Martin in his television programmes. Meals are served outside & inside (book in advance). Both are within easy walking distance of Cliffway or can be driven to if need be.
Historic Yarmouth has a lovely selection of restaurants & old hostelries plus 'On the Rocks' a steak/fish restaurant, The George Hotel, & another restaurant which overlooks the ferry/marina.
Nearby pubs include the well-known 'Highdown Inn' just below Tennysons Down & 'The Red Lion' at Freshwater. The Bugle Inn in Yarmouth has started to serve breakfasts .
Cliffway & Totland Bay offer an ideal base for a restful holiday or weekend break away from it all, whatever the season, no matter the weather. It is an ideal place to enjoy the seaside air & an opportunity to blow away the cobwebs!
'CLIFFWAY' GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR) To comply with General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’) that comes into effect on 25 May 2018 we need to confirm that you would like to receive content from us. We must also demonstrate we have your consent to store your data, which includes your name, phone number, email address and/or home address (as preferred). Our Policy: a) In order for us to retain that information we will need your written consent. For future holiday bookings a consent form is likely to be required at the time of an initial enquiry (when you may wish to hear from us for information/availability at other times) or on completion of a stay once the deposit has been returned. b) We will not retain your personal details after your initial enquiry or holiday unless you have provided written consent. We will retain your personal information, provided by yourself, in order to confirm a booking. We will not retain your personal details once the holiday is completed and the deposit returned unless you provide written consent. c) Data we receive from you as a result of your interest in our business is stored securely and password protected. d) We do not share your personal details with third parties. e) We do not ask for your bank details until after your holiday when we wish to return the security deposit. In circumstances where: • Payment is made online we will delete your bank information from our records, however, proof of payment is kept should there be a query. • Payment is made by cheque we will not have access to your bank details. f) You have the right to withdraw consent at any time. g) Information we receive from you will be kept for a maximum of six years for accounting purposes only.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view
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We are establishing our COVID19 cleaning policy & ask that guests work with us to ensure that the property is kept as clean as possible for all guests
Booking form and agreement must be signed as a condition of booking. Please contact Katharine for details
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Only with prior agreement with owner
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Totland Bay
Located in Totland Bay, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. Beaulieu National Motor Museum and The Needles Battery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include The Needles Landmark Attraction and Lymington Sea Water Baths. Travelling with kids? Consider Lymington Health and Leisure Centre and Quay Arts. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Golden Hill Fort Country Park - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
The Needles Landmark Attraction - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
Getting around
Yarmouth Station - 13 min drive
Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 148 min drive
Restaurants
Saltwater Cafe - 54 min drive
Needles Eye Café - 55 min drive
Rainbow Fish Bar - 16 min walk
The Red Lion - 3 min drive
The Gun Inn - 56 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Cliffway peaceful cottage gdn sea-view 5 min walk to seafront/beach restaurants. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Cliffway peaceful cottage gdn sea-view 5 min walk to seafront/beach restaurants.?
As of 11 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cliffway peaceful cottage gdn sea-view 5 min walk to seafront/beach restaurants. on 26 April 2026 start from NZ$351, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Cliffway peaceful cottage gdn sea-view 5 min walk to seafront/beach restaurants.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Cliffway peaceful cottage gdn sea-view 5 min walk to seafront/beach restaurants.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cliffway peaceful cottage gdn sea-view 5 min walk to seafront/beach restaurants.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Cliffway peaceful cottage gdn sea-view 5 min walk to seafront/beach restaurants. located?
This family-friendly Totland Bay cottage is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Totland Bay Beach and Colwell Bay Beach. Tennyson Down and Golden Hill Fort Country Park are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The bungalow is lovely, it is very comfortable and is equipped with everything you could possibly need. I would highly recommend this lovely place to stay.
Deborah G.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 August 2025
Deborah thank you for your lovely review. I'm so pleased you all enjoyed yourselves.
Great stay, so close to the beach, lovely garden and space.
Ros B.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank you for your review Ros. I'm so glad you all enjoyed yourselves. Its a great place for children and somewhere nice to sit and relax when you are away from the beach. Kind regards Katharine
We enjoyed a relaxing week at this ideally located bungalow, with views of the sea. The area is quiet and there are two seafront restaurants within a few minutes walk. The sunsets were lovely too.
Amy W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 July 2024
Amy I'm so pleased you enjoyed your stay and were able to experience the Totland sunsets. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Kind regards Katharine
Had a great stay at Cliffway, nice views and quiet.
Property clean, beds comfy. Fantastic location for getting to the beach especially with toddler.
Emma I.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Great to hear that you enjoyed your stay Emma. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We have a lovely photograph of my mother and her grand daughter as a toddler exploring the sea for the first time on the beach at Totland at low tide.
Lovely property, everything needed, just perfect. Loved my stay and hope to return.
Ruth I.
Stayed 20 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2024
Thank you Ruth.
I'm so pleased you enjoyed your stay particularly since you travelled such a long way. We look forward to welcoming you again next year. Best wishes Katharine
We had a great time here given the close proximity to the beach and gorgeous sunsets. The property was clean and well equipped, with the owner responsive and helpful. Look forward to another stay next year!
Edward P.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank you Edward. I'm very pleased you all enjoyed yourselves.
Best wishes Katharine
We had a lovely time on the IOW Cliffway was the perfect place to stay a great place to stay made even better by the great sea views
Andy W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank you Andy for your review. I'm pleased you both enjoyed your stay and yes the sea views can be memorising. Not always great for getting things done!
Thank you for staying at Cliffway.
Kind regards
Katharine
Very clean and had everything you needed. Close proximity to the beach which was great for star gazing if you don’t like to venture too far.
Richard J.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank you Richard. I'm very pleased you enjoyed yourselves. Star gazing is a new idea to me! I'd never appreciated that before but yes. I'm currently surrounded by trees. Although I did stand on the cliffs at Compton Bay once to watch an eclipse but had forgotten. Thank you.
We had a wonderful stay in this fantastic property. Everything we needed was provided and more. How good it was on arrival to be able to sit and relax in the garden looking at the sea. The Dining area also overlooked the sea so breakfast time was a pleasure. The beds were so comfortable and we all left feeling sad to leave but totally relaxed.
Rosina S.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank you Rosina for a lovely review. I'm so pleased that you all enjoyed yourself at Cliffway. The garden is a great place to relax and you can still see the sea (and the sunsets) too!
Kind regards Katharine
Four adults over 65 years of age and 2 with mobility issues. Great location for the beach, swimming and walks. Big garden, lovely sitting outside. Fully equipped kitchen, like being at home. Comfy beds, nice shower, will visit again.
Jean R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Dear Jean
Thank you for your kind review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed yourselves and I look forward to welcoming you again.
Kind regards
Katharine
Great Location, easy to find, local pubs/restaurants all good especially the three along the promenade (Bay, Waterfront and Hut), need to book well ahead in summer months. We found West IOW to be the most scenic, ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth then a 10 minute drive to property. House was clean, bit dated not that it affected our stay. Communication with Katharine was excellent, no hesitation in recommending.
John W.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 April 2025
Thank you for your review John. I'm so pleased you enjoyed your stay.
Cliffway has been undergoing a process of change starting with three fantastic new fire doors installed by a very talented /skilled carpenter who loves wood, a young man from Cowes (with a great sense of humour under pressure)! Once the dust has settled we will get him back for the next phase. Watch this space!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Guido S.
25 July 2018
Nice house with a wonderful seaview garden
We had a wonderful week on the Isle of Wight. The house was well equipped and clean, the organisation ahead and afterwards workes just well. Because of the nice weather we could use the garden for every breakfast and so could enjoy the seaview. The location is fine for going to beach within minutes or to discover the sourounding, e.g. the Needles, by feet.
Guido S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Hello Guido
Thank you for your review. We are pleased you and your family enjoyed your stay and were able to make the most of the garden in this lovely weather.
Kind regards katharine
I recently returned to Cliffway with my partner having enjoyed a stay around the same time last year with my mother. The house is in a perfect spot to pop down to the beach & you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets without leaving your sofa! We enjoyed many of the local walks around Headon Warren and Tennyson downs and can highly recommend eating at the Waterfront and the Highdown Inn. Would most certainly return.
Sarah P.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
That's great to hear Sarah. Its rewarding to hear that the whole family can enjoy a stay at Cliffway. Thank you.
It was our first trip to the Isle of Wight. We all enjoyed very much our stay at Cliffway. Very lovely cottage with sea view visible just from the garden. The garden is big and beautiful with a lovely sitting place. Excelent location. Close to the beach and at the same time it is a very quiet place. Just short drive to the Needles, Freshwater Cliff, nice sandy beach at Compton bay.
We will definitely come back again!
Elena Z.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Elena I am so pleased that you and your family enjoyed your stay. There is usually something for all ages.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review and I look forward to welcoming you to Cliffway again. Kind regards Katharine
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Coleen P.
7 July 2017
Beautiful, quiet, everything I needed
My first impression was relief that it was just as described and presented online. It was very clean, bright and airy. The kitchen was equipped with everything I could possibly need and Katharine even had some delicious goodies waiting for me in the frig. I loved that I could walk wherever I wanted to go and the ocean was a very short walk away. My favorite thing was walking down and watching the sunset each evening. Breathtaking. I would recommend this to anyone needing time away to relax and enjoy the sea and nature.
Coleen P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Dear Coleen thank you for a lovely review. I feel you have captured the essence of Cliffway and Totland.
I wish you all be best on your journey home.
Kind regards Katharine
Perfect for a getaway in beautiful surroundings with a view of the sea from the garden. It's in an ideal location with walks on the doorstop and Totland itself is a charming village with a couple of supermarkets complemented by local shops and produce. The house was well-equipped throughout and beds comfortable with good quality linens. Good wifi connection so perfect for combining work with days out. The house could do with some TLC eg a good coat of paint, new deckchairs etc but I'm sure covid has played a part here. Katherine responded to all queries very promptly and provided some great suggestions for local walks and places to eat which enhanced our stay. I would certainly recommend to book.
Sarah P.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Sarah, I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Cliffway and thank you for your positive review.
Last Spring it was necessary to fell some nearby trees for insurance purposes with the repair and redecoration intended to take place this Spring. I had hoped that the work could be completed earlier in the year. However, rather than delay to the autumn the contactor commenced work on 26 April 2021 on the basis that this would enable this year’s visitors to enjoy a newly decorated property. Unfortunately, the timing fell a couple of days after your stay.
Replacement furniture has apparently been delayed by delays in deliveries of new stock and will be dealt with as soon as possible.
This was a home away from home property, fully stocked with everything you could possibly need and with beautiful views of the solent.
Katherine had left us a little tipple and some treats for out arrival, much to the children's delight (and mine). And there is a local shop not more than 1 minute from the property for everything else (it is a bit pricey but did until our asda delivery got there).
Location was perfect for us, (even though it was on the quieter side if the island) with everything so assessable by car.
Tapnell farm park is a must for kids under 10 or for adults of 49 as my husband enjoyed the giant pillows more than the kids I think.
There was so much to do on the island we were spoilt for choice. The needles was a packed day doing a lot of firsts for our family....chair lift, fast boat around the needles etc and recommended if you havent been...I had, but it was better second time around, as I enjoyed the kids faces and got pulled along with the excitement.
Husband had to work one day but that didnt faze us, kids spent the day in and out of the beautiful garden, then we took a short stroll down to the beach for ice cream and a little rosė at the waterfront to watch the amazing sunset.
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will be back....thanks
Teresa F.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Teresa thank you for a lovely review. I'm so pleased you and your family enjoyed themselves, no matter the age!
We all enjoyed our week at Cliffway. The garden is lovely and there are views of the sea and beautiful sunsets.
The accommodation is well equipped with a good shower and comfortable beds.
The position of the property is convenient for two very good restaurants which are within walking distance. The ferry is a 10 minute drive and there are some very scenic drives close by. The hidden gem of Mottistone Gardens is a 15 minute drive away.
The owner, Katharine was considerate and accommodating and was easy to contact.
Frances H.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank you Francis for taking time to write a careful review. I'm very pleased to hear you all enjoyed yourselves and visted the local restaurants. The sunsets can certainly be wonderful too. Its a while since visited Mottistone Manor but remember the gardens. The walled garden at Osbourne House is also well worth a visit even althougth its a drive away. There's a good cafe too! Kind regards Katharine
A delightful cottage with a view towards the sunsets at Totland bay. Very clean and comfortable and warm, with a modern kitchen and bathroom and a spacious lounge area. A pleasant mature garden on a quiet road with nearby shops. Short walk down to the beach and good Waterfront cafe and pleasant walks from the house along the coast and towards Alum Bay. Convenient street parking by house.
Richard D.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Hello Richard
I'm so pleased you enjoyed your stay.
I'm looking forward to being able to pop down and enjoy a few days sea air and walks myself! It sounds delightful!
It is also possible to park in the grounds, at the rear of the property.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Best wishes Katharine
Cliffway is very comfortable, clean, spacious home from home with modern kitchen/appliances and just 5 minutes walk from the sea and good eating places. Hope to be back soon.
Christine P.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank you Christine. I'm looking forward to a walkover Headon Warren myself in the not too distant future and a glass of dry cider by the waterside on my return!
We spent the most wonderful short stay at Cliffway which had everything that we needed. The house was spotless and is in a very good location for access to the beach. All our needs were met in every way.
Barbara R.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Barbara thank you for your lovely review! I'm so pleased you had such a great time during your short stay.
We had an absolutely lovely time at the property. Totland is so scenic. The house is a stone's throw from the beach and a couple of restaurants & a shop. There is a fantastic large garden for the kids to play in, lovely views of the setting sun from the living room. A sandy beach (with another restaurant) a lovely 15min walk away. Katharine is a great and super helpful host. The kitchen is very well equipped (even a blender!). There is so much to do in IOW with the kids even if the weather is not perfect. Very much recommend.
Weronika M.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
I am so pleased you enjoyed yourselves Weronika and thank you for your great review.
We had a lovely break at Cliffway. We used it as a base to work from and made good use of the spot getting lots of cycling, running and walking in as well as lunch at “Off the Rails” (beautiful and book well in advance), breakfast, lunch and Dinner at Totland pier (brilliant in every way) and Yarmouth quite a bit for dinner at the Terrace (great in the evening). A perfect getaway! Thank you Katharine
Melissa H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank you Mellissa for your lovely review. I am so pleased you enjoyed yourselves. Totland Pier has just reopened and I am looking forward to trying it myself next week. I understand that plans were approved earlier this year to open the Pier up to the public and for an additional restaurant at the end of the Pier. Combined with The Hut and the Waterfront (who serve a good fish & chops and a mean dry cider) we are spoilt for choice and all within walking distance! Plus the great places in Yarmouth, why go anywhere else? Out of season its a fun to enjoy supper at the Waterfront with the waves crashing outside.
I spent a wonderful cosy week in Cliffway house thanks to Katharine. It was our first time, me and my children, on the isle of Wight and I was amazed to discover this wonderful island far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Totland Bay is definitively the right place to stay: only a short walk from the Needles the major attraction of the island (wonderful white cliffs) and most of all, it benefits from the Sunsets (Western coast).
I have come back home with amazing colourful pictures, the weather was excellent, even late October, I truly recommend this place !
Zoé
Zoé B.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Dear Zoe
I am so pleased you and your family enjoyed your stay. Cliffway is certainly the place to chill and let the sea air do its magic. In a few minutes you can be on top of the world, amongst the heathers and enjoying the view across the Solent and fortunately the sunsets occur all year! Thank you for your lovely review. Best wishes Katharine
About the host
Hosted by Katharine Gillings
My name is Katharine. I am a Landscape Architect. I run my own business cHOROS Landscape Architects. I also design and make my own handmade ceramics and glass which is on display at www.katharinegillings.com.
The Isle of Wight is an island of great diversity and dramatic landscapes with lots to do for all ages. I would like to be able to share this with others who may also come to appreciate the island and experience 'Cliffways' magic.
Why they chose this property
My family has been enjoying Totland since the early 1960’s. 'Cliffway' was owned by my Uncle and Aunt who ran a private hotel on the ‘Turf Walk’ called Northfield. We stayed regularly at Northfield & my sister & I have many happy childhood memories at Totland. We used to run down to the beach to swim, make sand castles & then walk back, wrapped in a towel, to get washed & changed ready to enjoy afternoon tea on the timber veranda. It was an idyllic childhood holiday.
When my Uncle and Aunt retired they bought 'Cliffway' and the same scenario continued. We celebrated my father's 50th birthday sitting in the garden at 'Cliffway' enjoying tea & making paper kites. We tested them on the waste ground opposite (now apartments) then returned to the garden to make adjustments. It was always a happy, relaxed place. My 2 year niece enjoyed her first experience of the sea at Totland, playing in the shallow pools left on the sand at low tide. Twenty years later, my two nieces love staying at Cliffway with their friends.
Later, my now elderly mother loved returning to Totland. We used to park in the bay and watch the boats go by or the sailing ships moor in the the bay for lunch in the summer. Alternatively, I pushed her wheelchair along the water front walkway to Colwell Bay or we sat on the Turf Walk and looked out to sea. She also enjoyed being driven along the coast to the Compton Bay National Trust car park where we parked and watched the changing sky and sea as the waves crashed on the beach. Her best enjoyment was watching the people on the beach and the wind and kite surfers surfers. She especially enjoyed it when they fell off!!
The coastline along the Military Road is also used for paragliding and the sails are particularly colourful as they fly over the cliffs.
Over the many years ‘Cliffway’ has given us all the opportunity to escape and enjoy the sea air and we have tried to make it as comfortable and practical as possible.
What makes this property unique
'Cliffway' is located in a peaceful area, very close to the beach with lovely sea views, close to two very good seafront restaurants & local facilities and ideally placed to enjoy West Wight.
It seems the relaxed atmosphere that invades the house and garden weaves a magic spell on those who stay. The number of times I have arrived stressed out and tired only to be welcomed by the sea air and 'Cliffways' homely character. Truly it doesn't matter if the weather is bright and sunny or blowing a gale there is a lot to see and hear safe and snug inside.
'Cliffway' provides an ideal base from which to enjoy some of the country's most spectacular and dramatic coastline. Its easy to enjoy this from a car driving along the Military Road where you can see the dramatic white cliffs and rolling gorse covered landscape. Alternatively, its possible to walk from Totland over Headon Warren to Alum Bay and the Needles Old Battery along Tennyson Down to Freshwater or along the coastal path. 'Cliffway' is ideally situated to take advantage of: 1) West Wight and the sporting opportunities the island provides. If its calm in Totland its usually blowing a gale in Freshwater and visa versa. If you sit in the National Trust car park along the Military road during the week you are likely to see the local windsurfing club drive up in their van to enjoy the beach. 2) the beach. My young niece adored the beach and sea when she saw it for the first time at Totland and can remember the flowers in the garden. 3) 'Cliffway' provided a safe haven for my mother all through her ten years of poor health. She loved it. Our postman took his mother in law who needed a wheelchair to get about outside and she loved being able to be so close to the sea along the promenade. 4) I've taken friends down initially to help with the building works and at times since and we've enjoyed evening swims, garden lunches/suppers watching the sunset and sat in the garden watching the Wimbledon Final one year.