The pretty Victorian seaside village of Shanklin is located on the south eastern corner of the Island and is famed for its good weather and quaint Old Village with its picture postcard thatched cottages. Here you will find unique gifts, unusual items and mementos to remind you of your time on the Island. The heart of the Old Village also has a bustling nightlife with several pubs regularly showcasing live music at the weekends.
A rattly old London tube train serves Shanklin from Ryde allowing easy access to the mainland and London. An adventure in itself!
The safe sandy beach is sheltered by Dunnose Point, which is a stunning backdrop, with the tall cliffs of Luccombe and St. Boniface Downs beyond, all National Trust land. By the beach there is pitch and putt, childrens amusements and car parking. A lift provides easy access to the cliff tops, where the views are even more spectacular.
Walkers can take the coastal path through the Undercliff through National Trust land to beautiful Bonchurch full of old stone Victorian buildings and on to Ventnor. Or for an easy stroll, walk in the other direction along the sea front from Shanklin to Sandown. I would recommend a rest at the end in the Kings Cafe with its balcony overlooking the Sandown beach, or the lovely Beach Shack, right on the beach, which has won best crab cakes on the Isle of Wight 2009, 2010, 2011.
Shanklin Chine is a deep gorge carved out by a stream, which is a restful and picturesque place to spend time. In the evening the waterfalls and woodland are illuminated, giving the gardens a totally different aspect and atmosphere.
The Chine is the Isle of Wights oldest tourist attraction, opening in 1817. This famous leafy gorge is much loved by poets, artists and writers. The winding woodland, with its steep sides is a magical place for rare plants, wildlife and enchanting waterfalls.
The Heritage Centres exhibition relays the Islands long connection with flying and aircraft construction. A video and display of PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean) shows the fascinating story of how the pipeline carried petrol to the Allied troops in Normandy.
Shanklin has plenty of great eateries, and I can personally recommend the following:
Mama Mias for authentic Italian, Purple Mango for Indian, Black Cat for tasty Thai, Vernon Cottage for local fresh Crab sandwiches, the beautiful Rhylstone Gardens for Cream teas and Crazy golf, and Fishermans Cottage for the best and very generous size Fish & Chips.
If you venture to Bonchurch you must visit the 12th century church. For eating try the Bonchurch Inn for fabulous old world ambience and Italian food or the Pond Cafe for fine dining courtesy of Michelin star chef Robert Thompson.
Why not stay in one of our fabulous luxury self catering Shanklin apartments right by the Old Village and the Chine and overlooking Shanklin beach.