Shanklin is a traditional seaside resorts with a glorious long wide sandy beachs, set against a backdrop of dramatic sandstone cliffs. Rylstone Gardens provide the most tranquil and beautiful spot to sit and soak up the sunshine. The famous Shanklin Chine, a gorge with rare plants and delightful waterfall, is quite simply unique.
Lose yourself in the history and character of Shanklin Old Village packed with charming thatched pubs and cottages most housing wonderful, unique gift shops and tea rooms.
Crowning a hilltop south of Newport, this castle was the dominant defensive position on the Isle of Wight for more than 600 years. With its keep, battlements and working well house Carisbrooke Castle is an exciting site for the whole family to explore.There was a Saxon presence here in the 7th century and a timber campaign fort in the late 11th century, while the curtain wall and keep were built after 1101. The present castle has existed on this site since 1100, when the island was granted to the de Redvers family. In 1293, the castle passed on to the crown and, when England came under threat from France and Spain, Carisbrooke became enormously significant in the defence of the realm. After the Spanish Armada passed alarmingly close in 1588, it was suspected that the Spanish might attempt to seize the island.
England's largest island, the Isle of Wight, sits just a short sea crossing over the Solent. It has been enjoyed as a holiday and short break destination since the 18th Century and became one of Europe's most fashionable resort areas after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert chose Osbourne House as their summer residence. Enjoy the spectacular sight of the Needles, visit Carisbrooke Castle or the lovely village of Godshill, there are endless things to do and see on our lovely island.
Osborne House was built between 1845 and 1851 to provide Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with a private family home. It was built in the Italianate style in order to fit its setting on an island whose temperate climate and panoramic views over the Solent reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples.
Ventnor Botanic Garden lies in the remarkable microclimate at the heart of the famous 'Undercliff.' This unique garden is protected from the cold northerly winds by chalk downs. Indeed, it holds the warmth from its southerly aspect so well that, combined with the moderating influence of the sea, frost is rarely known.
The Garden is unrivalled for its collections of subtropical plants grown unprotected out of doors.
A treat for train enthusiasts!
A great day out for all the family and casual visitor, it is a unique and exciting day out, as you step back to a bygone era when steam power was the order of the day. The Isle of Wight Steam Rialway is one of Britain’s Heritage Railways and a registered educational charity, but also much more besides.
Regular events are held such as the Beer Festival, Heritage Days, Festival of Transport and many, many more.
A Catholic Benedictine Monastry . The medieval abbey of Quarr is a national treasure, being one of England’s rare monastic houses to be fortified and to fulfil a maritime role. With abbey ships sailing to Normandy, the Low Countries, the West Country and the North Sea coast, its influence on Island commerce and English maritime trade of the High Medieval period was remarkable.
From its foundation in 1132, the abbey steadily grew until it was soon the largest religious house on the Isle of Wight. Some 400 years later, when it was eventually sold and dismantled on the orders of Henry VIII, it covered an area of some eight hectares.
The Abbey also has a fantastic Teashop and Farmshop.
Carved by Mother Nature’s own hands over thousands of years, the stunning tree lined gorge that is Shanklin Chine cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and esplanade far below.
Attracting many millions of visitors to wander through and marvel at its beauty over a near double century of seasonal openings, Shanklin Chine can truly say it’s lasted the test of visitor time. There are few places on the Isle of Wight, let alone England, that can boast such a tranquil and picturesque location. 2017 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of Shanklin Chine.
Godshill is the quintessential English Village, and boasts some of the oldest architecture on the Isle of Wight.
Set in the grounds of the Old Vicarage the Model Village in Godshill is a timeless place to escape the busy world outside. As Kevin McCloud of Channel 4’s Grand Designs said “If you really do want to indulge in a uniquely Fifties Isle of Wight experience replete with bathing huts, vintage buses and a slower pace of life, then there is only one destination for you: Godshill Model Village”.
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The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is based between Shanklin and Ventnor on the road to Wroxall and is open all year round from 10:00am till 4:30pm, weather permitting. Everyone is welcome to come and visit our lovely donkeys including well behaved dogs. The charity relies entirely on donations, adoptions and the many fundraising activities held throughout the year.
Brading Roman Villa is one of the finest Roman sites in the UK. The award winning Visitor Centre and Museum offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain from beautifully preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of Roman archaeology.
Award winning museum, licensed café, shop, meadow trail and garden – Open Daily 10am-5pm.
Your guide to getting around the island via buses, cyling and walking.
