In Shanklin
Shanklin is situated on the southern side of the island in 'Sandown Bay' which
is fringed by a wonderful six mile stretch of sandy beach.
Situated in a premier
position overlooking the bay but also with magnificent panoramic views of the
surrounding countryside, is the Shanklin Hotel. We are within 100 metres of
the cliff top where the cliff lift takes you down to the esplanade and lovely
sandy beaches. Here on the seafront is an undercliff promenade running level
with the sea and lined with traditional seaside entertainments. The gently sloping
sandy beach provides for excellent swimming and taking the sun.
A few minutes walk
away from the Shanklin is the busy town centre, where you will find a range
of restaurants, cafes and shops. Just off the high street is Shanklin Theatre
with its lively entertainment programme during the year. Stroll along the beautiful
cliff path walk and you come to Keats Green, the former home of the poet and
writer, and famed for its spectacular views of Sandown Bay.
At the southernmost
end of the town and promenade is the town's most treasured jewel, Shanklin Chine.
Accessed from both the promenade and the Old Village on the cliff top, this
fissure in the cliff is a rich haven for rare plants. Once a haunt of smugglers,
today there is a path winding down beside a waterfall through fern banks and
mossy boulders to the beach below. Extending the whole southern length of the
Chine are Rylstone Gardens, sometimes called the most picturesque in the South
of England. Enjoy sea and woodland views which are rarely equalled from the
tranquility of the gardens.
Linking the town
centre to the Chine is our other famous attraction, the Old Village where there
are chocolate box thatched roof cottages and pubs, restaurants and traditional
tea rooms.
Dating back to 1851,
Shanklin Regatta is one of our summer highlights, offering a blend of traditional
seaside fun events on and offshore, finishing with a firework display at night.
There is a variety of events in and around Shanklin throughout the year. For
more information on all island events , pick up a free copy of the official
Isle of Wight Guide to Events from any of the Tourist Information centres. You
can also click on 'The Island' above and click on 'Events'.
