Ventnor
A charming traditional seaside resort with grand Edwardian and Victorian houses, plus an award winning beach, backed by rolling hills and beautiful scenery.
Ventnor Bay © Marushka Tziroulnikoff
Due to its southern location, Ventnor is one of the warmest resorts on the island. Much of the town is built on a series of terraces, which run up to the downs, protecting the seafront and the beach from cold north winds.
Old Cottages at Ventnor © Marushka Tziroulnikoff
There is a long promenade with traditional seaside activities and amusements. The quiet little harbour is overlooked by cascade of beautiful gardens. Rows of colourful beach huts and converted Victorian bathing machines can be hired in the summer months.
Originally built as a Victorian health resort there is no shortage of traditional hotels and guest houses here. With the hillside location providing spectacular sea views from most.
The famous Ventnor Botanic gardens take advantage of the areas natural micro climate. A twenty two acre tropical paradise with exotic plants and palm trees located to the west of the town.
St Boniface Down, behind the town, is the highest point on the island, climbing to around 785 ft (240 metres) above sea level. The downs are excellent walking territory and provide a great opportunity to enjoy pretty wildflowers, heather and New Forest Ponies, along with some spectacular views. A delightful coastal path also runs 3.5 miles east to Shanklin.
Places of Interest to Visit in Ventnor
Ventnor Botanic Garden
Due to Ventnor's unique microclimate plants that usually only survive in a sub-tropical climate literally thrive here. The garden was founded in 1970 by Sir Harold Hillier and has species from Australasia, Africa, America the Mediterranean and the Far East.
Location: Undercliff Drive, Ventnor PO38 1UL
Tel: 01983 855397
Website: botanic.co.uk
Ventnor Heritage Museum
This small museum, located near the top of the town, illustrates Ventnor’s development as a Victorian resort. Exhibits cover Steephill Castle (now demolished) and working models of Ventnor’s two steam railways that once brought visitors to the resort. The towns maritime history is also explored, along with the history of smuggling and shipwrecks off the coast, including the loss of HMS Eurydice in 1878. New exhibitions and displays are regularly hosted.
Location: 11 Spring Hill, Ventnor PO38 1PE
Tel: 01983 855407
Website: ventnorheritage.org.uk
Map of Ventnor
South East England
