The town of Ventnor on the south coast of the Isle of Wight was a Victorian spa, and has an architectural style different to the rest of the island.
- The Botanical gardens, Undercliff Drive, PO38 1UL. These gardens are some of the best in the country, due to Ventor's unusual climate, being very southern and sheltered by the hill to the north. There is a little museum of smuggling in the grounds. The gardens are built on the site of The Royal National Hospital which was demolished in 1969. Formerly owned by the council and free to the public, the gardens have now been privatised, and charge entry. Tickets: £8.50 adults, £5 children.
- Ventnor Heritage Museum, 11 Spring Hill, PO38 1PE. This small museum offers a wealth of information and photographic history of Ventnor's past, as well as many small books and pamphlets, many written by local volunteers. Admission £1.50 (Children Free).
- Appuldurcombe House, Appuldurcombe Road, Wroxall, PO38 3EW (3 miles north of Ventnor, +44 1983 852484. adults £4.00, children £3.00, concessions £3.50.
- Steephill Cove. A cove only accessible by foot at the southernmost tip of the island. There is an incredible seafood restaurant right on the beach - the owners catch their own lobsters and crabs daily, you would find it hard to get fresher seafood anywhere! And the view from the tables over the cove and out to sea is breathtaking.
- Blackgang Chine. This was formerly a dramatic gorge through which one could walk to the sea. Following a catastrophic collapse, the Chine ceased to exist some decades ago, but the bizarre entertainment park, with its animated figures, is still worth a visit. This is the world's first and oldest theme park. Shanklin Chine, a smaller gorge, can still be visited. Bus #6 serves Blackgang.
The Botanical gardens, Undercliff Drive, PO38 1UL. These gardens are some of the best in the country, due to Ventor's unusual climate, being very southern and sheltered by the hill to the north. There is a little museum of smuggling in the grounds. The gardens are built on the site of The Royal National Hospital which was demolished in 1969. Formerly owned by the council and free to the public, the gardens have now been privatised, and charge entry. Tickets: £8.50 adults, £5 children.
Ventnor Heritage Museum, 11 Spring Hill, PO38 1PE. This small museum offers a wealth of information and photographic history of Ventnor's past, as well as many small books and pamphlets, many written by local volunteers. Admission £1.50 (Children Free).
Appuldurcombe House, Appuldurcombe Road, Wroxall, PO38 3EW (3 miles north of Ventnor, +44 1983 852484. adults £4.00, children £3.00, concessions £3.50.
Steephill Cove. A cove only accessible by foot at the southernmost tip of the island. There is an incredible seafood restaurant right on the beach - the owners catch their own lobsters and crabs daily, you would find it hard to get fresher seafood anywhere! And the view from the tables over the cove and out to sea is breathtaking.
Blackgang Chine. This was formerly a dramatic gorge through which one could walk to the sea. Following a catastrophic collapse, the Chine ceased to exist some decades ago, but the bizarre entertainment park, with its animated figures, is still worth a visit. This is the world's first and oldest theme park. Shanklin Chine, a smaller gorge, can still be visited. Bus #6 serves Blackgang.
- The Undercliff
- The Landslip (to Luccombe and Shanklin)
- St. Boniface Down
The beach is much smaller than the huge yellow sands at Sandown and Shanklin but it is less commercial, a better place to go to unwind. There is an arcade, and shops selling ice creams, buckets and spades and other seaside stuff.
The Met is a stylish tapas bar located right on the Esplanade with views out on the sea.
The Spyglass Inn on the sea front is nice, and you can sit outside and watch the sea. The brave can try the "Oyster Stout" from the Ventnor brewery.