Frequently mentioned amongst the UK's sunniest spots, Shanklin is a favourite for those who love nothing more than to bask in the sun.
Shanklin’s good weather and traditional charm continues to attract visitors who come for its seafront fun, wartime history, and beautiful thatched village - not to mention the salt-kissed coastline that promises beach days and coastal walks aplenty. Stay for a day or two and enjoy everything Shanklin has to offer.
Shanklin Chine
One of the Isle of Wight's oldest attractions, visitors have been heading to Shanklin Chine for over 200 years.
Making your way through the magical cutting in the cliffs, you’ll uncover an enchanting waterfall and tea rooms to the Luccombe end of the esplanade.
For the best value, visit early on during your holiday as your ticket allows return trips, and this fascinating gorge holds many secrets to uncover! At night, the Chine is illuminated, creating an otherworldly display that will see jaws on the floor. Kids will love the resident dinosaurs, which were added in the last few years.
Shanklin Chine is also a good place to discover the story of the town's secret role in the war effort. It was here that the Pipeline Under The Ocean (PLUTO) provided a means of getting fuel to Cherbourg, where it could be used by the allied forces. Miles of pipeline were laid without German knowledge and supplied thousands of gallons every day.
The pipeline ran straight through the Chine, and you can still see a section of it in place. The Chine's heritage centre tells the whole story and there is also a plaque on the seafront showing the point at which the pipe began its journey to France.
Shanklin Theatre
The Old Village is home to Shanklin Theatre, which is probably the finest of its kind on the Isle of Wight. The attractive building has Victorian roots, but most of the theatre dates from the 1930s when it was rebuilt after a fire. Today, it is thriving thanks to a team of local volunteers who welcome household names as well as highly regarded Island theatre groups.
Rylstone Gardens
From the Old Village, head for Rylstone Gardens - one of the prettiest public parks on the Island. During the summer months, local brass bands can be found performing from the bandstand to create an idyllic scene and a free activity for music fans.
There’s a lovely café in the gardens and if you sit and sip your coffee for long enough, you might spot a red squirrel darting through the trees or across a path!
Mini golf
Home to not one, not two, but three mini golf courses, Shanklin is the perfect place to perfect your swing in a whacky setting.
On a sunny day choose from Pirates Cove minigolf with its blood-red waterfall or the realistic residents of the Jurassic Bay course, both of which are along the promenade. There's also an indoor course called Caddyshack, which has 18 quirky holes themed around fairground rides, a skate ramp, and a drum kit.
If you’re enjoying a flower-scented stroll through Rylstone Gardens, you’ll be pleased to know there is a fabulous, vintage mini golf course, which boasts more of an old-fashioned and traditional feel than the seafront courses.
Beaches
Shanklin's sandy beach forms part of a golden 4-mile stretch that extends to neighbouring Lake and Sandown. Shanklin rightly features in our guide to the Isle of Wight's best beaches, with the cool waters offering the perfect antidote to a hot summer’s day.
There are huts and deckchairs available to hire, with the neat rows creating a wonderfully traditional seaside scene. Sit and enjoy an ice cream as the hubbub of paddleboarders, swimmers, and sandcastle builders fill the air.
Younger visitors will love a trip to the amusement arcade, which is constantly updated with modern games as well as housing nostalgic 2p machines.
Shopping
Up the hill from the esplanade is Shanklin's Old Village with its exquisitely-kept thatched tea rooms. The shops in the village are the perfect place for a holiday trinket or souvenir. There's a year-round Christmas shop as well as several gift shops where you can pick up locally made food and drink or a sweet treat.
Walks
Rylstone Gardens is a good spot to pick up the Isle of Wight coastal path. For keen walkers, the route provides a great chance to stretch your legs. You'll begin by walking past one of many guest houses that overlook the bay, before continuing your elevated view through Lake. Along the way there are a couple of popular stopping points, including The Hideaway and Blueberry's Café.
The walk then drops down into Sandown before climbing again to Culver Down. From here, you can enjoy a view of the entire bay or carry on a little further towards Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge.
If you are exploring on two wheels then you can join the Red Squirrel Trail in Shanklin. This 32-mile cycle route begins in Cowes in the north of the Island and includes a loop around the south east coastline. Much of the trail is traffic free and this particular section follows the sea wall with cliffs on one side and the beach on the other.
Places to eat
For food and drink, there's an abundance of beach cafés punctuating the esplanade. South East Beach Café and The Salix Café are always firm favourites but there are a dozen places to enjoy the view with a cappuccino in hand.
Evening diners have a good choice too, with a number of restaurants welcoming you to their terraces for an evening of food and fun. Treat yourself to fish and chips at the historic thatched pub called The Fisherman's Cottage, or try one of the relaxed seafront restaurants, including The Steamer or The Waterfront, for unbeatable sea views.
In the Old Village, you can't miss the Old Thatch Teashop with its bold pink exterior. Sit in the fairy-themed garden for a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea. For some casual dining, Pendletons offers an excellent menu and welcoming vibes, or head to the highly-rated Italian restaurant called Pavarotti’s.
Fill your days with sun, sand, and sea at Shanklin on the Isle of Wight with one our beautiful holiday cottages, the perfect place for a beachside stay.
