10 things we ♥ about Ventnor
Welcome to our beautiful sunshine resort – a holiday destination for foodies, culture lovers, discerning shoppers and beach lovers. Ventnor is on the southerly tip of the Isle of Wight and enjoys the benefits of the famous microclimate – making it one of the sunniest, happiest spots in the UK. We have the stunning Downs on one side, and the sparkling sea on the other. We serve up the best seafood on the Island and visitors come from all over the world for our arts events, festivals and Carnival. This website will tell you more about our unique little spot in the sun. Wish you were here? Come and visit us soon!
1. Ventnor is a sophisticated seaside resort, with picturesque Mediterranean style terraces and stunning sea views from all over the town. The beach changes colour with the tides, varying from golden to a rich russet red.
2. There’s a safe harbour, Ventnor Haven, where fishing boats drop their daily catch. This is also the perfect spot to enjoy posh fish and chips.
3. Lining the crescent-shaped shoreline, along the Esplanade, are many cafés and bars.
4. The clear waters are excellent for swimming and brave surfers can be seen here throughout the year.
5. There’s a great range of specialist, independent shops as well as some of the Island’s best cafés and restaurants.
6. The town nestles below St Boniface Down, the highest point on the Isle of Wight, and an area of outstanding natural beauty. At the southern tip of the island, Ventnor enjoys some of the UK’s sunniest summers and mildest winters. Palm trees and sub tropical plants flourish in this climate and you can admire many rare species at the lovely Botanic Garden.
7. This is a dramatic place to walk along the rugged coast line and steep cliffs. Go west towards Steephill Cove with its sheltered bay and golden sands, then on to romantic St Lawrence with its tiny 12thcentury church, and Parish church that displays fine examples of stained glass windows by renowned Pre-Raphaelite artists. Or take a level stroll east to historic Bonchurch which former resident Charles Dickens described as ‘the prettiest place I ever saw in my life’.
8. Ventnor has been famed for its therapeutic ‘air’ since the Victorian times when it was a fashionable spa resort. Many of the grander buildings in the area date from this era, and have been built from the honey-coloured local stone.
9. Ventnor also offers many cultural events and festivals throughout the year – plus other events that give the town its distinctive character, such as the Boxing Day Swim.
10. This is the home of the Ventnor wall lizard – beautiful green creatures that can be seen scuttling among the rocky walls in the town and at the Botanic Garden.
Wish you were here
Visitors love our beautiful town. Some people come here on holiday and then decide to move here. Come and visit us… and you’ll fall in love too.
