Shanklin Town

One of the most popular holiday destinations on the Isle of Wight, Shanklin has everything you need for a great family holiday or to go to with friends or as a couple. Sandown Bay, which stretches from Culver Down in the North 8.5 miles through Sandown, Lake and Shanklin to the South has previously been a winner of the Beach of The Year in the Countryfile Magazine Awards 2019.

From the long wide sandy beach, perfect for bucket and spade days to the wooded ravine which is Shanklin Chine and the Old Village with its independent shops, restaurants, and pubs, you won’t be short of something to do. Shanklin has all the charm of a proper seaside town and set against the dramatic sandstone cliffs, the beach is one of the most stunning walks to take on the Island. You could rent a beach hut and watch the world go by or try your hand at the water sports on offer or have a paddle.

Whether you’re young or old or somewhere in between there’s plenty to do for everyone. With its mixtures of green spaces, beach and town, parks, and gardens, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Sit in the peaceful and tranquil Rylstone Gardens, take a picnic, and just relax. Have a look at their programme of events and you may find yourself being serenaded by a band on the bandstand.

Go and see a show at Shanklin Theatre which has an amazing mix of professional and amateur shows as well as concerts and comedy to choose from. Take the kids to the Esplanade and spend some pennies on traditional seaside games and amusements and take advantage of the wide range of pubs and cafes or walk through Shanklin Chine and admire this unique gorge with its rare plants and delightful waterfall.

The Old Village with its pretty thatched cottages and history, housing gift shops and tea rooms is the perfect spot for a cream tea or a light lunch. There are also miles of cycle ways and footpaths for you to enjoy so come prepared to get yourself some all-important vitamin D. And during the summer months, there are carnivals and the Shanklin Regatta to enjoy, which add to the excitement of your holiday.

Cream tea? Light lunch? Traditional fish and chips? Locally caught crab and lobster. Whatever your foodie pleasures, you’ll find it in Shanklin. From traditional cafes, tea rooms, pubs, and restaurants to an ice cream beside the seaside, you’ll have no problem pleasing everyone. Lots of venues have live music, quizzes, and entertainment at weekends and during the summer months so it’s well worth having a look to see what’s going on. Many pubs and restaurants serve local ales and produce sourced from the Island so that you really will be able to taste and eat the Wight.