Shanklin town

One of the jewels of Sandown Bay, the town of Shanklin has long been known as a traditional holiday destination and has everything you need for a great family holiday or to go to with friends or as a couple. With lots of seafront hotels, amusement arcades and crazy golf, it is the epitome of the British beach resort.

But Shanklin these days is so much more than that.

It has a thriving town centre with a host of independent shops, restaurants and pubs and its own theatre. Then there is the history of the town, from it being the home of the poet Keats to its vital role in the Second World War.

Whatever you like to do on holiday, then Shanklin is certainly a place to Say Yes to.

Things to do

There are few locations on the Isle of Wight which boast such a tranquil and picturesque location. The stunning tree-lined Shanklin Chine cuts its way from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade far below. The attraction also features a special monument to 40 Royal Marine Commando who trained in the Chine in preparation for the Dieppe landings in World War 2. Visitors can also learn about the role of the chine in the famous PLUTO (Pipeline Under The Ocean) which carried petrol to the Allied troops in France during the D-Day landings.

Stroll along the seafront – Shanklin lost its pier in the 1987 hurricane but there is a plaque remembering it and much more on the Esplanade. Two themed adventure golf courses, amusement arcade, zorbing and the cliff lift which saves your legs from the trek back up the hill. The seafront also has plenty of pubs and cafes.

Have a night out at Shanklin Theatre. It is the Isle of Wight’s biggest and its volunteer-led management put on great shows throughout the year, as well as welcoming top comedians and musicians. There is always something on at this stunning venue.

Be sure to check out the Old Village. The thatched buildings of the Old Village are always popular with tourists, who browse the gift shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Enjoy Rylstone Gardens – This wonderful park near to the Old Village has a bandstand which welcomes bands and singers throughout the summer, as well as an old-fashioned crazy golf course and a traditional tea gardens.

Find out more things to do in Shanklin here.

Places to eat and drink

Shanklin has no shortage of super restaurants, welcoming pubs and cozy cafes. As well as on the seafront there is a good cluster of eateries on the High Street. Pubs along the seafront include Fisherman’s Cottage, Steamer Inn and The Waterfront, while the Village Inn at Shanklin, opposite The Old Village’s The Crab, are popular with visitors and locals alike.

On the cliff top Blueberrys Café has won awards for its friendly service and great food.

Places to stay

Shanklin has no shortage of great hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation.

Luccombe Villa Holiday Apartments are situated in a tranquil position, just a short stroll from Shanklin Chine. There are nine apartments, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms and all are spacious and well equipped.

Choose from the luxury Luccombe Hall Hotel, which boasts magnificent views of the beautifully landscaped Grand View Gardens and stunning Sandown Bay or the sister hotel, Luccombe Manor, that also shares the stunning location on the cliff top overlooking Shanklin beach. 

The beautiful, luxury Haven Hall Hotel also overlooks the sea and has 14 en-suite bedrooms including 6 suites with attached living rooms.

The Clifton is located on Shanklin’s cliff top providing amazing sea views, breathtaking sunrises and spectacular sunsets from their award winning garden. The delightful furnished en-suite bedrooms in this B&B will complete your stay making it an ideal retreat.

Island Holiday Homes provides a wide range of top-quality self-catering and serviced accommodation from charming cottages nestled within the countryside to luxurious serviced apartments with sea views.

Or tucked away beside the seaside town of Shanklin, Parkdean Resorts offers a scenic location with plenty of outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained.

Discover more places to stay in Shanklin here.

Tourist information

Shanklin’s Tourist Information Point is situated at Vernon Cottage Gift Shop in the Old Village.

Getting there and getting around

Shanklin is the final terminus on Island Line Network Rail trains from Ryde and the station is close to the centre of town.

Southern Vectis buses from Newport (Routes 2 and 3) provide regular links and Services 22 and 24 are more local to the town, as is the Shanklin Shuttle to the beach and back. The Island Coaster provides the tourist with a great experience of the Isle of Wight coastline.