Things to do in Shanklin

Shanklin is one of the Isle of Wight’s most well-known resorts, and it is therefore no surprise that there is a whole range of activities and attractions nearby to keep you entertained during your visit, no matter what the weather!

Here are 10 great ideas for things to do in Shanklin

• Take a stroll through Shanklin Chine
• Relax in a deck chair or go for a paddle on Shanklin Beach
• See a show at Shanklin Theatre
• Enjoy an Isle of Wight Cream Tea
• Take in an open air concert at the Bandstand in Rylstone Gardens
• Browse the unique, quirky shops in the Old Village
• Explore with one of the many walking or cycling routes around Shanklin
• Enjoy one of the many activities on Shanklin Esplanade
• Take in the stunning views across the Bay from the cliff path
• Taste some exquisite fresh Isle of Wight Seafood whilst gazing across the Bay

One of Shanklin’s most recognisable attractions and buildings is the Shanklin Theatre which is located on Prospect Road at one of the highest points of Shanklin town. Originally opened in 1874 the Theatre has offered a brilliant variety of entertainment over the years, from music, comedy and theatre to ballet, circus and even wrestling!

Here are 10 quirky facts about Shanklin Theatre:

• “Did you know that whilst patrons were watching a show upstairs, a reinforced room had been constructed downstairs for the Civil Defence and Air Raid Wardens to monitor the ‘show’ of warfare in both World War II and the Cold War”
• “Shanklin Theatre is reputed to have 82 rooms, but the audience only have access to 12 of them”
• “Did you know that scenes from the film "That'll be the day" starring David Essex were shot on location at Shanklin Theatre in 1973”
• “Actors & Stars would quite often complete a show at the Sandown Pavilion, jump in a waiting cab to be whisked off to perform at Shanklin Theatre, the performing actor coming in the opposite direction from Shanklin Theatre on the way to Sandown Pavilion would quite often stop and meet at Lake traffic lights to compare notes on the two different audiences”
• “Did you know that Shanklin Theatre was formerly known as “The Institute” and opened in 1879”
• “The original seating for the theatre was bought from W.W.Turner of Birmingham at a cost of £820.00”
• “Did you know that Shanklin Theatre is unusual in that the audience are sitting on the flat, it is the stage which is raked. This might need special care and positioning when a wheelchair is in the production. Occupant and Wheelchair could end up in the front row”
• “There is a time capsule put behind the 1933 foundation stone, this stone was half of the original stone which was cut in half”
• “Did you know that J.B.Priestley personally attended a performance of his own play of “Time and the Conways” at Shanklin Theatre in August 1938”
• “The original stage tabs (which was in crushed strawberry) and auditorium curtains were purchased from Fowlers at Ryde for £210.00”