Ventnor Town

Ventnor on the South of the Isle of Wight is a traditional seaside resort, and one of Britain's most famous Victorian health resorts due to its unique micro-climate.

The town lies beneath St Boniface Down (the highest point on the Isle of Wight) and for the most part is built on the side of a steep hill leading down to the seafront and beach. 

Things To Do in Ventnor

Ventnor has plenty of things to do both in the town and nearby.

Ventnor Beach is a great suntrap, and the sand and shingle beach is great for sunbathing and family swimming.

The beach huts that line the back of the beach are converted Victorian “bathing machines” and are available to hire, along with deckchairs.

Ventnor Harbour and the bandstand development are very prominent on the seafront and offer a great viewing platform to look out to sea, and the Ventnor Haven Fishery sells the best in local crab and lobster.

On the main promenade there is a traditional arcade with a range of amusements, then opposite the harbour the spectacular Cascade Gardens run down the side of the cliff where the main road zig-zags its way back up into the main town.

Further along there is a children’s paddling pool which features a giant map of the Isle of Wight, and from here there are great walks to Wheelers Bay and Bonchurch along the Sea Wall. Whilst in Bonchurch visit St Boniface Old Church which is is one of the few medieval churches in England.  

A short distance from the seafront at the Western side of the town you can stroll through the beautiful award-winning Victorian Ventnor Park that has a bandstand for outdoor events in the Summer, putting green and an outdoor gymnasium. This park leads onto the famous Ventnor Botanic Gardens at the Undercliff, where the town’s micro-climate can be truly appreciated in a 22-acre sub-tropical paradise.

A short walk from here and you will discover one of the Isle of Wight’s best kept secrets, Steephill Cove, which is one of the most relaxing beaches on the Island.

Just outside of Ventnor you can explore and lose yourself in the Land of Imagination at Blackgang Chine…the UK’s oldest amusement park. Step out of the everyday and into a magical world where the only constraint is your own creativity.

Places To Eat in Ventnor

Along Ventnor esplanade there are several pubs, cafes and restaurants offering a variety of food and refreshments, with a number of alternative places to eat further into town.

With the local fisheries there are some great fish and seafood options available at many of the eateries, and some of the local hotels are highly recommended for their fine dining experiences.

Events in Ventnor

In recent years Ventnor has become the regular host of several big arts and culture events, with the Isle of Arts Festival and Ventnor Fringe.

It is also one of the Isle of Wight’s main carnival towns, with daytime and illuminated processions taking place during the summer months.

A short drive along the coast is one of the Isle of Wight’s best known attractions, Blackgang Chine, and regular events are hosted here to entertain all the family.

Places To Stay in Ventnor

Many of Ventnor’s hotels are housed in charming Victorian buildings, and as a traditional holiday resort there is no shortage of places to stay in the local area.

The luxurious Royal Hotel is one of the oldest hotels on the Island and is the perfect choice for those looking to treat themselves to a well-earned weekend break!

Appudurcombe Gardens Holiday Park offers a great place to stay that's close to Ventnor and set within beautiful countryside.

If you are looking for spectacular sea views Ventnor’s hillside location provides many of the buildings with this aspect, so be sure to check with the accommodation provider if this option is available when booking.

Ventnor Local Information

If you are looking for further information on Ventnor and the rest of the Isle of Wight then call in at the Ventnor Tourist Information Point.

Located at Seasons Newsagents and Post Office, on Ventnor High Street, they stock a range of leaflets and brochures and their staff will be happy to offer advise where possible.

Getting Around Ventnor

You can enjoy the spectacular scenery from the top deck of one of the regular buses that serves the town.

Catch a bus northwards to Shanklin, Sandown & Ryde, or travel across the Island to Godshill, Newport or Cowes.