Ventnor is a charming Victorian Coastal town and seaside resort located on the South of the Isle of Wight.
In Victorian times Ventnor became a fashionable holiday and health resort. Sir James Clark, Queen Victoria’s doctor, endorsed the health-giving properties of Ventnor’s climate.“Nothing along the south coast will bear comparison with it” he enthused.
The town is currently reinventing itself as a stylish destination with new residential development, luxury hotels, wine bars, a piano bar and a new harbour. It was recently listed as the 7th best coastal town in Britain in Coast magazine, and was described by BBC Radio Solent as the new Notting Hill.
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.
With the sparkling sea below and the Holm oak trees which have colonised the south-facing chalk slopes, there is almost a Mediterranean flavour to the landscape. On top of the downs you’ll find a complete change of landscape with large open areas of grass and heather. It is such a rewarding area to walk in as there is great variety and wonderful wildlife at different times of the year and fantastic views can be enjoyed from this lofty position.
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.
Situated in the Harbour is the Ventnor Haven Fishery which offers the very best in local fresh crab and lobster. The fresh sea air and picturesque setting make the Ventnor Haven Fishery a go-to destination for families and couples to take in the Island’s idyllic beauty.
Looking across from the Harbour you’ll see the Cascade road that winds its way around a rocky waterfall to arrive on the seafront where from the bandstand-like structure will give you 360 degree views from its lofty viewing platform. To the left is a long rock spit that stretches out to sea: an ideal walk with your camera to then look back on the seafront and Cascade.
Opposite the Harbour is the paddling pool which features a giant replica of the Isle of Wight showing all the major towns and roads, that has entertained children for over 100 years. Next to the paddling pool is a restaurant serving great all day breakfasts as well as lunches and snacks.
Walk along the seafront and there are all the ingredients of an ideal beach holiday: ice-creams, a bistro-style bar serving tapas and drinks, a beach shop, more cafes and, crowning the bay, the world famous Spyglass Inn, which has a quirky nautical-themed interior and upper and lower deck terraces overlooking the sea.
The highest point on the island, is reached by a footpath from the old railway station in Mitchell Avenue. The view is amazing, and once you’re there you can walk over the downs to Shanklin or Appuldurcombe or walk back via the undercliff and Bonchurch. The top can also be reached by car from Down Lane on the right as you are leaving Ventnor on the Newport road.
This is a pleasant walk away around the coast path and has exotic plants from around the world in themed gardens within a landscaped setting. The temperate house has many exotic species in a ‘tropical’ climate. A charge is made for admission.
Steephill Cove:
This lies on the round-island coastal path, between Ventnor Bay and the Botanic Garden. Steephill remains a tranquil retreat with an appearance that has changed little with the centuries. It is still a working port, with crab and lobster fishermen bringing in their daily catch and the opportunity to sample it on the beach.
Housed in a converted cottage on the Western Esplanade with a small personal collection of historical and nautical items.
A lovely garden with water (the former mill stream) tumbling down through it ending with an Isle of Wight shaped paddling pool on the Esplanade.
Cheetah Marine operate boat trips in season along the coast by catamaran from Ventnor Haven harbour.
Ventnor is rapidly becoming a food destination of the island with a wide variety of places to eat and drink at a range of prices. Here is a small selection, all within walking distance of Driftwood Cottage.
The Spyglass is on the Western Esplanade.
It has pub food, real ales, nautical memorabilia and seating right on the shore. It is a pleasant place to spend a summer’s afternoon or evening.
The Met-Italia, on the Esplanade near the Haven, is a contemporary style wine bar which serves Italian food as well as coffees throughout the day.
The Smoking Lobster is a new largely seafood restaurant on the seafront serving really good food.
Ventnor Winter Gardens serves pub food and has a lovely view over Ventnor Bay.
Besty and Spinky’s Blue Ocean Quay is and friendly and stylish beach café on the Eastern Esplanade next to the paddling pool. Widely regarded as serving the best breakfasts in Ventnor.
Cantina is an losely Italian restaurant in the High Street (underneath High Street Suites 3) who do acclaimed breakfast, coffee and light meals during the day.
The Royal Hotel in Belgrave Road, close is in the Michelin Guide and has a 2 AA rosettes bistro which is open to non-residents.
The Bistro on Pier Street, serves local food prepared in front of you and often has interesting paintings on the wall.
