Ventnor is full of character, and its spectacular position on the hillside which slopes down to the sea has helped the town to enjoy a particularly warm climate. Ventnor rose to prominence during the reign of Queen Victoria, and quickly became one of Britain’s most famous Victorian health resorts.
Its sheltered beach is great for sunbathing and swimming, and with pubs and cafes along the newly updated esplanade, refreshments – including tempting island-made ice cream - are never far away.
Ventnor town centre features a good choice of antique and bric a brac shops too, which are perfect for relaxed browsing. You might like to stretch your legs with a refreshing walk along the sea wall walkway to the picturesque and historic village of Bonchurch, which has a lovely village pond, places to eat and drink, and a tiny church full of character and history.
One of Ventnor’s major attractions is the Botanic Garden, a 22-acre sub-tropical paradise. You can walk there from Ventnor along the coast, taking in one of the island’s hidden gems, Steephill Cove. Another walk to savour takes you along the high cliffs of St Lawrence overlooking St Catherine’s Point, woodland and an exposed rocky beach.