Shanklin
Shanklin Town © TAB
Set on the southeast coast in a beautiful sheltered bay, Shanklin is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Isle of Wight. Loved for its long stretches of golden sands and traditional seaside activities. It is said that the town attains more sunshine hours than any other place in Britain.
In addition to the award-winning beaches, the rest of the coast provides a long rugged coastline, ideal for enjoyable walks. The sea here is popular for a wide range of water sports and activities. The Isle of Wight is also regarded as one of the best places for cycling in the world, with over 150 miles of way-marked cycle routes.
The old town at Shanklin straddles the cliff top, with miles of sheltered golden beach below it, popular for swimming and sun bathing. Although now heavily commercialised, there is also much history and interest to be found here. The lift down to the beach has been in place for well over 100 years, although the present version was built in 1956.
Shanklin Beach © Travel About Britain
The old village (to the south of the town), has many quaint thatched cottages overgrown with honeysuckle and roses. Dotted here are there are pretty little pubs, like the Crab Inn, which dates from the early 17th-c. The walk from the village down through Shanklin Chine to the beach is delightful. It passes through a narrow cleft with overhanging trees and a little cascading stream and waterfall.
The poet John Keats loved this area so much that he lived here for many years. A large green on the cliff-top Promenade commemorates his association with this lovely town.
Map of Shanklin
South East England
Towns & Villages on the IOW
Cowes, Freshwater, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Newport, Ventnor
Attractions on the IOW
Appuldurcombe House | Bembridge Windmill | Blackgang Chine | Brighstone Museum | Dinosaur Isle | Steam Railway | Mottistone Manor Garden | Needles Battery | Newtown Creek | Osborne House | Old Town Hall | Robin Hill