Ventnor is the southern most resort on The Island. The town was built up in the Victorian era and sits on the side of St. Boniface Down. The Down offers shelter to the town, which takes full advantage of The Gulf Stream, which runs up The English Channel. Ventnor has a Botanical Gardens, which is situated to the west of the town centre. Here you will find many varieties of vegetation, which only grow in the sheltered climate of Ventnor.
Being built on the side of the Downs, there is always a sea view and the large Victorian houses offer you an insight into what the town was like in its Victorian “hay day”. Much money is being spent on the area, which now boasts a small harbour. The clear waters are accessed from a gently sloping sand and shingle beach. Superb pubs overlook the beach area and cafes, which offer locally, caught seafood, which is brought to shore by Blake's of the town. Watch their boat leave the harbour and then return with the days catch. From the esplanade you can walk to the towns shops, past the cascade and Winter Gardens, or take the level walk through to Bonchurch, along the revetment walk. If you decide to head further south, you can walk along the cliff tops towards Steephill Cove, a beautiful sheltered bay, which is only accessed on foot. A great safe place for the children to play and enjoy the safe bathing.
The town centre itself offers a wide range of “knick-knack” and speciality shops, which sell books, antiques and many other items of interest. There are also tearooms and pubs. From The High Street you can catch a bus to the majority of the Island's principal towns. One trip, which is well worth doing, is the open top bus, which will take you right around the Island and offer superb views from every direction. If you head further south towards Niton and St. Catherine's, take the road through Undercliff. This drive is truly unique, trees shade the road so that it is like driving through a tunnel, this coupled by steep cliffs and beautiful walks, mean that the Undercliff can offer a full day out. Visit Isle of Wight glass, where you can watch glass being made and designed right in front of your eyes – the finished product being sold right across The Globe.
