EXPLORE SOUTH
EXPLORE SOUTH On the Isle of Wight’s southern side, the traditional resort towns meet the more rugged landscapes of the West Wight. At one end you’ll find Shanklin’s long stretch of esplanade and beach. At the other, you can gaze out at the striking St Catherine’s Lighthouse surrounded by nothing but the Island’s outstanding natural beauty.
SHANKLIN
WHY GO? The resort town of Shanklin is split into two distinct areas: the Old Village, with its pretty streets and thatched roofs, and the newer town, from which the road to the esplanade snakes down the hill to the seafront and sandy beaches. The main beach gets busy in the summer, but it quietens down as you walk towards Lake, past Small Hope Beach. Low tide
is the best time to visit if you want to ensure you have plenty of space for building sandcastles.
entry for seven days, so it is best value to visit at the start of your holiday. Quirky Shanklin gift shops include Jurassic Jim’s Fossil Shop (jurassicjim.com), Cavanagh & Baker’s emporium of Island-made gifts (cavanagh-baker.co.uk) and Jingle Bells Christmas Shop (jinglebellschristmasshop.co.uk) where you can treat yourself to a tree decoration on a baking hot day in August. Shanklin Seafront (shanklinseafront.co.uk) is the place for last-minute bucket and spade purchases or a trip to the arcades. Dinosaur fans will enjoy Jurassic Bay minigolf or there’s an indoor course called Caddyshack which provides a good challenge for competitive siblings.
A short walk away is Rylstone Gardens which has a traditional minigolf course and café. Visit on a Sunday afternoon and you might hear a local brass band performing in the park. Rylstone Gardens is by the entrance to one of the Isle of Wight’s oldest, and most understated attractions, Shanklin Chine (shanklinchine.co.uk). The Chine is beautiful at any time of day, but really comes into its own after dark, when its stunning landscapes, waterfalls and plant life are brought to life by magical illuminations. The ticket price includes
FEELING HUNGRY?
Shanklin’s Esplanade is your best bet for relaxed dining with a sea view. The Waterfront (waterfront-inn.co.uk) and The Steamer (thesteamer.co.uk) are two adjacent restaurants which have a lively atmosphere on a summer’s evening. Keep walking to the end of the esplanade to discover the Fisherman’s Cottage (facebook.com/fishcott), which is a thatched pub on the beach. REDFUNNEL.CO.UK
79
