Shanklin Tourist Guide Isle of Wight Shanklin Chine Tourist Attractions

Shanklin Tourist Information

Shanklin is just south along the coast from Sandown. The town is separated from the sea by steep. Shanklin's tourist hotspots are split between the Old Village with its thatched houses along the main A3055 road that goes through the town, and the Esplanade along the seafront and beach at the southern end of Sandown Bay.

Handy for the beach, the Esplanade is lined with hotels, cafes and amusements. There is also crazy golf and putting and an indoor children's play area and fun fair. The Shanklin Dotto train runs a circular route every 20-30 minutes from the Esplanade to the Old Village and back from April to October 10am-5pm. You can also take the cliff lift that links the town with the Esplanade.

Shanklin has a tourist information centre on the High Street just along from the Old Village which is open April-October Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm. Sunday 10am-3.30pm.

Shanklin Tourist Information, 67 High Street, Shanklin. PO37 6JJ.

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Shanklin Beach

Shanklin beach lies at the southern end of Sandown Bay. It's a Blue Flag sandy beach renowned for its safe bathing areas and is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer.

There are zoned recreation areas for swimming and watersports which are popular here. The northern end of the beach is lined with beach huts and is backed by the Esplanade. The beach becomes quieter with fewer attractions as it stretches south.

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Shanklin Chine

Shanklin Chine is a popular tourist attraction behind the Old Village. It's a richly wooded ravine where waterfalls cascade down the slopes. Footpaths and walkways lead you down through the chine to the Esplanade. The chine was notoriously used by smugglers and it was also the scene of a clash between the English and the French who tried to invade the Isle of Wight in 1545 - the last time they would mount such an attack.

There are attractions associated with the chine including Fisherman's Cottage, House in the Chine, a nature trail and The Shanklin Chine Heritage Centre. Fisherman's Cottage was once lived in by the Colenutt family who originally put the path through the chine, until 1960 when Miss Colenutt had to be rescued when the house was flooded during a storm. Today it is a pub and there is also a tea garden and gift shop near the Esplanade.

The Shanklin Chine Heritage Centre is housed in the Victorian House in the Chine which was once a popular guest house for newlyweds. Today the Heritage Centre tells the story of the Island through a variety of themed exhibitions, particularly where it has had some impact on Shanklin Chine.

Shanklin Chine is open from March to October and an admission fee is charged. There is a discount for groups of ten or more. Entrance: Shanklin Esplanade PO37 6BW or Shanklin Old Village PO37 6QT. Tel: 01983 866432. Fax: 01983 866145.

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Shanklin Theatre

Just off the High Street is the Shanklin Theatre.

Performances are put on throughout the year including plays, musicals and panto as well as national productions on tour to the island. Check their website for up-to-date listings.

Shanklin Theatre. Prospect Road, Shanklin. PO37 6AJ. Tel: 01983 862739

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