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The ISLE OF WIGHT has been a favourite holiday destination since the introduction of a regular ferry service early in the 18th century, and, with the wonderful scenery of rolling countryside, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches along with historic villages and attractive resorts, still appeals to an ever increasing number of visitors.
The popular resort of SHANKLIN offers all the traditional seaside attractions and with its gently sloping sandy beach provides excellent swimming and sunbathing. The Esplanade is an undercliff promenade lined with small hotels, cafes and amusements including putting and crazy golf, arcades, indoor children's play area and fun fair. There is a cliff lift which connects the town centre on the cliff top with the Esplanade and beach below. A stroll along Shanklin's High Street and Regent Street will reveal a range of cafes, restaurants and individually owned shops while the thatched cottages of The Old Village offer the visitor a range of tea rooms and unique gift shops. At the south end of the promenade is Shanklin Chine, once the haunt of smugglers. With access from both the promenade and The Old Village on the cliff top, this fissure in the cliff is a rich haven of rare plants. Today there is a path winding down beside a 40ft waterfall through ferns and banks and mossy boulders and the Chine is most appreciated on a hot summer's day. The spring which carved this natural wonder rises close to St Blasius Church. Picturesque Rylstone Gardens extend the whole southern length of the Chine. From the tranquillity of the gardens enjoy sea and woodland views which are rarely equalled. There is also a bandstand, a café and a zigzag flight of steps leading down to the beach below
The comfortable OCEAN VIEW HOTEL, enjoys an excellent cliff top position with magnificent, uninterrupted views of Shanklin Beach, Sandown Bay and the English Channel. The town centre is a short walk, and Dunnose Head, at the southern end of the Bay can be viewed from the hotel. All rooms are en-suite and comfortably appointed with tea/coffee making, TV, radio, and telephone. From the well appointed restaurant a varied choice of evening dinner menu and full breakfast is offered along with attentive service. Entertainment is provided most evenings which may include music for dancing on the large sprung dance floor. There is a large bar lounge, and additional facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, solarium, steam room, gym, snooker, table tennis and also a hairdressing salon.
Excursions will include a full day island tour as well as maybe a visit to Queen Victoria's Osborne House or to Ryde, the largest town on the island.
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