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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Early Morning.

Ellesmere

in the county of Shropshire

Castle Acre Priory, Norfolk

Castle Acre

in the county of Norfolk

Pictures of Ventnor

in the county of Isle of Wight

About Ventnor

The delightful resort of Ventnor, lies, almost crescent shaped, beneath the highest point on the island, the towering 780ft St.Boniface Down. It is reached via a road with a series of 'switchback' bends and as you drive down the Victorian influence
becomes quickly obvious from the number of Victorian villas with sweeping verandhas, perched on ledges as if clinging to the hillside for protection.

Ventnor, has a lovely golden sandy beach. It is sheltered all round by overhanging cliffs and is ideal for bathers and sun worshippers alike. Ventnor is often called the Madeira of England and the reason for this is the 6 mile undercliff, an overhanging ledge formed by landslides, beneath which palms and tropical plants grow in great profusion. The whole effect is quite delightful and very continental, hence Madeira.

The beautiful Botanic Gardens are well worth a visit. The gardens are very peaceful and here you can experience the wonderful world of rare plants, shrubs and flowers. You should also visit the local Museum of Smuggling. Smuggling was once a common occupation on the island and the only way that some families had of 'earning' a living. Anbother attraction is at the western end of the Undercliff - St. Catherine's Point has a Lighthouse. With boating, paddling pools, summer shows, disco's and amusement arcades, Ventnor provides plenty of seaside amusements to keep the family, including children, happy.

There is little doubt that this place was much loved by the Victorians, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had a home on the Island and the influence of this era is everywhere. The pier, parks and gardens all carry the unmistakable hallmark of the Victorian age.

To the west of Ventnor is the secluded beach of Steephill which can only be reached on foot. It is a walk of around a mile, but once there the walker is rewarded by the sight of an exquisite beach surrounded by cliffs and quaint cottages.

There are lots of places to visit on the Island and you should not return home without taking a look at Osbourne House, the royal home built by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The state apartments are open to the public, they are almost exactly as the Queen left them when she died there in 1901. Another place with royal connections is Norris Castle where the Queen stayed as a child.

This is an Island that offers much - the coastline is a sublime mix of soft golden beaches, bays and coves, towering cliffs, a sometimes turbulent sea battering against the Needles, and sometimes the sea is calm and full of yatches (especially during Cowes Week) all jostling forward towards the winning line.

Recommended towns & villages near Ventnor

Pub/Restaurant near Shanklin

Shanklin (57 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(3.0 miles, 4.9 km, direction NE of Ventnor)

This is a busy and popular seaside town with cliffs rising in places to a height of around 150ft, the lower slopes lead down to the beach which opens up to a delightful bay...

Godshill, Isle of Wight

Godshill (91 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(3.4 miles, 5.5 km, direction NW of Ventnor)

This is a gorgeous little spot which makes an ideal 'away from the crowds' location in which to sample peaceful Island life...

Old part of Sandown.

Sandown (44 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(5.1 miles, 8.1 km, direction NE of Ventnor)

Sandown was developed as a resort town during the Victorian era, many fine properties remain from these heady romantic times during which some quite famous people descended upon the town...

Bembridge Windmill - Isle of Wight Taken in April 2007

Bembridge (15 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction NE of Ventnor)

The vast inviting sandy beaches of Bembridge are crammed with summer visitors, many of whom flock here annually to part-take of the delights of this enjoyable resort...

The needles IOW

Newport (21 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction NW of Ventnor)

County Town, being sited on the River Medina, about 5 miles from the sea. Despite its name, the town became the 'New Port' and was given its charter by Richard de Revers, Lord of the Island, as early as 1180...

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Nearby attractions..

Appuldurcombe House, Wroxall, Isle of Wight

Appuldurcombe House (3 Pictures)

(2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction NW)

This marvellous, romantic ruin was once one of the finest 18th century mansions on the Isle of Wight. The building, in a.....

A Diamond Yawn

Isle of Wight Zoo (13 Pictures)

(5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction NE)

The Isle of Wight Zoo is a popular attraction located on the Isle of Wight, off the southern coast of England. Situated near the.....

Brading Roman Villa exterior

Brading Roman Villa (13 Pictures)

(5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction N)

..

Carisbrooke Castle looking inwards

Carisbrooke Castle & Museum (28 Pictures)

(7.9 miles, 12.8 km, direction NW)

The castle is where the Roundheads kept King Charles I a prisoner from 1647 until shortly before his execution on 30 January.....

Flamingo Park, Seaview, Isle of Wight

Flamingo Park (4 Pictures)

(9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction N)

..

Quarr, Old Abbey ruins

Quarr Abbey (4 Pictures)

(9.3 miles, 15.0 km, direction N)

The ruins of Quarr Abbey can be found close to the entrance of Wooten Creek, a pretty waterway used by small fishing boats and.....

Osborne House. Isle of Wight

Osborne House (73 Pictures)

(11.0 miles, 17.7 km, direction N)

It is often said, in spite of the fact Queen Victoria spent much of her time at Balmoral in the Scottish highlands, that Osborne.....


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