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10 Best Places To Stay In Shanklin 2025
Shanklin is one of the Isle of Wight's most popular holiday spots, thanks in part to claims that it is the UK's sunniest place.
Shanklin has one of the Island's best ranges of holiday parks, hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, self-catering cottages and other places to stay. It's ideal for youngsters who want to build sandcastles and eat ice cream or those looking for a traditional British seaside holiday. Shanklin isn't the place to choose for a quiet week away from civilisation.
In my mind, there are four main parts to Shanklin:
Shanklin has one of the Island's best ranges of holiday parks, hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, self-catering cottages and other places to stay. It's ideal for youngsters who want to build sandcastles and eat ice cream or those looking for a traditional British seaside holiday. Shanklin isn't the place to choose for a quiet week away from civilisation.
In my mind, there are four main parts to Shanklin:
- Shanklin's esplanade has the very best sea views and is very busy. There aren't many places to stay there because it is mostly minigolf courses, amusement arcades and car parks for trips to the beach. You will find some hotels and apartments on the seafront including Shoreside Inn and The Adelaide. Parking on the esplanade is a competitive sport.
- Shanklin's old village doesn't have sea views, but it has lots of quaint thatched cottages and places to buy things you don't really need. This area is mostly shops and places to eat but there is some accommodation in Shanklin's old village including The Birkdale.
- The clifftop area has an abundance of guest houses and hotels. Some of them have sea views such as The Ocean View Hotel and Channel View Hotel. Several of these feature in our guide to hotels with a sea view. There's a footpath down to the esplanade.
- The town centre is the area around Regents Street. This part of the town feels more like a normal town rather than a holiday spot so there are fewer places to stay here.
Shanklin also has a train station so you can travel from Portsmouth Harbour as a foot passenger.
This guide mostly covers guest houses and hotels but for self-catering accommodation, there's a choice of 30 Shanklin self-catering cottages on Hoseasons and 40 Shanklin cottages on HolidayCottages.co.uk.
You might also like to read our guide to 15 things to do in Sandown and Shanklin.
Here is our selection of some of the best places to stay in Shanklin (in no particular order):
This guide mostly covers guest houses and hotels but for self-catering accommodation, there's a choice of 30 Shanklin self-catering cottages on Hoseasons and 40 Shanklin cottages on HolidayCottages.co.uk.
You might also like to read our guide to 15 things to do in Sandown and Shanklin.
Here is our selection of some of the best places to stay in Shanklin (in no particular order):
Shanklin is a classic British resort...
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...with sandy beaches, seafront restaurants and noisy amusement arcades
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1. Shanklin Villa (Self Catering with hot tubs, sleeps 2-10)
There are nine highly-rated apartments for rent within Shanklin Villa which sleep between 2 and 10 people. Some have sea views and hot tubs.
You also get access to a nearby hotel with a swimming pool, table tennis and squash - meaning you get the privacy of self catering with the facilities of a hotel. It's a five minute walk to the beach.
Options include:
Other apartments within Shanklin Villa include:
You can see all of the apartments here.
You also get access to a nearby hotel with a swimming pool, table tennis and squash - meaning you get the privacy of self catering with the facilities of a hotel. It's a five minute walk to the beach.
Options include:
- The Battenburg Studio Apartment (sleeps 2) is designed with couples in mind who would prefer a bit more privacy and a little less room-service than you would get from a hotel or a guesthouse. It's not huge but it's got everything you need (plus a communal hot tub). It works out as a similar cost to a guesthouse most of the time, but with a bit more space to yourself. The décor is modern and a bit more homely than a guesthouse.
- Sea views, a hot tub and a roof patio give the Cromwell Apartment (sleeps 8) the thumbs up. It sleeps eight people across three bedrooms and has two bathrooms. Two people will need to bunk up in the lounge, so it may be more comfortable for six people.
Other apartments within Shanklin Villa include:
- Beatrice Studio Apartment (sleeps 2)
- Worsley Apartment (sleeps 4)
- Cadogen Apartment (sleeps 4)
- Montagu Apartment (sleeps 8)
- Cromwell Apartment (sleeps 8)
- Eversley Apartment (sleeps 8)
- Mountbatten Apartment (sleeps 10)
You can see all of the apartments here.
The Shankin Villa apartments have modern interiors...
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...and some have a hot tub with a view
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2. Snowdon House (hotel with B&B)
Snowdon House makes our top 10 list because of its consistently positive reviews (5/5 on TripAdvisor). It's a family run guest house that offers bed and breakfast and free parking. They have a policy of not allowing children under 10 to stay so it will appeal to those after a bit of peace and quiet. The décor is very much a homely 'English guest house'...which isn't surprising considering that it is an English guest house! It's about 5 minutes walk to the beach.
Snowdon House is a traditional guest house with great reviews
3. Haven Hall Hotel (Hotel with B&B)
Haven Hall Hotel is one of the poshest hotels on the Isle of Wight and it has a number of glowing reviews from celebrities on its websites from the likes of Peter Crouch, Jimmy Carr, John Hartson and, er, Gary & Norma. Actually, I don't think those last two are celebrities but they still enjoyed their stay greatly. It scores an outstanding 5/5 on TripAdvisor from more than 500 reviews.
Some of the rooms are 'suites' meaning they have their own kitchens and lounges. They don't serve lunch and dinner but breakfast is provided and there are plenty of places to eat on Shanklin seafront, which is 10 minutes' walk away.
The location is impressive too, with sea views from the cliffs over Shanklin. There's an outdoor swimming pool and a grass tennis court for sunny days.
Some of the rooms are 'suites' meaning they have their own kitchens and lounges. They don't serve lunch and dinner but breakfast is provided and there are plenty of places to eat on Shanklin seafront, which is 10 minutes' walk away.
The location is impressive too, with sea views from the cliffs over Shanklin. There's an outdoor swimming pool and a grass tennis court for sunny days.
Haven Hall Hotel is one of the poshest hotels on the Isle of Wight and it has sea views
4. Lower Hyde Holiday Park (Caravans, Camping, hot tubs)
**Lower Hyde offer: Caravan holidays from £99 + discount Isle of Wight ferry travel**
I've included Lower Hyde Holiday Park as it's one of the larger holiday parks on the Island and it's a more practical option for families with young children (a lot of guest houses don't take small children). Some caravans also allow pets and you can upgrade to a lodge with a hot tub.
Lower Hyde is run by Parkdean Resorts and offers evening entertainment, kids' clubs, an outdoor pool, a sports court, bingo and pool tables. It's cheapest if you travel as a family with accommodation from about £10 per person per night at some times of year. Camping at Lower Hyde is a cheap option, or they have glamping if you want something in the middle.
Reviews are about 4/5 on most sites. It's about 15 minutes on foot to the beach, unless you are attempting to persuade a toddler to walk, in which case I'd allow three or four hours.
There's also a sister caravan park in Shanklin called Landguard Holiday Park. Landguard has an indoor swimming pool, but Lower Hyde has a nicer layout with lots more trees and space. Read our head-to-head guide of Landguard v Lower Hyde.
One of the biggest plus points of staying at Lower Hyde (or Landguard) is that Parkdean Resorts offer a whopping great discount on the Isle of Wight ferry. The price varies, but we've found it can as much as 50-70% off standard fares.
Lower Hyde is run by Parkdean Resorts and offers evening entertainment, kids' clubs, an outdoor pool, a sports court, bingo and pool tables. It's cheapest if you travel as a family with accommodation from about £10 per person per night at some times of year. Camping at Lower Hyde is a cheap option, or they have glamping if you want something in the middle.
Reviews are about 4/5 on most sites. It's about 15 minutes on foot to the beach, unless you are attempting to persuade a toddler to walk, in which case I'd allow three or four hours.
There's also a sister caravan park in Shanklin called Landguard Holiday Park. Landguard has an indoor swimming pool, but Lower Hyde has a nicer layout with lots more trees and space. Read our head-to-head guide of Landguard v Lower Hyde.
One of the biggest plus points of staying at Lower Hyde (or Landguard) is that Parkdean Resorts offer a whopping great discount on the Isle of Wight ferry. The price varies, but we've found it can as much as 50-70% off standard fares.
Lower Hyde Holiday Park is about 15 minutes walk to the beach at Shanklin
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It offers cheap caravans as well as lodges with hot tubs and glamping
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5. Brooke House (Hotel with evening meals)
Brooke House has a nice look to it - an old Victorian building with a modern, clean interior. It offers evening meals as well, whereas a lot of guest houses in Shanklin leave you to fend for yourself in the town.
It's two minutes' walk from the railway station, so you can get there without a car from Portsmouth (although a car is pretty useful if you want to explore the rest of the Island). Reviews are hard to beat, currently at 5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's about 5 or 10 minutes walk to the beach.
It's two minutes' walk from the railway station, so you can get there without a car from Portsmouth (although a car is pretty useful if you want to explore the rest of the Island). Reviews are hard to beat, currently at 5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's about 5 or 10 minutes walk to the beach.
Brooke House isn't right by the beach but reviewers love it and it offers evening meals
6. The Kenbury Guest House (Hotel with B&B)
The Kenbury is one of the more externally attractive guest houses in Shanklin with well kept gardens being a key feature. It's not the cheapest guest house in the town but it does have four stars and it has amenities such as wi-fi and free parking (particularly valuable during the high season when parking in Shanklin becomes a daily fight). It's about 5 to 10 minute walk to the beach.
B&B at the Kenbury in Shanklin
7. Foxhills (Adults only B&B)
Foxhills is an eight-bedroom B&B on one of the roads leading into Shanklin. It lacks the beachside location or sea views of some properties in Shanklin, but it makes up for it with red-hot reviews.
Reviewers on Google Reviews and TripAdvisor both give it 5/5, at the time of writing. That is exceptionally unusual, as you can always find someone that will complain that they were given too many baked beans for breakfast. (As an aside, one of my pet hates is someone who describes their accommodation as 'perfect' and then gives it four stars).
The rooms are colourful and modern and they're a little less set in the past than some English guest houses. You can charge your electric car in the car park, order avocado on toast for breakfast and choose from feather or synthetic pillows.
They also do a thing where you can rent the entire house as a self catering property if you book at least four rooms. Walking to the beach takes about 20 minutes.
Reviewers on Google Reviews and TripAdvisor both give it 5/5, at the time of writing. That is exceptionally unusual, as you can always find someone that will complain that they were given too many baked beans for breakfast. (As an aside, one of my pet hates is someone who describes their accommodation as 'perfect' and then gives it four stars).
The rooms are colourful and modern and they're a little less set in the past than some English guest houses. You can charge your electric car in the car park, order avocado on toast for breakfast and choose from feather or synthetic pillows.
They also do a thing where you can rent the entire house as a self catering property if you book at least four rooms. Walking to the beach takes about 20 minutes.
Foxhills in Shanklin has eight bedrooms, each with a different style
8. The Fawley Guest House (Hotel with B&B)
The Fawley is a guest house with a more modern interior than you might expect. Chintzy wallpaper has been replaced with a more stylish floral look that is more reminiscent of a show home rather than Fawlty Towers. It doesn't look stunning from the outside, but the interior makes up for it and the reviews are really good.
It only allows children over five. Reviews are 4.5/5 and it's only about a three minute walk to the beach.
It only allows children over five. Reviews are 4.5/5 and it's only about a three minute walk to the beach.
The Fawley in Shanklin is more modern inside than you might expect
9. Westbury Lodge Guest House (Hotel with B&B)
Westbury Lodge is one of many medium sized guest houses near the clifftop path in Shanklin. However, its stand-out feature is that it doesn't allow any children, so you will avoid the likes of my two-year-old 'accidentally' flicking porridge at you over breakfast.
It's a short walk to the beach lift or path, so about five minutes walk to the seafront where there are various restaurants or amusements that will happily take your small change. The bedrooms are modern, so you won't have to endure floral bed linen. Reviews are glowing at 5/5 on TripAdvisor.
It's a short walk to the beach lift or path, so about five minutes walk to the seafront where there are various restaurants or amusements that will happily take your small change. The bedrooms are modern, so you won't have to endure floral bed linen. Reviews are glowing at 5/5 on TripAdvisor.
Westbury Lodge is an adults only guest house
Fancy staying near the Isle of Wight Festival? See our guide to rooms in Newport.
10. The Adelaide (seafront self catering apartments)
I have a hierarchy when it comes to choosing holiday homes.
Bottom of the ranking is an inland property that is so far from the sea that you need to get in the car. Top score goes to properties where you can actually hear the sea from the property, as well as being able to admire it without standing on a chair or using binoculars.
The apartments at The Adelaide get top marks, as they are over the road from Shanklin's beach and they have their own balconies. We stayed at one of these and enjoyed listening the waves in the evening.
Each apartment is privately owned, but using a bit of detective work (Ed: you Googled it, right?) we've found five apartments at The Adelaide for hire.
Options include Piers End, Culver View, Lower Chine Apartment, Tides Reach and the exotically named Vue de Mer Ella. Each property sleeps four people.
Some of them have parking spaces, whilst others require you to pay for the seafront car parks or look for a cheaper alternative.
Bottom of the ranking is an inland property that is so far from the sea that you need to get in the car. Top score goes to properties where you can actually hear the sea from the property, as well as being able to admire it without standing on a chair or using binoculars.
The apartments at The Adelaide get top marks, as they are over the road from Shanklin's beach and they have their own balconies. We stayed at one of these and enjoyed listening the waves in the evening.
Each apartment is privately owned, but using a bit of detective work (Ed: you Googled it, right?) we've found five apartments at The Adelaide for hire.
Options include Piers End, Culver View, Lower Chine Apartment, Tides Reach and the exotically named Vue de Mer Ella. Each property sleeps four people.
Some of them have parking spaces, whilst others require you to pay for the seafront car parks or look for a cheaper alternative.
The Adelaide has a front view of the beach in Shanklin
11. The Birkdale Guest House (Hotel with B&B)
The Birkdale is another place to stay in Shanklin that doesn't look particularly special from the outside but has a very clean and modern interior. Some rooms have four poster beds and whirlpool baths. It is in the old village, rather than on the seafront but it's still walking distance to the beach (Shanklin is not a huge town...). Children aren't allowed at this one! Reviews are currently at 5/5 on TripAdvisor. It'll take you about 10 minutes to walk to the beach.
Birkdale Guest House is in Shanklin's twee old village
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