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15 things to do in Ventnor and South Wight (2021 guide)
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Some of the residents of Ventnor would probably prefer that it was annexed off and declared the Independent Republic of Ventnor, free from the shackles of the Isle of Wight’s other towns.
I exaggerate slightly, but the pretty seaside town does feel a long way from Cowes and Newport once you’ve wiggled your way downs its ridiculously steep roads. I love Ventnor and there are quite a few nice things to do in Ventnor and the South Wight for those who fancy a visit. If you're looking for places to stay in Ventnor and the South Wight then there's a big choice of self catering holiday homes on Airbnb (200+ when I checked). The main caravan park in the area is Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park. If you prefer hotels then The Royal, The Hambrough and The Hillside Hotel all get very good reviews, as do several others on Expedia. Anyway, here are 15 things to do in Ventnor and the South Wight: |
Ventnor by night
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1. Beaches
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Ventnor's beach used to be much sandier, but thanks to some epic storms one winter it became a fair bit shinglier. It is still a lovely coastline with chintzy little beach huts which were once bathing huts on wheels as well as lots of excellent chip-eating spots.
Steephill Cove is less accessible than Ventnor (the clue’s in the name) but it is a favourite of many. It feels a bit like a small Cornish fishing cove with half a dozen pretty little houses. Low tide is preferable as there’s very little beach otherwise. If you fancy somewhere really secluded, try Binnel Bay, Orchard Bay or Woody Bay. We once tried to have a picnic at Binnel Bay, despite there being no sand or soft surfaces to sit on. I’d describe it as a bumpy experience. See our clickable beaches map. |
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2. Blackgang Chine
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The UK's oddest - sorry, oldest - theme park remains a family favourite, despite it now being a bit pricier than you might remember when you visited in 1990 (read our money saving tips).
Everyone who went on a school trip to the Isle of Wight will reminisce about Blackgang Chine's Crooked House, the maze, the dinosaurs (which now move), the cowboys and the giant smuggler. It's also in an unbeatable location, hanging on the edge of a rather precarious coastline. You can read about our visit to Blackgang Chine in the blog. |
Walk through the smuggler's legs into Blackgang Chine
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3. Ventnor Paddling Pool and playgrounds
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Little splashers will love this map of the Island, complete with authentically cold water to recreate the icy Solent.
It is well located on the Esplanade, alongside some toilets and a nice cafe. There's a big pay and display car park nearby, which is handy for toddlers who are inclined to have an embarrassing meltdown and need swiftly returning to the car (by which I mean all toddlers). There’s also a playground high up by Ventnor Winter Gardens. |
My brother and mother walking across the Island
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4. Historic Churches
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Don't even think about taking children on a tour of historic churches. They won't enjoy it, and as a result neither will you.
My parents frequently dragged us around ancient churches as a youngster. Nowadays I can see the appeal - well preserved buildings that are nearly a thousand years old and they are free to get in. |
St Lawrence Old Church in the South Wight
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Part of Old St Boniface Church dates back to the 11th century. Charles I was brought to the church from his holiday home/prison at Carisbrooke Castle for a funeral.
St. Lawrence Old Church on Seven Sisters Road is quaintness multiplied by quaintness, with a door designed for very short people and seating for a tiny gathering.
St. Lawrence Old Church on Seven Sisters Road is quaintness multiplied by quaintness, with a door designed for very short people and seating for a tiny gathering.
5. Eat crab on chips or local ice cream
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The Isle of Wight doesn’t really have its own dish. Sure, there are lots of seafood places, and there’s a garlic festival, and there are some vague claims that the doughnut came from the Isle of Wight, but there’s not exactly one dish you instantly associate it with. Crab on Chips, sold at the Haven Fishery is one attempt to change that. It smells a bit fishy, but that’s the general idea.
Reviews average 3.5/5 at the time of writing. Alternatively, try Crave ice cream at the Ventnorian in the town centre. The ice cream is made on the premises and the big range of flavours change frequently. On my last visit I spent about 15 minutes trying to decide which flavour to have. I'm sure there are other good ice cream options in Ventnor but it's been going for years and gets outstanding reviews. |
Something fishery is going on at Ventnor Haven
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6. Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
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Just outside Ventnor is the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, which is free to visit and also isn’t too heavy on the ‘sponsor a donkey’ sales pitch.
Read the blog about our visit to the Donkey Sanctuary. |
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7. Ventnor Park and the Diplodocus Labyrinth
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Ventnor Park is free and is one of the nicer parks on the Isle of Wight, with a little putting green and an outdoor gym which is perfect for the town’s beefcake residents who want to pump iron and chew gum. There are also some slightly random colourful budgies in aviaries.
It won Park of the Year at the South and South East England in Bloom Awards in 2016. I hear it's the Oscars of the parks world... |
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Just a little way along from Ventnor Park near La Falaise Car Park (the one by The Spyglass Inn) you'll find a Diplodocus Labyrinth which has been painted onto the hillside. It's a bit like a maze, but without junctions and is ideal for younger visitors to run up and down before giving up and asking to be carried for the last bit.
Read about our visit to Ventnor Park or download the Ventnor Park brochure for more information.
Read about our visit to Ventnor Park or download the Ventnor Park brochure for more information.
8. Ventnor Botanic Garden
Lots of tourism guides proudly trot out that Ventnor has a ‘unique microclimate’ without really explaining what that means. Essentially, it seems to be a bit sunnier than elsewhere (because it is about 7 miles nearer to the equator than Newport presumably) and it isn’t too windy because it is backed by high cliffs. Perhaps I’m missing the point.
The result is that a) it was once an ideal site for patients recovering from tuberculosis and b) you can grow pretty Mediterranean flowers in the Botanic Gardens.
It used to be free, but it now charges an entrance fee after those pesky bankers ruined the economy and the Isle of Wight council were forced to gently shove it out of County Hall and left it to fend for itself in the big wide world. It’s not hugely expensive though and will appeal to gardeners.
The result is that a) it was once an ideal site for patients recovering from tuberculosis and b) you can grow pretty Mediterranean flowers in the Botanic Gardens.
It used to be free, but it now charges an entrance fee after those pesky bankers ruined the economy and the Isle of Wight council were forced to gently shove it out of County Hall and left it to fend for itself in the big wide world. It’s not hugely expensive though and will appeal to gardeners.
9. The Pepperpot
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The Pepperpot is a wonderfully random place to visit for an hour, which fits in nicely with the South Wight's slightly other-worldly feeling. Although it looks like the world's worst attempt at rocket building, it is in fact the remains of a centuries' old lighthouse.
One of its main pitfalls seems to be that it isn't very near the sea - but hey, I'm no expert on lighthouse positioning. |
5,4,3,2,1...oh wait, it's not a rocket, it's a lighthouse
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When we've visited the Pepperpot we've parked at the viewpoint car park on Blackgang Road (nearest postcode PO38 2HN) and walked from there. It's about 1/2 a mile up a steep hill.
You can read about our visit to the Pepperpot in this utterly thrilling blog post.
You can read about our visit to the Pepperpot in this utterly thrilling blog post.
10. Bonchurch to Ventnor's Solar System Walk
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Those who have experienced life in a wheelchair, or with a relative in a wheelchair, will know that the world suddenly feels very inaccessible. A simple step is enough to scupper a day out.
Eventually you get to know the accessible places to go and start to really appreciate the chance to do something normal. We've had many walks along the seawall from Bonchurch to Ventnor. There's a steep slope at the Bonchurch end, but it's not impossible and you can get a car down to the bottom bit for dropping off. |
The seawall from Bonchurch to Ventnor
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You can read more about the route in this blog post.
Thanks to local volunteers (The Ventnor Enhancement Fund) there's also a nice scale model of the planets along the route (Stokey's Solar System Walk). It's a recent addition, otherwise my mother would have taken the opportunity to turn it into an educational outing during my childhood.
Thanks to local volunteers (The Ventnor Enhancement Fund) there's also a nice scale model of the planets along the route (Stokey's Solar System Walk). It's a recent addition, otherwise my mother would have taken the opportunity to turn it into an educational outing during my childhood.
11. St Catherine's Lighthouse
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St. Catherine's Lighthouse is a little gem which is worth walking around on a sunny day. Unfortunately, you can no longer have a tour inside. It was previously a very nice little activity which was staffed by kindly volunteers who took you up steep steps to the very top.
On the plus side, you can stay in one of the lighthouse keepers cottages which are called Gurnard (sleeps 5), Penda (sleeps 5) and Landward (sleeps 4). Read more about its history on our guide to historic Isle of Wight attractions. |
St Catherine's Lighthouse was a belated replacement for the Pepperpot
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12. St Boniface Down and Blackgang viewpoint
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Not exactly a day trip, but if you are passing you might like to stop at the Blackgang car park viewpoint which has terrific views looking towards Freshwater and the Needles. There’s a nice clifftop walk from here which overlooks the Blackgang Chine park (it looks a fair bit smaller from above).
There is usually a van selling food and drinks. You might like to combine it with a visit to St. Catherine's Oratory, which is just up a steep hill. |
Looking down on Blackgang Chine, though not in a condescending way
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13. Ventnor Heritage Centre and Time Travel Ventnor
Ventnor's Heritage Centre has got a museum and a local history society, both of which are kept going by volunteers. At the time of writing, admission to the museum is the grand price of £1.50 - which will barely get you an ice cream nowadays.
It is in a shop in the High Street (PO38 1PE) and has a collection of photos, records and so on.
It doesn't open all day every day, so check their website or call ahead (01983 855407)
You can burn off the chips and ice cream whilst discovering Ventnor's history on the heritage trail. There are nine boards around the area and a challenge to beat the clock, which might persuade the children to join in.
It is in a shop in the High Street (PO38 1PE) and has a collection of photos, records and so on.
It doesn't open all day every day, so check their website or call ahead (01983 855407)
You can burn off the chips and ice cream whilst discovering Ventnor's history on the heritage trail. There are nine boards around the area and a challenge to beat the clock, which might persuade the children to join in.
14. Appuldurcombe House
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Appuldurcombe House is the shell of a very grand looking 18th century property, which can be found towards the south coast of the Island. The present house dates back to 1702, but the site itself was a priory in 1100. Wikipedia claims that it is 'one of the most haunted places on the Island' but then again, my Wikipedia page says that I'm the 'most handsome man in England'.
We found Appuldurcombe House to be more child-friendly than expected. The ruins are excellent for exploring and hide-and-seek whilst the grounds have plenty of space for running around. |
Appuldurcombe House is free to visit
The ruined part of the house is good fun for exploring
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15. South Wight Treasure Trails
Treasure Trails are a good way to explore a town in slightly more detail that you'd get from the upper deck of an open top bus.
You pay about £10 for a sheet of clues to share and then spend a couple of hours following a circular route either looking for treasure or solving a crime. The ones we've done have been well organised, with the option of texting for help if you find yourself staring at the same clue for hours. Once you complete it you can enter a prize draw.
At the time of writing there are South Wight routes covering Ventnor and Godshill. We did both and preferred the Ventnor one as it had better views and less chance of getting run over by a double decker bus.
You pay about £10 for a sheet of clues to share and then spend a couple of hours following a circular route either looking for treasure or solving a crime. The ones we've done have been well organised, with the option of texting for help if you find yourself staring at the same clue for hours. Once you complete it you can enter a prize draw.
At the time of writing there are South Wight routes covering Ventnor and Godshill. We did both and preferred the Ventnor one as it had better views and less chance of getting run over by a double decker bus.
16. Godshill's Model Village
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This one isn't really in the South Wight, but it's in the general direction of Ventnor so you might like to combine it as part of a day out.
The Model Village in Godshill is exquisitely well kept, despite the endless risk of children sitting on a chimney pot or slipping a figurine into their anorak pocket. |
Ye Olde Thatched Cottages at Ye Olde Modele Village
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It costs about £5 and takes an hour or two, depending on whether you spend ages obsessing over every detail (my mother) or just have a wander round and a giggle at the streaker on the football pitch (me).
The rest of Godshill is what my GCSE geography textbook called a 'honeypot site', meaning its olde churche and olde tearooms attract large numbers of people...despite there being an olde inadequate pavement.
The rest of Godshill is what my GCSE geography textbook called a 'honeypot site', meaning its olde churche and olde tearooms attract large numbers of people...despite there being an olde inadequate pavement.
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