Shanklin has long been a popular family holiday destination, with its safe, sandy beach and clear waters. The bay is sheltered from the prevailing winds by Dunnose Point, with stunning views of the tall cliffs of Luccombe and St. Boniface Downs. Looking out across the bay to the English Channel, you can enjoy views extending to the White Cliffs of Culver and Bembridge Downs.

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Located at the southeast corner of the Island, Shanklin sits at the southernmost tip of Sandown Bay. The town is easily accessible by rail, with connections to the high-speed ferry terminal in Ryde, providing easy access to the mainland and London. Regular bus services also connect to the Island’s principal towns.

Chestnut Mews, located on the edge of Shanklin Old Village, offers a tranquil base from which to explore the Isle of Wight.

A tarmac path through the Old Village and park (easy for prams and less mobile visitors) takes about ten minutes to reach Shanklin’s main Hope Beach and its esplanade, which features gift shops, coffee shops, and amusements. Alternatively, you can also reach Appley Beach via this path, where you will find a quieter section of Shanklin’s beach. Shanklin’s beaches are ideal for swimming, water sports, sandcastles, or simply relaxing in the sun.

A five-minute walk from the cottages brings you to the heart of Shanklin Old Village, known for its picturesque thatched cottages, tea rooms, gift shops, pubs (with summer entertainment), restaurants, and the entrance to the historic Shanklin Chine. This natural gorge, home to many rare species of flora and fauna, also features a 45ft waterfall and woodlands, beautifully illuminated at night. The nearest local newsagents and grocery store are about a ten-minute walk away. Nearby, Rylstone Gardens offers a tea room, crazy golf, beautiful gardens, and a Band Stand with live music during the summer. Big Mead Park, also just a few minutes away, has a duck pond, picnic areas, and children’s play equipment. St. Blasius Church, dating back to the 12th century, is nearby, and Shanklin Theatre, about a ten-minute walk, hosts a variety of professional and amateur productions year-round.

For water sports enthusiasts, Wight Water Adventure on Dunroamin Beach, midway between Shanklin and Sandown, offers courses and taster sessions in surfing, canoeing, and more, for all levels.

With over 500 miles of well-maintained footpaths and bridleways, the Island is a paradise for walkers. From the cottages, you can join the Coastal Path, a 70-mile circular route (typically broken into six days), or the Worsley Trail, which leads from Brighstone Forest to Shanklin Old Village over 15 miles, passing through pine forests, chalk downs, fields, and rivers.

Shanklin Carnival week typically takes place during the first week of August, followed by the Shanklin Regatta in late August, with a spectacular fireworks finale.

All of this, and much more, is right on your doorstep, all within walking distance!

The Isle of Wight offers something for all ages, with its old-world charm, beautiful scenery, and relaxed pace of life. The Island boasts eight golf courses (some championship-level), art studios, Osborne House (Queen Victoria’s favourite retreat), a dinosaur museum, Carisbrooke Castle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Roman Villas, a classic boat museum, Ventnor’s Botanical Gardens, tree climbing, The Needles Old Battery, sailing, and Amazon World Zoo Park—home to curious llamas. Children will also love Robin Hill Country Park and Blackgang Chine.

This is just a small selection of the many adventures awaiting you. The Island hosts a variety of festivals, village shows, regattas, and spectacular carnivals. Cowes Week, one of the UK’s largest and longest-running sailing regattas, has been a key event since 1826, usually held in the first week of August, culminating in a grand fireworks display. In late August, the Cowes Formula 1 Power Boat weekend takes place. The Garlic Festival in August has become one of the Island’s largest events, featuring garlic-infused food, local produce, bands, circus performers, exotic animals, and a classic car show.

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, held annually in May, is the UK’s largest walking festival, featuring over 300 themed walks, including heritage trails, fossil hunting, and even a speed dating walk. The festival culminates in the “Walk the Wight,” a 26.5-mile walk across the Island to raise funds for The Earl Mountbatten Hospice. In October, the Autumn Walking Weekend offers over 60 walks led by knowledgeable guides.

The Isle of Wight Festival, which started in 1968, returned in 2002 after a 32-year hiatus. It now attracts tens of thousands of music fans.

During summer, the Isle of Wight bursts into carnival season, with children’s, main, and illuminated carnivals. Village shows take place in July and August, while the annual ploughing match celebrates the Island’s farming heritage each autumn.

The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival, held in September, invites cyclists to explore the Island’s beautiful countryside, with rides suitable for all abilities.

Chestnut Mews and the Isle of Wight – Make Memories!

Whether you’re seeking lazy days on the beach or thrilling adventures, the Isle of Wight has it all.