Shanklin is one of the Isle of Wight’s favourite seaside towns. It sits on Sandown Bay, with a long sandy beach below the cliffs and a charming old village of thatched cottages on the hill above.
Why visit Shanklin
For a gentle, traditional seaside holiday. The beach is sheltered and sandy, the coastal paths are beautiful, and the town is on the island’s railway line, so you can visit without a car.
Top things to do in Shanklin
The beach and esplanade
A wide, sandy beach with a promenade, cafés and beach huts; a cliff lift links the beach with the town above.
Shanklin Chine
A narrow, wooded gorge with a waterfall, open to visitors since the early 19th century and lit up on summer evenings.
The Old Village
Thatched cottages, tea rooms and old inns around the top of the Chine. The poet John Keats stayed in Shanklin in 1819.
Coastal walks
Walk along the cliffs to Sandown or south towards Ventnor, with sea views all the way.
Best time to visit Shanklin
May to September is best for the beach and walking. Spring and early autumn are quieter, with mild weather.
Getting to and around Shanklin
Take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, for example from Portsmouth to Ryde, then the Island Line train to Shanklin. Buses link Shanklin with the rest of the island.
What to eat in Shanklin
Isle of Wight crab, tomatoes and garlic grown on the island, a cream tea in the Old Village and fish and chips on the esplanade.
Shanklin FAQ
Can I visit Shanklin without a car?
Yes. The Island Line train and local buses make it easy.
Is the beach good for children?
Yes. It is sandy and sheltered, with shallow water at low tide.
