Ventnor

Different in character from the other seaside towns, Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is built on a series of terraces that zig-zag down to the sun-trap seafront with part sand, part shingle beach. The 'Cascade' is a feature of the sub-tropical gardens overlooking the seafront with the adjacent Winter Gardens providing entertainment and wonderful views over the bay. Ventnor Botanic Garden occupies the site of the former Royal National Hospital. Exhibitions at the heritage centre provide glimpses of the town's past and you may find your own interesting pieces of history in the many local shops of antiques and collectables. Friendly pubs, restaurants and tearooms are housed in Victorian buildings, which add to their charm. Stroll along the sea wall to Bonchurch, the Island's best-preserved Victorian village. Many prominent Victorian literary figures lived and visited Bonchurch including Charles Dickens, who wrote part of David Copperfield whilst on holiday here (now the Winterborne Hotel). A few miles to the north is the picture postcard village of Godshill, probably the most photographed village on the Island with its thatched stone cottages, tearooms and curio shops.