Ventnor Beach

About

Ventnor beach is the southernmost holiday beach on the Isle of Wight and is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Nestled in the bay beneath the tumbling tiers of the Victorian town, Ventnor’s red shingle and golden sand beach has vintage beach huts that once had wheels and transported the gentry down to the sea to bath as they were bathing machines. These can be hired on a daily basis from the hut on the sea wall, as can deckchairs, sun loungers and wind breaks, which are hammered into the sand for you with an old wooden mallet.

The Cascade road winds its way around a rocky waterfall to arrive on the seafront where a bandstand-like structure stands with 360 degree views from its lofty viewing platform. A small haven sits to the left of this and a long rock spit stretches out to sea: an ideal walk with your camera to then look back on the seafront and Cascade. Inside the Haven is a short pier used by local fishermen, who supply wet fish and seafood courtesy of the shop in the building on top – local caught fish and chips are served from a side window.

Opposite here at the foot of the Cascade is the famous Isle of Wight paddling pool, a giant replica of the Isle of Wight map showing all the major towns and roads, that has entertained children for over 100 years. Next to it is a restaurant serving great all day breakfasts as well as lunches and snacks.

Walk along the seafront and there are all the ingredients of an ideal beach holiday: ice-creams, an amusement arcade, a bistro-style bar serving tapas and drinks, a beach shop, more cafes and, crowning the bay, the world famous Spyglass Inn, which has a quirky nautical-themed interior and upper and lower deck terraces overlooking the sea.

TOP TIP:

Swim from the middle of the beach – there is a channel here free of rocks that was cleared by the fishermen many years ago. At low tide a ridge of rocks appear from beneath the waves and children love to climb and explore them.

GETTING THERE:

Ventnor is served by the numbers 3 and 6 buses.