Shanklin

The basics

Poised overlooking the picturesque Sandown Bay, Shanklin is renowned for its wealth of scenery. Its sandy beach is an enviable place to soak up the seaside ambiance, and clifftop trails offer spectacular coastline views. The Shanklin Chine is a popular destination for hikers, while the Old Village—with its thatched-roof cottages, charming boutiques, and pretty tearooms—captures a bygone side of life on the Isle of Wight.

Shanklin is a highlight destination on the Isle of Wight, and can be visited on overnight and 1-day trips from London.

Things to know before you go

• Afternoon tea is a popular pastime on the Isle of Wight; head to one of the town’s traditional tearooms for the most authentic experience.
• The Vernon Cottage Tearooms in Shanklin’s Old Village hosts a tourist information center.
• Afternoon and evening concerts are held at the Rylstone Gardens’ open-air bandstand during the summer months.
• Free shuttles operate in Shanklin during the summer, and buses and a “cliff lift” make it easy to get to and from the beach.
• The Shanklin Esplanade—which includes arcades, eateries, and other attractions—is a popular, family-friendly destination.

How to get there

It’s roughly a 3-hour journey from London Waterloo to Shanklin, including a ferry transfer at Portsmouth Harbor. If traveling by car, take the A3 to Portsmouth and board a ferry; the total journey time is roughly 3–4 hours.

When to get there

A true beach resort town, Shanklin really comes into its own in the summer months. Visit in June, July, or August for the best chance of warm temperatures and good weather. Note that bank holiday weekends are likely to be particularly crowded.

The Chine Illuminations

By day, the Shanklin Chine is a photogenic place to explore. But after dark, it evolves into a luminous wonderland. The Chine Illuminations, held from late May–early November, see vibrant light effects spotlight the area’s waterfalls, bridges, cliffs, and forests.