Destination Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Nestled along the southern coast of the Island lies Ventnor. Known for its quaint charm and picturesque beaches, this seaside town has enticed visitors and locals alike for centuries. Here, we’ll explore just some of the things that make Ventnor a must-visit destination on the Island, by sharing some of our top things to do and places to eat!

Once described by Charles Dickens as “The prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad”, Ventnor’s stunning, varied landscape remains a huge draw for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beautiful scenery that the Island is renowned for.

Taking full advantage of Ventnor’s unique microclimate, which is an average of 5 degrees warmer than the rest of the UK, is the famous Ventnor Botanic Garden. The warmer conditions allow tropical flora to flourish here, resulting in acres upon acres of rare, exotic plants and trees. The 30,000+ plants are categorised by their continent of origin, and line the side of the numerous winding walkways of the gardens. There’s plenty on offer for the kids too, with specialised activity packs, an outdoor play area and an indoor colouring wall for rainy days.

A trip to Steephill Cove is another essential for visitors. Tucked away at the foot of Ventnor’s undercliff area, this secluded bay offers crystal-clear waters and plenty of rockpools to explore.A host of small cafés and shops are also open during the summer months, perfect for when you get peckish. Steephill Cove can be accessed directly from the back of Ventnor Botanic Garden, or by a short walk from the town along the Coastal Path.

Ventnor is also home to the southernmost beach on the Island. This expansive, red shingle and golden sand beach is home to several authentic Victorian beach huts which are available to rent, as well as deck chairs, sun loungers and windbreaks. Those looking to swim are advised to enter the water from the middle of the beach, where a large channel, clear of rocks, is situated.

Whether you’re looking for a souvenir to bring back home, or simply wanting to blow off steam with some retail therapy, Ventnor’s bustling high street has got you covered.

For those with a penchant for shiny things, Honeybourne Jewellery is a must-visit. Established in 2003, the small boutique specialises in kiln-fired sterling silver jewellery (in addition to gold and silver), crafting pieces that suit a wide range of budgets and tastes. Be sure to pop in and check out what’s on display, and you never know, you might stumble upon the perfect gift for a loved one!

Another note-worthy mention is Reggie’s Retro, the first independent record shop on the Island. Being part of the Ventnor Exchange, you can even enjoy a coffee or a beer whilst browsing through their massive collection of new and pre-loved vinyls.

Whether you’re looking to fuel up before a long day of exploring, or just feeling peckish after a day of basking in the sun, Ventnor has plenty of eateries to satisfy hungry tums.

To start your day, head on over to Besty and Spinkys. Winner of last year’s Isle of Wight County Press Café of the Year Award, this spot is renowned for its ‘legendary’ breakfasts, plating up everything from full English fry-ups to Belgian waffles. Just outside the café, you’ll find the popular Isle of Wight-shaped paddling pool, which is perfect for keeping the kids entertained.

Just a stone’s throw down the Esplanade from Besty and Spinkys is The Mill Bay, a cosy family-friendly pub offering the perfect lunch spot for beach-goers. Famous for their fish and chips and Sunday roasts, both are available to take away, ideal for those wanting to kick back and enjoy their meal on the adjacent beach. There’s also indoor seating if the weather decides to take a turn for the worst!

Around 5 o’clock, Ventnor’s restaurants open their doors for dinner service, and you are faced with the near-impossible decision of where to spend the evening!

We’d recommend starting with a pre-dinner drink at the world-famous, award-winning Spyglass Inn. Situated at the end of the Esplanade, right by the water’s edge, this pub offers plenty of outdoor seating across its two terraces, where you can enjoy stunning views across the Channel whilst sipping on your favourite tipple. If you don’t want your night to end there, they offer an extensive evening menu, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, alongside traditional pub classics.

If you’re searching for something a little lavish for dinner, look no further than the Smoking Lobster. This quirky little restaurant has earned itself two silver AA Rosettes since its opening in 2017, and is known for serving local Island produce and seafood through a ‘Pan-Asian lens’. There’s an assortment of Asian-inspired cocktails on offer to accompany your meal, as well as traditional quality Sake and a carefully curated wine list.

After dinner, make your way down to The Met, where there’s an extensive selection of drinks to choose from, ranging from in-house speciality cocktails to fine wines. If you’re not quite full, they also serve a range of small tapas plates.

Beer lovers are also in luck. The Ventnor Exchange is located in a former post office which now houses a studio theatre and a craft beer bar, with over 50 guest beers at any one time. Ventnor Exchange is also the HQ for the annual Ventnor Fringe Festival, held every summer. The Exchange hosts a bunch of shows, workshops and events year-round, so it’s always worth checking out what’s on (which can be done in advance on their website).

Ventnor really does have something for everyone, and whatever may be bringing you to the Isle of Wight this summer, a trip to this historic town should be at the top of your to-do list!