Begin in the Old Village
Allow time to explore the lanes and browse before making plans for lunch. Independent shops, pubs and places to eat make this an enjoyable place to slow down, rather than just a stop on the way to the beach.
Explore / Shanklin
Thatched lanes meet a sandy shoreline.
Shanklin offers two very different holiday moods: the character of the Old Village and the easy-going seafront below. Pair them for a day that mixes wandering, a little history and time beside the water.
A closer look at Shanklin
Shanklin offers two very different holiday moods: the character of the Old Village and the easy-going seafront below. Pair them for a day that mixes wandering, a little history and time beside the water.
Make room for Shanklin Chine
The wooded gorge connects the village area with the coast. Its history includes the wartime PLUTO pipeline. Check seasonal opening and evening access directly with the attraction when planning your visit.
Finish by the sea
The beach and Esplanade offer a different feel from the village above. Remember the change in level when planning a route with a buggy or limited mobility. Shanklin is the southern terminus of Island Line, useful for a car-free trip from Sandown.
Local reference: Visit Isle of Wight — Shanklin. Guide reviewed September 2026.
Days worth making time for
Add these to your day.
Check opening times, accessibility and tickets with the attraction before you travel.
Shanklin · Nature & heritage
Shanklin Chine
A wooded gorge between the village and coast, with a wartime story to discover. Plan around seasonal opening and the route’s steps.
Visit attraction website ↗Image: Simon Burchell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
More inspiration: Visit Isle of Wight · Red Funnel’s island guide · Traveller reviews on Tripadvisor.
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