Ventnor

A Victorian town with a Mediterranean feel, Ventnor is one of the sunniest spots on the Island. Built on a series of terraces beneath St. Boniface Down the town's roads zigzag down to the sea past the beautifully planted cascades.

Ventnor grew up as a health resort in the Victorian era. The population swelled from 800 to 5000 in about thirty years, thanks to eminent physician Sir James Clarke, who in 1830 discovered the extraordinary microclimate which he said was ideal for the treatment of pulmonary disease. At a time when tuberculosis was rife, sufferers came from all over the country to the Royal National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, built on the site now occupied by Ventnor Botanic Gardens. These famous 22 acre gardens have Mediterranean, alpine and medicinal herb plantings, herbaceous borders, shrubs and trees. A modern visitor centre is accessible to all and there is a passenger lift to the gardens below. There is also a children's play park and a splendid Temperate House containing many exotic plants.

The seafront enjoys a surprisingly mild climate due to sheltering cliffs and southerly aspect. The Western Esplanade has a part sand, part fine shingle beach, good for sunbathing and swimming and adjacent to pubs, cafes, amusements, paddling pool and seafront car park.

The seafront's eastern promenade leads to Bonchurch, the Island's best preserved Victorian village much favoured by prominent Victorian literatti. Charles Dickens wrote part of David Copperfield whilst staying at Bonchurch. Between village and shore is the tiny Old Church of St. Boniface constructed by Benedictine monks around 1070.

The car park at the western end of the Esplanade adjoins the coastal path along the western cliffs, which affords spectacular views of the bay. The path winds inland to Ventnor Park, where you will find a putting green and beautiful gardens before continuing on to Castle Cove and along the sea wall to picturesque Steephill Cove and the Botanic Gardens.

Ventnor Heritage Centre provides glimpses of the town's past and you may find your own interesting pieces of history in one of the many local shops of antiques and collectables. Most of the friendly pubs, restaurants and tearooms in the area are housed in Victorian buildings which adds to their charm and atmosphere.

Ventnor

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