Lined with elegant terrace houses, Shanklin is a historic seaside resort on the Isle of Wight. It's brimming with Victorian charm, with a characterful Old Town and traditional British pubs. Swim at the beach, stroll along the seafront promenade and enjoy a round of mini golf at the amusement park.

Things to do

In summer you'll find legions of sunseekers basking on Shanklin Beach. With golden sand and calm water, it's often crowned one of the best beaches in the United Kingdom. It's fringed by a traditional English promenade lined with ice cream parlours, souvenir shops and fish and chip shops.

For a unique night out, head to the historic Shanklin Theatre. It's housed in a handsome 19th-century building and hosts an impressive line-up of events, including music concerts, comedy acts, theatrical performances and ballet recitals.

Formed over thousands of years, the Shanklin Chine is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the United Kingdom. The lush gorge is lined with emerald ferns, moss-draped trees and wild fuchsia flowers. You can explore nature trails, visit the well-stocked gift shop and enjoy scones, jam and cream at the Victorian-style tea room.

Kids will love the upbeat Shanklin Seafront. The award-winning amusement park is filled with family-friendly fun, from mini-golf courses and arcade games to a jungle gym and beachfront cafe. Don't leave without taking a spin on the stomach-churning Pirates Cove coaster.

Getting around

Shanklin is easy to get around on foot, with the stroll to the beach taking minutes. To explore the Isle of Wight at your own pace, it's best to hire a car. You can also arrive by train, with the trip from Portsmouth taking around one hour.