'The Madeira of England'

Victorian Ventnor is charmingly arranged in terraces, backed by green downs and facing out to sea.  The sheltered and intimate Blue Flag beach and small harbour with its sailing boats are interesting in any season and there is the popular Donkey Sanctuary located close by within the village of Wroxall. 

The town, with its stone built Victorian buildings, has some fascinating curiosity shops, eateries and public houses.  Come and sample the fresh local seafood and local ales made from Isle of Wight spring water. 

Ventnor hosts the Island Jazz Festival and is the perfect Summer venue.  The Winter Gardens features local shows, theatre productions, antique fares, live music and lunch can be eaten whilst enjoying splendid views if the bay. The town is famous for its Botanical Gardens, where exotic and Mediterranean plants are able to grow and flourish due to the warmer climate.  Once there, the visitors centre frequently holds art exhibitions the cafe opens onto flowers, pond and lawns. Ventnor Park with its putting green and bandstand entertains locals and visitors alike, with its out door Summer concerts. 

The town is served by a bus link to Shanklin railway station which connects to the Wightlink Fast Jet service at the end of Ryde pier allowing easy access to the mainland and London.  Wightlink Ferries run to the Island from Portsmouth or Lymington and Red Funnel Ferries from Southampton, crossing can be arranged by Wight Merit.