Ventnor
Ventnor is a Victorian town, located on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, about three miles from Shanklin. It is built on steep slopes and cliffs leading down to the sea. Its sheltered position means the area experiences a microclimate, giving some of the best weather in the UK. This also means that several subtropical plant species thrive here. The Victorians called Ventnor, “England’s Madeira” because of the climate here and developed it as a health resort. The Royal National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest used to stand on the site where the Botanic Garden now exists.
There are quite a few good shops in the town centre, including some selling antiques. Pubs, cafés and restaurants are also well catered for here, including several along the seafront, which has a popular crescent shaped sandy beach. The sea at Ventnor is perfect for swimming, but water sports are not recommended due to the strong tide and large number of hidden rocks.