The Victorian town of Ventnor is located on the South coast of the Isle of Wight and is one of the oldest seaside resorts on the Island.  It has a smaller beach than it's neighbours Shanklin and Sandown and is popular for bathing and swimming whilst being quieter than it's larger neighbours.

Ventnor has its own microclimate and can be extremely hot here, it also boasts record hours of sunshine throughout the year.  There is an abundance of Hotels and bed and breakfasts available mostly linked by steep zigzag roads. Don't just drive through the towns one way system and think 'Is that it, I don't think much of Ventnor!' without taking a detour down to the Seafront.

Ventnor Pier has long gone after suffering a fire and neglect, see later pages.  Near the esplanade is an amusement arcade some nice cafe's, gift shops - one containing a small museum, three pubs which serve food all close to the beach and some Hotels.

More public houses, gift shops and restaurants and a large car park can be found in the town itself which is high above these pictures, the road in and out of the esplanade is extremely steep and twisting so beware!  Personally we prefer the Esplanade area and outer Ventnor which includes many Victorian houses and Hotels rather than the town.  There is a Tourist Information Centre in the town.

This is a view {opposite} looking at The Spyglass Inn from the beach on a sunny day looking South.  At the top of the hill above the pub is where the car park is and the start of one of many cliff top walks.  Use this car park if space on the esplanade cannot be found - all pay and display.

This pub comes very highly recommended for it's food and also for a pint if your not hungry, several small rooms full of sea memorabilia including an outside boathouse and two sea terraces. 

The Spyglass is the oldest property on The Esplanade.  Grab a drink and sit outside and enjoy the fresh air!  See our Pub Guide.