Sandown and Shanklin Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Village

Facts and practical information

Sandown and Shanklin, two picturesque villages located on the Isle of Wight in England, offer a delightful blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern attractions. Situated on the eastern coast of the island, these neighboring villages provide visitors with a unique experience that showcases the best of the English countryside and coastal delights.

Sandown, with its long stretches of golden sandy beaches, is a haven for sun seekers and water enthusiasts. The vibrant Esplanade is lined with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering visitors a chance to indulge in some retail therapy or enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the stunning views of the sea. For those seeking a bit of adventure, there are plenty of water sports activities available, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and sailing.

The picturesque town of Shanklin, nestled in a sheltered bay, exudes an old-world charm that is hard to resist. Its quaint thatched-roof cottages and winding streets create a nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. One of the highlights of Shanklin is the Shanklin Chine, a stunning gorge adorned with lush plants, waterfalls, and wildlife. A walk along the Chine reveals the island's natural beauty at its finest.

Both Sandown and Shanklin boast a rich history that can be explored through their various historical landmarks. Sandown's Dinosaur Isle Museum takes visitors on a journey through time, showcasing the island's significant role in the discovery of dinosaur fossils. Shanklin Old Village, with its thatched cottages and charming tea rooms, offers a glimpse into the island's past. The village is also home to the Shanklin Theatre, a Victorian gem that hosts a variety of performances throughout the year.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the stunning landscape that surrounds both villages. The picturesque Sandown Bay, with its cliffs and sandy beaches, provides a perfect backdrop for leisurely walks or picnics. Shanklin also offers a chance to explore the island's countryside, with numerous walking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden gems.

Alternative names: Elevation: 148 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°37'47"N, 1°10'34"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Sandown and Shanklin Top Attractions

Sandown and Shanklin Attractions - What to See and Explore

Sandown and Shanklin offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Pirates Cove Adventure Golf Shanklin, Dinosaur Isle, St Blasius Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Park • Outdoor activities • Zoo
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
The Wildheart Sanctuary, previously known as the Isle of Wight Zoo and Sandown Zoo, is a sanctuary inside the former Sandown Fort on the coastline of Sandown, Isle of Wight. The zoo was privately owned but became a charitable trust in 2017. The collection focuses principally on big cats and Madagascan animals.
50°37'58"N • 1°10'14"W
Pirates Cove Adventure Golf Shanklin
Game and entertainment center • Theme park • Playground
History museum • Museum • Natural history museum
Dinosaur Isle
Dinosaur Isle is a purpose-built dinosaur museum located in Sandown on the Isle of Wight in southern England. The museum was designed by Isle of Wight architect Rainey Petrie Johns in the shape of a giant pterosaur.

Church
St Blasius Church
St. Blasius Church, Shanklin is a parish church in the Church of England located in Shanklin, Isle of Wight. The church is medieval but was largely rebuilt in 1859. It is also known as Shanklin Old Church. The bell ropes hang down into the nave, so the ringers can be seen by the congregation.
Forts and castles
Sandown Fort
Sandown Fort is a fort built in Sandown on the Isle of Wight in the middle of Sandown Bay. It is one of the many Palmerston Forts built on the island to protect it in response to a perceived French invasion.
Park • Nature and wildlife • Garden
Shanklin Chine
Shanklin Chine is a geological feature and tourist attraction in the town of Shanklin, on the Isle of Wight, England. A wooded coastal ravine, it contains waterfalls, trees and lush vegetation, with footpaths and walkways allowing paid access for visitors, and a heritage centre explaining its history.
50°37'31"N • 1°10'34"W
Rylstone Tea Gardens & Crazy Golf
Garden • Park
Church
Church of St Saviour-on-the-Cliff
The Church of St. Saviour-on-the-Cliff, Shanklin is a Grade II Listed parish church in the Church of England located in Shanklin, Isle of Wight.
Church
St Paul's Church
St. Paul's Church, Gatten, Shanklin is a parish church in the Church of England located in Shanklin, Isle of Wight.
Manor house
Landguard Manor
Landguard Manor is a manor house in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, England. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, over the centuries it was home to numerous notable gentlemen. It is a Grade II listed building.
50°38'20"N • 1°10'14"W
Marine Villa
Marine Villa is an Art-Deco house located on the clifftop in Shanklin Isle of Wight and is famous locally on the Island but little known beyond its shores.

Day trips

Sandown and Shanklin – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Sandown and Shanklin, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Paultons Park (New Forest), Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth), Clarence Pier (Portsmouth).

28 milesNW
Theme park, Amusement park
Paultons Park, New Forest
Nestled in the scenic beauty of the New Forest in Hampshire, Paultons Park is a vibrant and beloved theme park in the United Kingdom that promises a day of fun and adventure for families and thrill-seekers alike. Known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse range of...
12 milesN
Sail-like tower with panoramic views
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
The Spinnaker Tower is a striking landmark in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, and an emblem of the city's maritime heritage. This sleek, sail-shaped structure soars to a height of 170 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the historic Portsmouth Harbour, the...
11 milesN
Amusement, Amusement park, Piers and boardwalks
Clarence Pier, Portsmouth
Nestled along the southern coast of England, Clarence Pier stands as a vibrant hub of entertainment in the city of Portsmouth. This seaside amusement park, with its array of rides, arcades, and attractions, offers a delightful escape for families, tourists,...
9.3 miNW
Queen Victoria's cherished residence
Osborne House, Cowes
Osborne House stands as a stately testament to Victorian opulence, nestled in the verdant surroundings of East Cowes on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. This former royal residence, once the beloved retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, is a must-visit...
12 milesN
Ship, Specialty museum, Museum
HMS Victory, Portsmouth
HMS Victory is an emblematic figurehead of British maritime history, residing in the historic dockyard of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. This majestic ship, launched in 1765, is the world's oldest naval ship still in commission and is most renowned for her role as Lord...