Location: Ventnor
Top Things to do in Ventnor
What to do and see in Ventnor, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Ventnor (/ˈvɛntnər/) is a seaside resort and civil parish established in the Victorian era on the south east coast of the Isle of Wight, England. It is situated south of St Boniface Down, and is built on steep slopes leading down to the sea. The higher part is referred to as Upper Ventnor (officially Lowtherville); the lower part, where most amenities are located, is known as Ventnor. Ventnor is sometimes taken to include the neighbouring settlements of St. Lawrence and Bonchurch.
Restaurants in Ventnor
1. The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,881 reviews
Donkey Sanctuary - providing homes for unwanted and rescued animals. Carrying out educational work with schools and donkey therapy in residential settings.
Reviewed By 888lydiav - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Visited here in April and what a beautiful 50 acres of land with over a hundred donkeys to live in harmony Absolutely recommend to animal lovers and avid walkers as the animals are spread out nicely. Toilets are provided and are clean Cafe provided a wide selection of food and the staff were super friendly All donkeys have name tags and tons of information about their history dotted around the sanctuary.
2. Bonchurch Landslip
3. Ventnor Park and Putting Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
In a quiet corner of Ventnors award-winning park is an 18 hole putting green. This well loved green is visited by locals and visitors. Dogs especially welcomed. There is also a table tennis table, giant connect 4, football table, giant Lego. Something for everyone. Refreshments are available, a slice of homemade cake or maybe just an ice cream. Take a stroll round this beautiful park, feed the ducks, use the outdoor gym. Sunday afternoon sees the bandstand being used for concerts through the summer months.
Reviewed By SBTJOHNNY - Brighton, United Kingdom
Very well kept and scenic, picturesque park! Lovely to walk around at any time of the day, nice pond with Koi Carp, ducks ???? and ducklings ???? !
4. Steephill Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 519 reviews
Steephill cove is a beautiful Hidden gem. With its ever changing beach of sand, shingle and fantastic rock pools it is no wonder that families return here year after year. Over the years Steephill has become a hot spot to eat as well. Cove Coffee Shop with Home made cakes, light lunches, ice cream, sweet treats and more along with gorgeous goodies to buy for you and your home (Hoodies, Tee shirts, mugs, body lotions, creams, hand wash, candles etc with the amazing Cove logo) The Crab Shed serving fresh crab pasties. The Beach Shack serving fare (all only open during the daytime hours). Steephill can only be reached by foot which adds to its safety and pure Charm... A true gem of old fashioned English seaside. A must visit for anyone on the island!
Reviewed By Nashua7150 - Reading, United Kingdom
We stayed in Steephill Cove in delightful accommodation just off the beach. Myself and my two grown up sons, we explored the coastal path past the Botanical Gardens all the way along the coast and round to the far side of St Lawrence and walked back via the road route, some amazing views along the sea path and some interesting Victorian architecture on the road return route, it took about 1.5 hr. On the Sunday we walked into Ventnor from the Cove along the coastal path, it takes about 35 minutes with some steep steps but well worth it and a reward of a pint outside the Spyglass inn.
5. Ventnor Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By deanw427 - Cheshire, United Kingdom
Not so much a review of the beach, but a shout out to the lovely town and general area. you HAVE to drive a car a couple of loops to experience the 'zig zag' road and scary hairpin turns, it's a great experience. The General entry to the sea front is well thought out - more hairpins and a small waterfall garden developed in the 1900's which is quite impressive. The shore is a mix of fine pebbles and sand - so very friendly to children. Have only been here a day (2 more to go) and already we're planning on coming back!
6. Ventnor Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,434 reviews
With our magnificent location on the Island's Channel coast, Ventnor Botanic Garden has a unique sub-tropical microclimate making it approximately 5 degrees warmer than the general British climate – making it Britain’s hottest garden! Set in 22 acres, with over 6,000 species of plants, shrubs and champion trees why not follow one of our many trails to fully explore the garden? Take the Victorian Tunnel Tour out to sea or take the steps underground to our mushroom fruiting chamber. If you are bringing young children we also have a well-equipped play area. Enjoy teas, coffees, cakes and light snacks in our Plantation Room Café or enjoy an outstanding dining experience in the Edulis Restaurant, where much of the ingredients are grown in the Garden or sourced locally. We also have plenty of our own produce including jams, chutneys, cordials and even some fine botanic craft beers available from our own shop! We are open daily from 10am with last admissions at 5pm.
Reviewed By AlexaPens - London, United Kingdom
I first came here a few years ago, but it was lovely to make a return trip. The gardens have a surprisingly wide variety of plants and feature habitats ranging from Australia and New Zealand to South Africa, Japan and the Mediterranean. They’re all packed into a relatively compact space, but don’t feel cramped. Whether you follow one of the many designated trails, or just wander along the paths, the gardens remain a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. We were fortunate enough to be there on a hot day, and saw several of the local colony of Wall Lizards warming themselves in the sunshine, or scuttling into the foliage. I’ve never seen them before and couldn’t believe they were so close. The formal gardens contrast with the surrounding wilder landscape, and you can always take a break to join the coastal path and climb down to Steephill Cove, a stunning beach and bay area below the gardens. In addition to the gardens there are also the usual visitor facilities of cafes and a gift shop, but it’s the plants that steal the show.
