Shanklin Area Guide

From its beautiful beach and charming thatched cottages to shops, parks and restaurants, Shanklin offers the best of all worlds. The town’s sunny location at the southeast corner of the Isle of Wight means property in Sandown allows easy access not only to sun, sea and sand but some fantastic day trips along the coast.

WELCOME TO SHANKLIN

Situated on Sandown Bay, Shanklin takes its name from the lush Shanklin Chine, a stunning natural gorge with a waterfall that lies just outside the Old Village. Residents in the town enjoy access to miles of scenic cycle routes and walking paths, while the town’s sandy beach is surrounded by a traditional promenade and plenty of family-friendly attractions.

SHANKLIN IS A FRIENDLY HOME FOR FAMILIES

Property in Shanklin is ideal for families who want easy access to the coast and countryside. The town also benefits from some excellent local schools, including Gatten & Lake Primary School for little ones, while The Bay Secondary School in nearby Sandown caters for students aged up to 16.

GETTING AROUND IN SHANKLIN

Shanklin lies at the southern end of the Isle of Wight’s railway line, with regular trains connecting the town with Ryde on the north coast. Along the way, services stop at destinations including Sandown and Lake on the coast and Brading further inland. From Ryde, you can hop on a ferry to the mainland, with frequent services to Portsmouth providing easy access to the south of England.

A SHORT HISTORY OF SHANKLIN

Shanklin boasts a long and proud history, first as a small fishing village and later as a thriving seaside resort. It’s mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 as ‘Sencling', which refers to a hill with a spring nearby. The town became fashionable as a destination in Victorian times thanks to its spring water, which was believed to cure many ailments, and has been a beloved tourist destination ever since.

SHANKLIN’S GREEN SPACES

With its scenic coastal location, it’s no surprise that Shanklin is the perfect place to enjoy some sea air. But there are also some fantastic walking routes in and around the town, including Shanklin Chine, which runs from the Old Village all the way to the Esplanade below. Big Mead park and Rylstone Gardens are two other local family favourites – kids will love spotting the red squirrels who can often be seen scampering around.

DINING AND CULTURE IN SHANKLIN

With coast and countryside on the doorstep, property in Shanklin offers access to excellent local amenities. The town has its own theatre, and there are plenty of excellent places to eat and drink too. Pencil Cottage is renowned for its tasty cream teas, while Holliers Hotel and Piano Bar hosts live music all year round, and The Crab in the Old Village serves up traditional pub meals, brunches and light bites.