Ventnor

The seaside resort of Ventnor is ideally situated on the south coast of the Isle of Wight. In Victorian times, Ventnor became a fashionable holiday and health resort when Queen Victoria's doctor endorsed the health-giving properties of Ventnor's climate. It lies underneath the 787 ft St Boniface Down, the highest point on the Isle of Wight and is built on steep cliffs leading down to the sea. This sheltered location means that the area experiences a microclimate with more sunny days than just about anywhere else in the British Isles. With fewer frosts too, many species of subtropical plant have been successfully planted and maintained. The Ventnor Botanic Garden has an incredibly diverse range of tropical plants for the visitor to enjoy. The garden includes areas of plants from different parts of the world, particularly Australia and New Zealand, but also including Japan and gardens with plants of a Mediterranean origin.

Bermuda House is another worthwhile attraction; it looks out over the beach and harbour where fresh fish and seafood are landed and available daily. Crab and lobster are particular specialities. Ventnor is a stylish destination with new residential developments, luxury hotels, wine bars, a piano bar and a new harbour. Do look out for the Ventnor Sign on the cliffs at La Falaise to the west of the beach, which spells out the word VENTNOR in white concrete blocks, about four metres high. Intended to provide a landmark visible from the sea, it replaced the chalk letters that were damaged in 1992.

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