Beaches
One of the better-known beaches on the Isle of Wight is Shanklin Beach, a stretch of golden sand that attracts visitors from all over the UK. Whether you plan on making sandcastles with the kids, paddling out into the sea or simply lounging around with a good book, Shanklin Beach is a fantastic summer destination. Beside the beach itself is the town's seafront promenade, Shanklin Esplanade. Here you'll find a wide range of attractions, from amusement arcades to a pirate-themed mini golf park. Dotted along the promenade are a selection of cafés, restaurants and pubs serving everything from ice cream to bottles of beer.
Away from Shanklin Beach is the nearby Small Hope Beach, a quieter stretch that helps make up the Bay Area running from Shanklin to Yaverland. This beach is popular with families and features a line of beach huts that can be hired at a small cost. Also within easy reach of Shanklin are Lake Beach, a popular destination for swimmers, and Sandown Beach, one of the Isle of Wight's finest beaches and home to another selection of traditional seaside cafés, amusement arcades and pubs.
Nature and wildlife
A short trip from the town centre will take you to Shanklin Chine, a dramatic gorge that features waterfalls and a number of woodland walks. With indigenous plant life that has a history reaching back to the times of the dinosaurs, Shanklin Chine is a primeval spot away from the hustle and bustle of the seafront. The gorge features a Heritage Centre Exhibition that includes details from William Daniell's A Voyage Round Great Britain and a number of paintings by JMW Turner. Towards the beach from Shanklin Chine is Fisherman's Cottage, dating from the 19th century and home to a restaurant that serves delicious British food and real ale.
If you're travelling with kids in tow, the Isle of Wight Zoo is a fun and engaging place to spend a few hours. Set beside Sandown Bay, the zoo features a number of big cats including lions, tigers and jaguars. Also worth checking out if you're interested in wildlife is Amazon World Zoo Park, a large zoo that includes jungle habitats full of exotic animals.
