Where to stay on the Isle of Wight, and why we love Shanklin

If you are planning an Isle of Wight break, the first question is where to base yourself. The island has several good seaside towns, each with its own character, and we are not here to talk any of them down. We are here to make the honest case for Shanklin, the town we know best and the one we chose to make our home. This guide is for anyone weighing up where to stay, written plainly so you can decide what suits you.

Shanklin's sandy beach and esplanade

Shanklin has a long sandy beach, which is not true of every town on the island. A level esplanade runs along the back of it, good for a morning walk or an evening sit. The beach is about a 10 minute walk from our door, so you can come and go without a car. For families and for anyone who likes to be near the sea without a steep climb, that counts for a lot.

The cliff lift runs from the top of the cliff down to the esplanade, though it keeps limited hours. It is free for over-65s and Blue Badge holders. Read more on our things to do in Shanklin page.

The Old Village and the Chine

Behind the seafront sits Shanklin Old Village, a cluster of thatched cottages, tea rooms and pubs along narrow lanes. It is the older, quieter part of town, and it gives Shanklin a character that the busier resorts lack. Shanklin Chine, a wooded ravine that cuts down through the cliff to the sea, is within walking distance too. Both are part of why guests tell us Shanklin feels like a proper place rather than just a strip of seafront.

Having the Old Village and the Chine within walking distance means you can have a full day without driving anywhere, then come back to a calm room. See our rooms if you are ready to choose where to stay.

The Island Line railway to Ryde

For foot passengers, Shanklin is on the Island Line railway, which runs north to Ryde, where the ferries and the hovercraft come in from Portsmouth and Southsea. That means you can arrive without a car, take the train south, and step off at Shanklin station a short way from the hotel. The journey from Ryde to Shanklin takes about 30 minutes. The bus takes about 40 to 45 minutes if you prefer it.

It makes Shanklin a good choice if you want to leave the car at home. Our getting here page sets out all the ferry and foot passenger routes.

Easy ferry links

Shanklin is well placed for the ferries, whichever way you come. Wightlink runs from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, about 25 minutes' drive from us, with about 22 sailings a day. Wightlink also runs from Lymington to Yarmouth on the scenic New Forest route, about 40 minutes' drive. Red Funnel runs the car ferry from Southampton to East Cowes, and the Red Jet foot passenger service from Southampton to West Cowes, both about 35 minutes' drive to Shanklin.

Our team can arrange discounted ferry crossings for guests who book direct, which is one of the reasons to book direct with us.

Coastal walks on the doorstep

The Isle of Wight Coastal Path passes through Shanklin, so walkers can step out of the hotel and onto the path. Head south towards Luccombe, Bonchurch and Ventnor, or north along the esplanade towards Sandown. Not every town on the island can offer that, and it is the reason so many walkers base themselves here. Read our walking breaks page for more.

A good base for exploring the island

Shanklin works as a base for seeing the rest of the island too. The Needles, the chalk stacks at the western tip, are about 45 minutes' drive. The quieter corners of coast and countryside are all within reach for a day out by car. Other towns on the island have their own appeal, and we would not pretend otherwise, but Shanklin gives you the beach, the Old Village, the Chine, the coastal path and easy ferries in one place. That is a hard combination to beat.