Ventnor
One of the older seaside resorts on the Island, Ventnor became popular for its mild climate. It is a small town clinging to the steep hillside of St Boniface Down with hairpin bends on the roads and paths to the sea. Ventnor flourished during Victorian times as a health resort giving rise to some beautiful buildings and different architecture from the rest of the Island . The warm climate is ideal for the attractive Botanical Gardens which host a great variety of plants and can be reached along the seafront on the cliff path or from the main Ventnor to St Lawrence road.
Along the seafront you will find a sandy beach with cafes and small shops. At the western end is the Spyglass Inn, a pub serving good food with a beer garden overlooking the sea. Around the corner between the pub and the Botanical Gardens is Steephill Cove, a tiny bay that can only be reached by foot. White cliffs rise up on either side blanketing it from the world. A few cottages, boats and a cafe line the sea wall.
At the top of the town, nestling under the downs, lies Hillside Hotel, known for quality food, peace and tranquillity in an ideal setting.
