One of the great things about staying in Shanklin is its location. You’re close to the coast, countryside and some of the Isle of Wight’s best-known towns and villages, making it a great base for exploring more of the Island during your stay.
You don’t need to spend your whole holiday in one place either. From seaside towns and harbour villages to historic attractions and the dramatic scenery of West Wight, there are plenty of places you can reach from Shanklin for a day out.
Here are some of our favourite places to visit.
1. Ventnor
Around 10 minutes by car or 10–15 minutes by bus
Just a few miles along the coast from Shanklin, Ventnor is one of the easiest day trips to fit into your holiday.
Start with a walk along Ventnor Beach and the seafront before exploring the town’s independent shops, cafés and restaurants. If you fancy going a little further, Steephill Cove is a beautiful little spot tucked below the cliffs, while Ventnor Botanic Garden is another popular place to visit.
For walkers, Ventnor Downs offers a completely different side to the area, with open countryside and far-reaching views across the Island.
Ventnor is close enough to Shanklin that you could easily spend a morning here before heading somewhere else for the afternoon.
2. Ryde
Around 20 minutes by car or 25 minutes by train
Head north from Shanklin and you’ll reach Ryde, one of the Island’s classic seaside towns.
The journey is particularly easy by train, with direct services from Shanklin to Ryde Esplanade taking around 24 minutes.
Once you’re there, take a walk along the seafront and Ryde Pier, browse the independent shops or head towards Appley Beach. Appley Park and Appley Tower are also worth exploring if you fancy a walk away from the town centre.
Ryde is a good choice if you’re looking for a traditional seaside day out, with plenty to keep you occupied without needing to plan every minute.
3. Bembridge
Around 15 minutes by car
For a quieter coastal day, make your way to Bembridge on the eastern side of the Island.
Start around Bembridge Harbour, where you can enjoy a walk beside the water before heading towards the village. The National Trust’s Bembridge Windmill is another worthwhile stop and one of the Island’s best-known historic landmarks.
If the weather is on your side, continue towards Bembridge Beach or explore some of the coastal paths around the area.
It’s also easy to combine Bembridge with a stop in nearby Seaview or St Helens, making it a good option for a full day exploring the eastern side of the Island.
4. Newport
Around 15–20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus
Newport sits in the centre of the Isle of Wight, making it a convenient place to visit if you want to explore somewhere away from the coast.
The town has a good selection of independent shops, cafés and places to eat, while history fans can head just outside the centre to Carisbrooke Castle. The castle is one of the Island’s most significant historic attractions and is particularly worth allowing a few hours to explore.
Newport is also a useful starting point for exploring some of the surrounding countryside, so you could easily combine a visit to the town with another attraction nearby.
There is a direct bus from Shanklin to Newport, with journeys taking around half an hour depending on the service.
5. Yarmouth
Around 30 minutes by car
Yarmouth is one of the prettiest places to visit in West Wight, with its harbour, old buildings and waterfront making it feel very different from Shanklin.
Take a stroll around the harbour, walk along the pier and explore the town’s independent shops and cafés. Yarmouth Castle is also worth a visit if you enjoy history.
If you’re travelling by car, Yarmouth also makes a good starting point for exploring more of West Wight. You could continue towards Freshwater, Totland or the Needles and make a full day of it.
The drive from Shanklin to Yarmouth is around 19 miles and takes approximately 30 minutes in typical conditions.
6. West Wight
Around 30–40 minutes by car
If you have a full day to spare, head right across to West Wight.
This is where you’ll find some of the Island’s most dramatic scenery, including Freshwater Bay, Tennyson Down and the Needles. The National Trust’s Needles Old Battery and New Battery is a great place to take in the famous coastline and learn more about the area’s history.
You could spend the morning exploring the Needles before heading to Freshwater Bay for a walk or lunch. If you’re travelling with children, Tapnell Farm is another West Wight option with plenty to do.
The Needles are around 21 miles from Shanklin, with the drive taking roughly 30 minutes in typical conditions.
7. Cowes
Around 25 minutes by car or about an hour by bus
For something a little different, spend the day in Cowes.
Known around the world for sailing, Cowes has a lively waterfront, independent shops, cafés and restaurants. Take a walk along the seafront towards Egypt Point, browse the town or simply watch the boats coming in and out of the harbour.
You can also visit the Cowes Maritime Museum to learn more about the town’s strong connection with sailing and the sea.
Cowes is around 14 miles from Shanklin, with the drive taking approximately 25 minutes. Public transport takes longer and normally involves a change in Newport.
Explore more of the Isle of Wight from Shanklin
You don’t have to choose between staying somewhere peaceful and being close to the action. Shanklin gives you an easy base for exploring both the east and west of the Island, with plenty of places within a short drive or public transport journey.
After a day out exploring, you can return to Dove Court in Shanklin and enjoy the comfort of your own holiday apartment.
With the beach, Old Village and town centre close by, it’s an ideal base for discovering more of the Isle of Wight at your own pace.
Planning your next Isle of Wight break? Take a look at our Dove Court apartments and start planning your stay in Shanklin.