The next day dawned as usual. The weather was perfect for a day of site seeing. We decided to start the morning with a visit to Shanklin Chine, locally, after which we decided to walk through the Shanklin Old Village . After that we took a cab to Ventnor where we visited the Botanical gardens. Then we walked down the Ventnor Bay to the village of Bonchurch which houses the ancient church. It was a day full of long walks. However we never felt tired in spite of the walks because of the ideal weather. Ventnor Botanic Garden is on the beautiful Isle of Wight, on the south coast of England. Once a favourite home of Queen Victoria the Isle of Wight has a unique sub-tropical climate and is also known as 'The Garden Isle'. Located on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight the Botanic Garden has exotic plants, trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world displayed in a series of temperate and sub-tropical gardens.
The Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight is a place where the pleasure of plants can be enjoyed to the fullest, it is also a place where people of all ages can learn more about the wonderful world of plants and the inextricable link that we have with them.
Ventnor Bay is a predominantly sandy beach. Here the family have access to cafes, restaurants and pubs for refreshments. The backdrop of the town from the beach, makes Ventnor Bay feel decidedly Mediterranean. There is a boat haven at one end and rocks at either side of the bay for kids to go crabbing. A great family beach and one not to miss. The village of Bonchurch nestles between Shanklin and Ventnor and is truly worth a visit to appreciate the quaint cottages, large imposing Victorian Mansions and the village pond.
Built on the side of St.Boniface down, leading down to the sea, Bonchurch will remind you of the sort of holiday of yester year. The seafront has a safe shingle and sand beach, surrounded by rocks, which the kids will love to climb over, hunting for crabs and small fish. For the parents, there are several cafes, which look out to sea and serve a variety of local seafood specialities. From the shore you can take the level walk along the revetment towards Ventnor. Here you will pass tiny fisherman's cottages, Wheelers Bay and end up at Ventnor harbour.
Bonchurch, like Ventnor, was constructed predominantly through the Victorian years for the wealthy gentry, who holidayed in the area, taking in the notably milder climate, which is protected by the stunning backdrop of St. Boniface Down, the Island's highest point. To the west there is a superb walk through “The Landslip”, a coastal woodland, perched on top of the cliffs, which has been modelled by Landslips and erosion. Sheltered by ancient oaks, this walk is a must, you can walk through the deep stone gorge called the Devil's Chimney and then once at the top reward yourself with a cream tea.
A visit to Bonchurch is a must for people who appreciate the quiet life. The views, seafront and atmosphere.
http://www.isleofwight.com/albums/ventnor/index.html
It was back to the hotel in the evening after the now Customary Dinner at “The Jasmine”
Link to our album on the Web
http://picasaweb.google.com/venkatraman.anand/IsleOfWightDay4ShanklinChine?authkey=hSzKIwOhi3U
Last Day - Day 5 Blog Follows
Some Images from our camera
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