Ventnor

Ventnor sits on steep slopes leading down to the sea, with a shingle beach and a zigzag path connecting the seafront to the higher parts of town. Buildings follow this sloping terrain, creating a distinctive layout that fits naturally into the landscape.

This settlement grew from a small fishing hamlet into a significant Victorian health resort after an 1830s publication praised its beneficial microclimate. That transformation brought wealthy visitors and permanently shaped the town's character.

The Ventnor Fringe Festival brings theater, music, and comedy performances to various spots around town. Artists from different disciplines gather here, making it a cultural meeting point for locals and visitors.

Buses run regularly between Ventnor and nearby towns like Sandown, Shanklin, Godshill, Newport, and Blackgang. The hilly streets and slopes mean comfortable shoes and some fitness help when walking around town.

The Ventnor Botanic Garden grows plant species that normally thrive only in Mediterranean regions, thanks to the location's special microclimate. Visitors can see tropical and subtropical plants here that seem out of place in these northern latitudes.