Shanklin Hotels

The Isle of Wight is characterised by incredible natural beauty and popular seaside holiday resorts and one place which combines both aspects perfectly is Shanklin, a resort town situated on the eastern coast of the island in Sandown Bay. The town is comprised of two parts, the esplanade and tourist centres on the beach and the Old Village. In between is one of the most stunning natural attractions anywhere in the country, Shanklin Chine. Like most holiday resorts, much of the developments centred on the beach date from Victorian times and this is where most of the Shanklin hotels are located.

The two beaches and associated activities are the main draw for visitors to the town. Small Hope Beach evokes all the charm of the Victorian age with beach huts for hire and a small cafe, while Hope Beach stretches alongside the esplanade which contains all the family fun activities typical of many seaside resorts such as amusements, crazy golf and a children's play area. Sailing is an activity which is very much associated with the Isle of Wight, most notably in Cowes at the northern part of the island, and there is a popular sailing club situated at the end of the Shanklin esplanade, as well as a host of water sport activities from the beach.

There are also many Shanklin hotels on the seafront, perfectly situated to take full advantage of the sea views and easy access to the beach. Many of these are the grand Victorian hotels which dominate seafronts in most of Britain's resorts and they will offer a high standard of service commensurate with their size and status. Rooms and suites will be spacious and likely resplendent in the type of period furnishing and fixtures which match the property and they will be equipped with modern technologies such as satellite televisions and internet connections. The ideal environment too for functions, they often host weddings, banquets and corporate events and they will certainly have great restaurants and lounge areas for all guests.

There are small family run Shanklin hotels situated on the seafront too and elsewhere in town and these are great environments in which to enjoy warm local hospitality and home cooked breakfasts and they often have guest lounges in which to plan day's events or simply to relax and read or watch TV. A variety of accommodation options are generally available in single, double, twin or family rooms usually equipped with television and tea and coffee making facilities. Representing excellent value for money, the smaller hotels often offer discounts for longer term stays, making them ideal for family holidays.

The town has many shops, bars, restaurants and other facilities in which to spend some leisure time away from the beach but the major attraction is undoubtedly the Shanklin Chine. This is a wooded ravine with trees and stunning waterfalls and there are walkways and footpaths which may be accessed for a small charge. One of the most famous attractions on the island, the compelling beauty and romance of the Shanklin Chine has inspired the poetry of John Keats and art of Samuel Howitt and Thomas Rowlandson. Information on this and other local attractions is generally available from tourist information services and literature found in Shanklin hotels.

The beach resort, Old Village and natural wonders of the town certainly contain a wealth of attractions for visitors and there are other attractions which are the Shanklin hotels themselves. These are the old traditional inns and they offer a great experience full of charm and character. One inn in the Old Village was a particular favourite of American poet H.W. Longfellow and just like he did, modern day visitors can enjoy all the best aspects of Shanklin hospitality.