Bonchurch

Built on a series of terraces on the lower slopes of St Boniface Down, the timeless village of Bonchurch is recognized as much for its natural beauty as it is for its historical connections.

Beginning at the foreshore the village is fronted by Monks Bay and Horseshoe Bay. The wide beach at Monks Bay provides a safe bathing area for children and exposes an abundance of fabulous rock pools to explore at low tide. Further to the west, Horseshoe Bay marks the start of the sea wall which runs through to Ventnor with a seasonal ice cream shop and café about half way.

Climbing from the front towards the village you will pass St Boniface Old Church. Rebuilt in 1070AD, the church was once visited by Charles I who attended a funeral here during his imprisonment on the Island at Carisbrooke Castle.
The heart of the village is the Pond, home to an abundance of wildlife including ducks and moorhens. Huge carp rise to the surface for scraps of bread thrown by visitors. You may even see a herring waiting patiently for is catch in the shallows.
Across the road is The Pond Café – a fabulous bistro style restaurant. Walking on up the Shute, you will pass the New Church dating back to 1780. Following the road round is the Bonchurch Inn. The Pub serves an excellent Italian Menu as well as many traditional favourites and a good selection of Real Ales.The top of the Shute leads to Upper Bonchurch with many footpaths leading to the Downs behind and the Landslip to the East. The view from Upper Bonchurch is spectacular, overlooking Lower Bonchurch and The English Channel. If you’re feeling energetic, climb St Boniface Downs, to the most elevated position on the Isle of Wight. At 830ft the entire island is at your feet with unbroken views of farmland and woodland across The Solent to the Mainland.

Ventnor – the British Madeira

Similar to Bonchurch, Ventnor was built on the sheltered slopes of St Boniface Down and takes full advantage of the Gulf Stream. The town grew up in the Victorian era, after the island was made popular for summer holidays by Queen Victoria. At this time many beautiful Victorian mansions were built on the terraces taking full advantage of the seaviews looking far out over the channel. In recent years many of the Victorian houses have been restored to their former splendor. The town now hosts a number of growing music and food events.
Ventnor Harbour, opened in 2003 offers a fair-weather Haven for small sailing boats and powerboats travelling round the back of the island. It is also the base for a community of fishing boats catching and selling seafood into Ventnor Pubs and Restaurants year round. Swimming on Ventnor Beach is safe and Lifeguards are currently appointed. The bay is a typical bucket and spade type destination with plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants selling a good variety of food.
Further along the coastal footpath to the west is Steephill Cove, a popular sheltered bay, with numerous cafes and restaurants again selling seafood. Not to be missed is one of Mandy’s homemade crab pasties, made freshly with crab caught from the cove.
The Botanic Gardens is further up the cliff. Due to the mild climate of The Undercliff many Mediterranean and even tropical plants thrive here. The walk along the cliff top through the St Lawrence Undercliff is one of one of the best walks on the Isle of Wight. Heading towards the Island’s most southerly point the rugged cliff tops give way to countless secluded coves and bays. Looking back towards Ventnor it is also the best place to see the natural terracing of the Undercliff. Ventnor nick named ‘Curio Capital of the Isle of Wight’ has all the usual general amenity stores. More interesting, however are the speciality shops, selling rare books, antiques, unusual craft, furniture and general bric-a-brac. The unusual landscapes of the Undercliff attract many artists and photographers giving rise to some exceptional artwork.