Ventnor
Ventnor, Isle of Wight
If you’re looking for a good beach then Ventnor is perhaps the best one to go for, especially considering its renowned, almost subtropical climate. It has enough seaside amusements to keep children happy, but avoids the kiss-me-quick style of Shanklin and Sandown, and retains a good deal of its Victorian charm. The red shingle and golden sands is backed by vintage beach huts that once had wheels to transport the gentry down to the sea to bath. These can be hired on a daily basis from the hut on the sea wall, as can deckchairs, sun loungers and wind breaks, which are hammered into the sand for you with an old wooden mallet. There are some excellent restaurants and bars along the esplanade too: check out the very nice Spyglass Inn at the western end.
