Hotels in Shanklin

Shanklin Hotels

Shanklin is a quaint resort town nestled on the Isle of White’s sandy east coast. An expansive esplanade boarders the vast golden beach, and is lined with family-run seafood restaurants, outdoor cafés and retro amusement arcades. Behind the esplanade lies Shanklin Old Village, a tiny historic hamlet of thatched cottages and traditional tearooms. Nature lovers will rejoice upon discovering the Shanklin Chine, a deep wooded ravine that hides shimmering waterfalls, lush vegetation and magical meandering footpaths.

Things to see

Start your sun-washed Shanklin morning by paying a visit to the Old Village. The village hosts some of the oldest buildings on the island, which have maintained their thatched roofs, timbered facades and small tulip-speckled gardens. Inside the old houses you’ll discover cutesy gift shops selling curious trinkets, fine-dining restaurants and refined tearooms - where you can enjoy sweet homemade scones with indulgent cream and jam. As the sun’s honey-like rays warm up, head to the Shanklin Chine, and immerse yourself in its endless greenness. This ravine is so romantically luscious that the poet Keats composed some of his best work while ambling amongst the crystalline waterfalls, vine-clad crags and arching pippin apple trees. After, walk along Shanklin’s esplanade, stopping off at the miniature golf courses and arcades for classic resort-style entertainment, before lying down on the fine unblemished sands of Hope Beach.

Hotels in Shanklin

For surprisingly affordable ocean views and immediate beach access, stay in one of the 3-star Shanklin hotels that align the esplanade. Here, you’ll enjoy comfortable en-suite rooms with queen-size beds, complimentary WiFi and easy access to the esplanade’s restaurants and bars. Treat yourself to a taste of luxury by staying at one of the 4-star resort hotels, where you’ll enjoy much the same views, but with the benefit of larger rooms, elegant interiors and relaxed bar lounges. For traditional old-fashioned accommodation, stay in one of the central 3-star B&Bs or guesthouses.

Where to stay

Staying along the esplanade means waking up to the gentle sound of calm waves breaking against the golden beach. This area puts you within walking distance of the main attractions, and in the heart of Shanklin’s resort-vibe, where you can explore the buzzing bars and indulge at the sublime seafood restaurants. For a small-town atmosphere with quiet streets and a local charm, stay toward Shanklin centre, which puts you within easy reach of the Old Village. If you’re seeking a family-themed getaway immersed in the Isle of White’s coastal beauty, campgrounds to Shanklin’s north provide an idyllic retreat.

How to get to Shanklin

Shanklin is served by a quaint one-platform railway station that offers half-hourly services to Ride Pier Head, which connects with the ferry port to Portsmouth Harbour. Arrive to the Isle of White itself by taking a pleasurable ferry ride across the calm waters from either Southampton or Portsmouth. If you’re taking your car with you on a transport ferry, then a pleasant 45 minute countryside drive along the A3055 will find you in central Shanklin. Once in Shanklin, explore the town on foot. Bus services - including the open-top summer tour bus - will take you to the surrounding towns.