Ventnor

Ventnor is at the south of the Isle of Wight protected by St. Boniface Down - the highest point on the island. This creates a microclimate which encourages lush vegetation and varied wildlife and some of the UK's sunniest summers and mildest winters.

Bermuda House is situated just above the centre of the Esplanade, Beach View Apartment is above the west of the Esplanade. The western esplanade has a part sand, part fine shingle blue flag beach, good for sunbathing and swimming with nearby pubs, cafes, amusements and paddling pool. The eastern promenade leads to Bonchurch, the Island's best preserved Victorian village much favoured by prominent Victorian literati. Charles Dickens wrote part of David Copperfield whilst staying at Bonchurch which he described as "The prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad".

Ventnor Bay

Shopping includes traditional butchers, two delicatessens, a traditional sweet shop, hardware, toys and a number of collectibles and antique shops, as well as a reasonable size Somerfield supermarket.

In Victorian times Ventnor became a fashionable holiday and health resort. Sir James Clark, Queen Victoria's doctor, endorsed the health-giving properties of Ventnor's climate."Nothing along the south coast will bear comparison with it" he enthused. The town is currently reinventing itself as a stylish destination with new residential development, luxury hotels, wine bars, a piano bar and a new harbour. It was recently listed as the 7th best coastal town in Britain in Coast magazine, and was described by BBC Radio Solent as the new Notting Hill.

Bermuda House looks out over the blue flag beach and new harbour, Ventnor Haven, which is for smaller craft and where fresh fish and seafood are landed and available daily. Crab and lobster are particularly recommended.

Things to do, places to go in Ventnor

• Botanic Garden

  St Boniface Down: The highest point on the island, is reached by a footpath from the old railway station in Mitchell Avenue. The view is amazing, and once you're there you can walk over the downs to Shanklin or Appuldurcombe or walk back via the undercliff and Bonchurch. The top can also be reached by car from a road on the right as you are leaving Ventnor on the Newport road.
• Botanic Garden: This is a pleasant walk away around the coast path and has exotic plants from around the world in themed gardens within a landscaped setting. The temperate house has many exotic species in a 'tropical' climate. Admission is free but you have to pay to park and visit the temperate house. More info ....
  
• Steephill Cove: This lies on the round-island coastal path, between Ventnor Bay and the Botanic Garden. Steephill remains a tranquil retreat with an appearance that has changed little with the centuries. It is still a working port, with crab and lobster fishermen bringing in their daily catch.
• Boat trips: Cheetah Marine operate boat trips in season along the coast by catamaran from Ventnor Haven harbour. More info ....
• Coastal Visitors Centre: Ventnor's Tourist Information Centre, on the cliff a couple of hundred yards from Bermuda House, includes the island's Coastal Visitors Centre with information on coastal erosion and the unique landslip coastline. There is also an aquarium and information on the coastal and marine habitat and the area's rare plant and sea life. More info ....
• Longshoreman Museum: Housed in a converted cottage on the Western Esplanade with a small personal collection of historical and nautical items.
• Ventnor Heritage Museum: The Ventnor Heritage Museum in Spring Hill has displays of old photographs, prints, documents, and artefacts relating to Ventnor and district. There are also exhibits about the local railway with models (including one of the Mill which used to occupy the Bermuda House site). More info ....
• Ventnor Winter Gardens: The building has a 400 seat capacity auditorium, one of the largest on the island, two function rooms, a separate bar and a restaurant. It plays host to concerts and other events. More info ....

Coastal Visitor Centre	The Winter Gardens	Steephill Cove	Ventnor Cascade

Eating and Drinking

Ventnor is rapidly becoming a food destination of the island with a wide variety of places to eat and drink at a range of prices. Here is a small selection, all within ten minutes walk of Bermuda House and Beach View Apartment:

• The Spyglass Inn

  The Spyglass on the Western Esplanade close to Beach View Apartment has won many "best pub" awards on the island. It has pub food, real ales, nautical memorabilia and seating right on the shore. It is a pleasant, if somewhat crowded, place to spend a summer's afternoon or evening. More info ....
• The Ale and Oyster near the Spyglass at the western end of the Esplanade is very popular, having a range of mainly seafood and an emphasis on using freshly cooked island produce. More info ....
• The El Toro Contento Tapas Bar an authentic Spanish place to eat in Pier Street opposite Somerfield has lovely food at reasonable prices. More info ....
• The renowned Hambrough with Robert Thompson in charge, less than 100 yards away from Bermuda House, is the only Michelin starred restaurant on the island. It has three AA rosettes and was awarded Restaurant of the Year at the 2009 Island Life Food and Drink Awards. More info
• The Met, on the Esplanade near the Haven, is a contemporary style wine bar which serves a range of tapas in the evenings. More info ....
• The New China House in Church Street is a good value Chinese restaurant, who also do takeaway and delivery.
• The stylish Rex Piano Bar in Church Street serves nicely cooked food (with an emphasis on Italian) in a pleasant atmosphere - the outdoor seating has breathtaking views. More info ....
• The Mill Bay Inn on the seafront opposite the harbour serves traditional pub food including regular carveries.
• Phileas Fogg, a new restaurant on the High Street, is already proving popular with diners, featuring a menu of food from around the world. More info ....
• Chutney Express in the High Street is a small but popular Indian restaurant, who also do takeaways and deliveries.
• The Royal Hotel in Belgrave Road, close to Beach View Apartment has a 2 AA rosettes bistro which is open to non-residents. More info ....