To the casual visitor, Ventnor is a town of two halves: the High Street and the Esplanade. But to those who know its Victorian secrets, the real magic lies in the “vertical” town—the winding stone staircases, hidden pocket parks, and Mediterranean-style terraces that tumble down the cliffside.

The Cascade and The Winter Gardens: Start your descent from the Pier Street (just moments from Bermuda House in Alexandra Gardens) via the Cascade. While most people admire the waterfall, look closer at the rockeries—this is where Ventnor’s microclimate is most obvious, with lizards often seen basking on the warm stones in spring.

The Hidden Zig-Zags: Walking from Gills Cliff House down toward the park offers a masterclass in coastal architecture. You’ll pass Victorian villas with wrought-iron balconies that look like they belong in the hills of Italy rather than the South of England.

The Conquest of the Chutes: To truly feel the Victorian heartbeat of Ventnor, you have to leave the roads behind. Take a breath and tackle St Albans Steps—a steep, narrow stone staircase that cuts directly through the town’s vertical layers. As you climb (or descend), you’ll catch glimpses into hidden courtyard gardens and over the rooftops of houses tucked into the cliffside. It’s a workout with a view, connecting the upper terraces to the heart of the town.

Ventnor Park and Flowers Brook: Many visitors miss the tranquil walk through Flowers Brook toward the Coastal Path. It’s a lush, green corridor that leads you to the clifftop views overlooking the harbour. This is the “quiet” Ventnor, far away from the bustle of the beach, and it’s spectacular at golden hour.

The Ultimate Base Camp: Whether you want to be perched high at Bermuda House for the grand view or in the heart of the town’s “verticality” at Beach View Apartment or Gills Cliff House, we provide the perfect base.

The Direct Advantage: Exploring the vertical town requires good boots and a sense of adventure—but getting here shouldn’t be an uphill struggle. Book your 2026 stay directly through our site to access our exclusive 50% ferry discount.