Shanklin has a little more old world charm to it than its brasher neighbour Sandown. The Old Village is a wonderful place to spend a romantic summer evening wandering the fairy lit picturesque pathways between rose clad thatched homes.
Shanklin was actually mentioned in the Doomsday book, but really rocketed in popularity with the arrival of the train to Rhyde and the sudden explosion of Victorian tourists in search of its miraculous spring waters.
As well as lovely clean beaches the town has some interesting little shops, cafes and places to eat and stay. There are also pleasant parks and gardens and the famous Shanklin Chine, a 45ft waterfall through a verdant cleft in the rocks.