Itinerary Planner

3 days – Olde worlde charm, time travel and a Roman holiday

Discover the quintessential English village of Shanklin with thatched tearooms and the natural beauty of Shanklin Chine. Uncover the Island's maritime history, historic steam train and one of the beautifully preserved roman villas.

Day 1

Morning:

* Start in Shanklin Old Village, with its thatched cottages, quaint shops and traditional tea rooms.

* Walk down Shanklin Chine, a stunning tree lined gorge with paths passing waterfalls and rare ferns and grasses. Exit at the beach.

Afternoon:

* Enjoy ice-cream or fish and chips in the traditional sea-side cafés on Shanklin Esplanade and play ‘crazy-golf’ on the ‘prom’.

* Stroll along the coastal path towards Sandown.

Day 2

Morning:

* Visit Cowes, famous for sailing and yacht racing. You can find out more about maritime heritage at the Sir Max Aitken Museum and The Boat Shed at Classic Boat Museum.

* Book a boat trip with commentary around Cowes Harbour.

Afternoon:

* Head to Havenstreet and then it’s all aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. You’ll encounter majestic steam engines, quiet rural stations, and traditionally uniformed staff.

* Visit the Train Story Discovery Centre and see historic train carriages up close.

Day 3 

Morning:

* Visit Ryde, known as ‘The Town on the Beach.’ It has a massive stretch of golden sand and one of the longest piers in the country.

* Look out for the hovercrafts coming and going in a blaze of red, white and blue, or take part in a Hovercraft experience session.

Afternoon:

* Visit Brading Roman Villa, one of the finest Roman sites in the country with beautifully preserved mosaic floors.

* Look out for the Medusa mosaic, which was believed to ward off evil and protect the home.