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. The western esplanade has a part sand, part fine shingle beach, good for sunbathing and swimming and adjacent to 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 and greengrocers, hardware, toys and a number of collectables and antique shops, as well as a reasonable size Somerfield supermarket.

In Victorian times Ventnor became a very fashionable destination and health resort. 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. The town plays host to two of the islands big music festivals, the Isle of Wight Jazz Festival and the Isle of Wight Blues and Folk Festival.

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

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 the Botanic Garden and Ventnor Bay. 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 catamaram 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 working models. 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 including the main events of the Isle of Wight Jazz Festival. More info ....

Coastal Visitor Centre	The Winter Gardens	Steephill Cove	Ventnor Cascade

Eating and Drinking

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Ventnor. Here is a small selection, all within ten minutes walk of Bermuda House:

• The Spyglass Inn

  The Spyglass on the Western Esplanade has won just about every "best pub" award on the island. It has good pub food, real ales, nautical memorabilia and seating right on the shore. It is a pleasant, if somewhat crowded, place to spend a summers evening. More info ....
• The Mill Bay Inn on the Western Esplanade just below the house serves pub food in nice surroundings, with good sea views. More info ....
• The Crab and Lobster Pot in Grove Road, by the Heritage Museum, is a lovely pub with reasonably priced good food with at table service.
• The El Toro Contento Tapas Bar is a well reviewed authentic Spanish place to eat in Pier Street opposite Somerfield. More info ....
• The New China House in Church Street is Ventnor's Chinese restaurant.
• A recent addition to the town has been the stylish Rex Piano Bar in Church Street which serves well cooked simple food in a nice atmosphere.
• A new wine bar, The Met, on the Esplanade next to the Mill Bay Inn, is very popular and serves a range of Tapas in the evenings. More info ....
• About 50 yards from the house on Pier Street is Tintos cafe bar which serves imaginative snacky food, and a good selection of drinks in a lively atmosphere.
• The Royal Hotel in Belgrave Road has a 2 AA rosettes restaurant. More info ...
• The recently opened Hambrough Hotel, less than 100 yards away, is a designer hotel and has one of the best restaurants on the island. More info ...