The Island’s hilliest spot with its microclimate and distinctly Mediterranean flair has a history founded almost entirely on health. Tour it with us and all will be revealed, including why Ventnor was not only once known as England’s Madeira but also as its Crimea! Allow us to introduce you to some former famous shorter or longer-term visitors including Mahatma Gandhi Karl Marx and Ivan Turgenev.
This Victorian town also has a claim to fame as being the Isle of Wight’s most ‘arty’ place, known for its highly successful Fringe Festival (link) and its Arts Club (link) – both first rate.
Just why was it that in Victorian times more Russian was spoken in Ventnor than English? The best person to answer these questions is our ‘partner’ Stephan Roman, author of ‘Isle and Empires’, which documents the links between the Isle of Wight and Russia from the times of Peter the Great onwards. In Ventnor, it was the intellectuals, radicals and revolutionaries who were plotting to overthrow the existing regime in this little hidden away corner of what was for them a far-flung island. There were a lot of them here – in fact, so popular did it become that it was laughingly referred to as ‘Ventnorgrad’ by its Russian residents! Hopefully it will be Stephan himself who will be conducting your tour. Photos – Stephan, the house of Belzen, and one more?
A definite ‘must see’ is Ventnor Botanic Garden, site of what was once the ‘Royal National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest’ (1860s – 1960s). This stunning subtropical paradise is rated second only to Kew Gardens. We can either organise an in-house expert to give you an in-depth guided walk/talk around the Gardens or you can simply feel free to stroll round in a more leisurely manner at your own pace.
Meet another ‘partner’ of ours: Marc Tuckey, local historian, who has been leading ghost walks for approx. 30 years. He has a wealth of different Island walks up his sleeve…. However, this happens to be our personal favourite. Designed not to scare but rather to entertain and inform, the walk can even be undertaken in daylight if required. Yes, it is theatrical and great fun, but you will also take some haunting and fascinating historical facts away from it. (This walk is based on the history of the Victorian Hospital rather than on the history of the present-day Botanical Garden).
Neighbouring Steephill Cove (home of the renowned mouth-watering crab pasties!) is something of an insider tip. You will be hard pushed to find a lovelier place or a better opportunity to taste fresh and delicious fish and seafood than here.
A little further along the road, this lovely church harbours an incredible secret – namely some exquisite Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass, created by William Morris, Burne Jones and Ford Maddox Brown, THE greatest masters of the craft. These were formerly housed in the hospital chapel down the road but were subsequently relocated here for their safety. If you would then appreciate a complete contrast, why not combine this with a visit to some nearby local artists’ studios.
It is only a relatively short walk between the two, whether along the seafront or through the village itself. Either way, the walk is stunning. Especially if you take the upper path, you will hear tales about several famous people who have spent time here - Winston Churchill and Gandhi among them
Neighbouring Bonchurch, located on The Undercliff (Site of Special Scientific Interest), next to the Bonchurch Landslips or ‘The Landslip’ pre-dates Ventnor by some 700 years. In fact, it is one of the oldest settlements on the Island. This tucked away small village is quite spellbinding and has changed little since the summer of 1849 when Charles Dickens and his family spent around six weeks here while he was in the process of writing ‘David Copperfield’, his most autobiographical novel.
Long noted as a literary and artistic colony, it is especially known as being the place whose residents inspired not only some characters in ‘David Copperfield’, but also those who later featured in other Dickens’ novels. It was also home to the 19th century poet Algernon Swinburne who is buried in the graveyard of St. Boniface Parish Church higher up the road. Thomas Carlyle and Thomas Babington Macauley also stayed/lived here – as did Keats… the list goes on. The poet Tennyson was also known to visit and stay here with friends.
Sue Lowday, Island historian and Charles Dickens expert, can lead you on a fascinating ‘illustrated’ guided tour round the places in the village relating to the time Dickens spent here. She will also include other interesting local characters of the time. These include the eccentric and engaging poet Algernon Swinbourne. See not only his grave but also his house, to which you may well be able to make an exclusive visit.
Ian Dickens, writer and artist and great-great grandson of the illustrious novelist Charles, happens to live on the Isle of Wight. Another ‘partner’ of ours, he will be happy to give you an illustrated talk about different aspect of Charles Dickens’ life, including a talk on 5 generations of the Dickens family and their connection to the sea, ending with himself and his personal experiences during his world circumnavigation in the clipper race of 2000/1. (He has written a book on this entitled ‘Sea Change’.)
Veritably bursting with wildlife, it is particularly well-known for its carp and terrapins. Stop and watch them for a while, as well as reading the very detailed information board.
The quaint 12th century church is one of the smallest you will find (48.6 foot long by 12 foot wide) and totally deserves a visit. St. Boniface (born 675 AD), was an Anglo-Saxon Benedictine monk who travelled the length and breadth of the kingdom spreading the Word of God and finally set sail from the Island for Germany, eventually becoming Archbishop of Mainz and patron saint of Germania. He was eventually martyred in Frisia in AD 754. He lent his name not only to the Church but also the village itself and even to neighbouring St. Boniface Down (the highest point on the Island).
Located directly on the waterfront, just a few steps down from the Church, those of you who love ceramics will be enthralled by their unique, sea-inspired motifs. Experience has shown that it’s hard to walk out of this little place empty-handed!
The Terrace Wine and Rooms (link)
The Hambrough (link)
The Royal (link)
The Smoking Lobster (link)
True Food Kitchen (link)
The Royal (link) - The Island’s oldest hotel will be delighted to serve you its heavenly gallybagger (local cheese) soufflé. Or you may prefer its afternoon tea (considered by some to be the best on the Island).
The Crab and Lobster tap (link)
Or try one of the newer and sublime eateries on the local scene. Ventnor serves up generous side helping of foreign influence – whether artist or culinary. We recommend:
True Food Kitchen (link)
Cantina (link) Stripped Brasserie (link)
The Mystery House – watch this space in 2026 for something amazing!
The Bonchurch Inn - This bustling hostelry is run by a lovely Italian family. It has a lively atmosphere and a cobbled courtyard where you can sit and bask in the sunshine, feeling far removed from anywhere else. The home-cooked Italian food is totally authentic and of very high quality. It has an excellent reputation – not least for what they advertise as its ‘life-changing lasagna’!
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+44 (0)1983 754444 - +44 (0)7932 157326 - jane.richter@outlook.com
