Wishing Seat

Perched on Shanklin Down, this simple stone bench offers one of the Isle of Wight's best views across the English Channel. The Wishing Seat is exactly what it sounds like - a weathered limestone seat where locals have made wishes for over a century, though the tradition feels more genuine than gimmicky when you're sitting there watching ships pass by on the horizon.

Walkers will love the approach through rolling downland, while families might find the uphill trek a bit much with little ones in tow. The seat itself takes about five minutes to appreciate, but the walk from Shanklin town centre is a proper 45-minute climb that'll get your heart rate up. Come on a clear day and you'll spot the French coast - on grey days, you're staring into a wall of mist.

It's free to visit, naturally, and worth combining with a longer walk along the clifftops or down into Shanklin Chine. The bench gets busy during summer weekends, so early morning visits work best if you want a moment of peace. From nearby holiday parks like Parkdean Resorts Lower Hyde or Landguard, it makes a decent half-day excursion for those who enjoy a bit of a walk with their views. Just don't expect anything more than a bench and a vista - sometimes that's exactly enough.