Shanklin

The old lift still clanks down the sandstone cliff face, carrying visitors to one of the island's most celebrated beaches just as it has for over a century. This Victorian seaside resort has kept its traditional character while adapting to modern holiday habits - the esplanade bustles with families in summer, but you'll find proper breathing space come September.

Shanklin Beach stretches for miles of golden sand, backed by those famous towering cliffs that give the town its dramatic setting. The Old Village, with its thatched cottages and tea rooms, feels like stepping back in time. It's only a short walk from the beach, but the contrast couldn't be starker - one moment you're on Victorian promenade, the next you're wandering medieval lanes.

Wight Water offers coasteering and water sports for the more adventurous, while Anahata Yoga & Pilates provides a gentler way to start the day. The Chine - that's the deep ravine cutting through the cliffs - stays cool even on the hottest days and makes for a lovely walk through ancient woodland.

Getting here is straightforward: the Island Line railway connects Shanklin directly to Ryde (where the Portsmouth ferries dock), taking about 20 minutes through proper countryside. The train actually runs along the beach for part of the journey - cracking views across to the mainland.

Basing yourself at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to pop into town for fish and chips or a pint, but far enough out to enjoy the island's quieter side. The southern coast here is less crowded than the north, with footpaths leading to secluded coves and the South Downs rolling inland.