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ShanklinPerhaps the 2nd main holiday resort to Sandown on the Isle of Wight is Shanklin. Probably one of the most famous feature of Shanklin is the Chine. The word ‘chine’ by the way, originates from Saxon times meaning gap or ravine. Chines are formed by the rapid erosion of the cliff face by a stream or river. Shankiln Chine features a 45ft high waterfall within a sandstone gorge lush with many species of ferns and mosses. Also within the chine is a World War 2 memorial to 40 Royal Marine Commando who trained here and a section of the original pipe used for ‘PLUTO’, the pipe line under the ocean. The chine is illuminated in the evenings between mid-May and September. Another famous feature of Shanklin in the Old Village. This must be one of the most picturesque English villages in the UK. The historic Crab Inn is where the American poet; Henry Longfellow stayed in 1868. At the top of the High Street almost opposite Daish's hotel, you will find Eglantine Cottage where the poet; John Keats stayed in 1819. A Plaque above the door records this. Dominating the Esplanade is the cliff lift. Originally built between 1890 and 1892, the then Victorian open plan structure operated by way of a water counter-balance principal connecting the esplanade with the Eastcliff Promenade near Palmerston Road. In 1956 it was replaced by the current electric system which travels up and down the 150 foot high cliff in its concrete shaft. The Esplanade is also where Shanklin pier once stood. Built in 1888 and 335 metres long, the pier became semi derelict in the 1980’s before finally being destroyed by the 1987 storms which battered the south coast. There are various attractions along the esplanade including a crazy golf course and putting green, an amusement complex including ‘Jungle Jim’s’, an indoor play centre for children. |
