7 reasons to visit the Ventnor Botanic Gardens

Ventnor Botanic Gardens is one of our favourite attractions on the Isle of Wight. The gardens lie in a subtropical microclimate allowing them to bloom with all kinds of exotic plants and flowers not found on mainland Britain. Ventor itself is a great little seaside resort - here are 7 reasons to pay the gardens and the local area a visit…

1.The Garden and Plants

Ventnor Botanic Garden offers plenty to do for all the family. Open from 10am daily, the gardens showcase a wonderful collection of plants and flowers that are grown here without protection thanks to the garden’s unusually warm climate which is closer to the mediterranean climate than anything found in the UK. Whilst wandering around you can also see exhibitions of artwork from local artists and browse the many flora and fauna on sale in the piazza outside the garden entrance.

2. Relax in Beautiful Scenery

This is a great place to chill out and stroll around. Afterwards, the visitor centre is home to the site’s gift shop, Plantation Room café and also the newly opened Edulis restaurant where you can enjoy an excellent bite to eat on the terrace overlooking the Palm and Medicinal Gardens.

3. Fun for the Whole Family

Facilities at the site include children’s play area and picnic area, toilets and car parking. Entrance fees are £15 for a family and this includes the car parking fee and also entrance to Steephill Cove (see below). If you return within a week you can get in back into the gardens for half price if you bring your receipt from last time. Dogs are also welcome but must be kept on a lead.

4. Exciting Events

The centre is great for educational visits and provides regular lectures about the garden and various courses throughout the year for those interested in horticulture. There are also a number of events held here throughout the year, such as the Hops Festival - the garden’s annual celebration of the newly harvested crop. For budding brides, the garden hosts the popular Wight Wedding Days Bridal Fair providing and excellent setting for browsing dresses and other elegant pieces to make your day extra special. There is also a brilliant Christmas Market in December.

5. Steephill Cove

Steephill Cove is a stunning fishing cove tucked away under the cliffs and accessible only on foot or by boat. This hidden gen is just a short distance from the Botanic Gardens and well worth the journey. You can enjoy the colourful beach views of stripy deck chairs, bright beach huts and pretty stone cottages. There are great places to eat including a seafood restaurant serving some of the best crab on the island, rock pools for kids to paddle in and lovely stretches of sandy beach to laze about on. Due to the local micro-climate, Steephill Cove is often baking hot on sunny days.

6. Ventnor Beach

Ventnor Beach, the most southerly beach on the Isle of Wight, is a lovely place for relaxing on the sand and swimming in the sea. Ideal for families, the beach is popular with holidaymakers and locals alike and has plenty of space for exploring. As you walk along the seafront you will find ice cream stands, an amusement arcade and beach-themed shops to browse.

7. Coastal Path Walks

For those of you who like a stroll, there are some great places to walk in and around Ventnor. The Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk runs along a breath-taking stretch of coastal path providing panoramic sea views. The walk is approximately 1-2 hours long and fairly moderate with only a few steep areas, making it suitable for children. There are good places to stop for refreshments along the path too.

Ventnor and its Botanic Gardens make an excellent day out. Aside from enjoying the fabulous gardens, the local area has lots to offer making it a perfect base for a holiday or a relaxing day out.