Chine is a word used only in the Isle of Wight and Dorset and means a deep narrow ravine with water running down to the sea. Carved by nature over thousands of years, the gorge cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade below. If you are looking for excitement or a big wow factor you won’t find it here but, if you go quietly with an open and curious mind, you might just find something quite magical.

Shanklin Chine has been a tourist attraction for 200 years. It is quaint and, for its historical value alone, worth supporting and preserving. The on-site aviary takes in rescued birds, another important reason to support them. You can get a return ticket for Shanklin Chine, which needs to be used within 7 days. We chose to do both visits in one day in order to see the chine both during the day and with the night illuminations; it’s certainly worth the extra £1.

The entrances are at the top from Shanklin Old Village or the bottom off of the esplanade. There is no on-site parking, so park either in Vernon Meadow car park (50°37’34.9″N 1°10’41.8″W) or along the esplanade (50°37’40.4″N 1°10’22.3″W). By public transport, you can take the Islandline train to Shanklin station and walk through the old villiage, or the Southern Vectis buses 2 or 3 to the Chine. Map shows the walk through the Chine between both entrances.