closed for winter

The oldest attraction and largest Chine on the Isle of Wight has been at the forefront of many childhood holiday memories. Walking along the pathways that follow the naturally craved out ways along the cliff edge is reminiscent of a faraway land. During the evenings in the busy summer months the Chine is transformed into an illuminated wonder, making you feel you’ve stepped into a magical world. 

Tabs

Shanklin Chine celebrated its 200th anniversary year in 2017 making it the Island’s longest established tourist attraction. 

What is a Chine? The word ‘Chine’ is a local expression and means ‘deep narrow ravine, formed by water cutting through soft sandstone leading to the sea’. 
Shanklin Chine is a result of land formation over 10,000 years and is the largest accessible Chine on the Island. Millions have visited the stunning tree-lined gorge and been inspired by its breathtaking natural beauty including Keats, who was said to have written some of his best poetry while staying in Shanklin in 1819 to Jane Austen who famously declared the site as ‘lovely’. 
You’ll be amazed by the main waterfall, tumbling down the cliff edge from 45 feet and the second is equally amazing falling from 29 feet. The Chine itself has a drop of 105 feet to sea level, which is just over a quarter of a mile! Covering an area of approximately 3 acres the Chine has a  diverse ecosystem and is home to an abundance of wild plant species, some of which are extremely rare. Keep eyes peeled for visiting wildlife such as woodpeckers, herons, dragonflies and the Island famous red squirrels. 
 
Enjoy the walk down to the beach and back again after the sun has gone down when the Chine takes on a whole new life in the busy summer months. The attraction is illuminated with hundreds of different coloured lights, highlighting the narrow paths, streams and waterfalls, it is a magical journey that children and adults alike will be amazed by.

There are a couple of options to refuel during your walk, you can stop off for refreshments - such as sandwiches and savory and cream teas - at the charming tea room and pick up a souvenir from the gift shop. If you’re after a more substantial meal The Fisherman’s Cottage, located at the bottom of the Chine, is affectionately named ‘pub on the beach’. Offering up tasty home-cooked food and a great selection of drinks, enjoy with a view like no other on the Island. 

Music in the Chine - Tuesdays & Thursday during July and August.

"The wondrous Chine here is a very great lion; I wish I had as many guineas as there have been spyglasses in it"   John Keats - July 1819"

Availability

  • open daily from 2 April to 8 November 2020

Opening times

  • generally opens at 10:00 - please check the calendar on the left for specific days and times

Last admission

  • 30 minutes before closing time 

Parking

  • the Chine does not have its own car park, so please use the Vernon Meadow car park just a few minutes walk away in the Old village (PO37 6AQ) or along Shanklin Esplanade (PO37 6BH) ** Entrance from the Esplanade only until further notice**

Accessibility

  • the walk from the top of the chine to the bottom is at times steep and with steps so unsuitable for wheelchair users

Children

  • children aged 4 and under are free of charge

Tea Room

  • serving fresh home-made cakes, scones and hot and cold drinks

Gift shop

  • well stocked gift shop at the bottom of the chine

We hope you enjoy your visit and don't forget to tweet a pic
( @RedFunnel  @shanklin_chine)

Shanklin Chine Address: 3 Chine Hill, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6BW