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 wander around the antiques centre. 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"
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