Bonchurch is a small enchanting village to the east of the seaside town of Ventnor, situated on what is referred to locally as The Undercliff, which is a site of special scientific interest. The main village is backed by a cliff to the north, with the
Upper Bonchurch section on the clifftop halfway up St.Bonifcae Down. Bonchurch is one of the oldest settlements on the Isle of Wight with a wealth of historic associations with famous Victorian authors and illustrators and became the haunt of many famous faces in the 19th century, including Dickens who wrote part of David Copperfield staying at The Winterbourne. The writer and politician Macaulay lived at Madeira House and Henry De Vere Stackpole, author of The Blue Lagoon, gave the pond to the village in memory of his wife. The poet Algernon Charles Swinburne lived at East Dene and substantial home in magnificent ground leading down to the sea.
The Saxon patron saint, St. Boniface, visited the area where Bonchurch is now located, in the 8th century. In the 9th century monks from Lyra in Normandy are thought to have landed at Monks Bay and erected a building in dedication to St. Boniface, where the Old Church now stands. A newer and larger church was erected on the main road during the Victorian era.
Having something of a reputation for its Italian cuisine, The Bonchurch Inn, family run, is locally renowned for what is referred to locally a its "life changing Lasagne".
The Victorian seaside town of Ventnor is a 15 minute walk away and provides a whole host of bars, restaurants, dining pubs public gardens, coast walks and more stunning coastal scenery. Charles Dickens (no less) described it as “The prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad"
With its famed microclimate, shingle beach and zig-zag approach to the seafront, you just have to Say Yes to Ventnor during your Isle of Wight stay.
Things to do
Ventnor Fringe has become a real centre point of the town’s season, promising top comedians, theatre and music and much more for all ages and tastes.
Ventnor was well known as a health resort in Victorian times and on the site of the former chest hospital you will find Ventnor Botanic Gardens, which takes advantage of the mild climate to put on an incredible display of plants from around the world.
If you have little ones in tow, the iconic Isle of Wight-shaped paddling pool on Ventnor seafront is well worth it and will provide a holiday snap that you will treasure forever.
Take a stroll along the coastal path to the hidden delight that is Steephill Cove, with a couple of eateries serving Ventnor Bay crab and a delightful beach.
Ventnor Carnival week is a colourful experience with floats and pedestrians from across the Isle of Wight converging on the town.
If you are around in November, the town puts on a fantastic bonfire night fireworks display outside the seafront Spyglass Inn.
Visit the iconic art deco Winter Gardens that overlooks the bay, for a bite to eat or to see a show.
Families will love nearby Blackgang Chine – the UK’s oldest amusement park – with tons of fun to tire your little terrors out under the gaze of the Blackgang pirate.
Be sure to visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary at neighbouring Wroxall to ooh and aah over the lovely residents.
Places to eat
Ventnor is a haven of fine dining with restaurants such as The Royal Hotel, with its pop up Se7en restaurant at the weekends and to-die-for cream teas.
Smoking Lobster, Cantina and The Hambrough producing some mouthwatering food containing plenty of Isle of Wight ingredients.
Also nestled in the town is The True Food Kitchen, whose chef-owner Adam Fendyke produces mouth watering Asian fusion food.
For a quirky afternoon tea experience, look no further than Lady Scarlett’s Tea Parlour, with its delicious home-made cakes and sandwiches.
There are lots of cafes, pubs and restaurants along the seafront while the town centre provides a number of other choices.