Office: 12 Pomona Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6PF
Shanklin Chine is a spectacular, tree-lined natural gorge located on the Isle of Wight, cutting its way from the thatched cottages of Shanklin Old Village down to the beach and Esplanade far below. Considered the Isle of Wight's oldest tourist attraction, the Chine has captivated visitors since it first opened to the public in 1817, attracting famous figures like Jane Austen and the poet John Keats, and later becoming a fashionable spot for Victorian holidaymakers. This deep, narrow ravine—a "chine" being a local term of Saxon origin for a water-cut gorge—drops 32 meters (105 ft) to sea level, showcasing a unique ecosystem of waterfalls, lush vegetation, and towering trees, and is a safe haven for the island's rare red squirrels.
Beyond its natural beauty, the historic gorge holds significant World War II heritage. It was used as an assault course by the 40 Royal Marine Commando in preparation for the Dieppe Raid in 1942, and also housed a section of the famous PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean) which secretly supplied petrol to the Allied troops during the Normandy landings. Today, visitors can enjoy this history via a heritage center and a preserved section of the pipeline. A highlight of the summer season is the Chine Lumière evening display, where hundreds of lights illuminate the waterfalls and pathways, transforming the gorge into a magical, unforgettable spectacle.
