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| Ventnor,
has
been patronised by many famous people, including: Karl Marx, who came for his health. He described it as a little Paradise". Alfred Noyes (poet) Winston Churchill Ian Banham (actor) recently died 1999, lived in Ventnor. Russian novelist Turgenev wrote part of "Fathers and Sons", whilst staying at Ventnor. George
Elliot |
Ventnor
clings to the south side of St. Boniface down (236 metres), and rises steeply from
sea-level similar in style to some French riviera towns . It was originally a small fishing hamlet until it was 'discovered' by an eminent Victorian physician, Sir James Clark, who thought Ventnor's mild micro-climate would benefit those with lung disease. Consequently, the National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest was built in nearby Saint Lawrence. The hospital was finally closed in 1964 and it's well stocked grounds are now a Botanical Gardens open to the public. To show how popular the resort became with well heeled Victorians, the population rose from 350 in 1838 to 5,000 in 1866. This surge was greatly helped by the introduction of the railway line, which was finally closed in the 1960's. Ventnor is one of the prettier island towns if which has an unique appeal which is hard to describe in print. It's generally quieter and more genteel than the other seaside resorts and offers some beautiful walking countryside close by. The beach is mainly sandy with some pebble patches and the bathing is quite safe. Tropical Bird Park.............(01983) 852583 Ventnor Heritage
Centre....(01983) 855407 Museum of
Smuggling........(01983) 853677 Rare Breeds and Tourist Information..............(01983) 853625 Bus...................................6,
6A 7, 7A, 31, 92, 93
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