Shanklin Chine

Walking down this ancient ravine feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Shanklin Chine cuts a dramatic swathe through the cliffs, with wooden walkways threading between towering trees and moss-covered rocks. The path winds for about half a mile from the old village down to the beach, following a stream that's carved this gorge over thousands of years.

Families with younger children will love the enchanted woodland feel - there's something magical about the dappled light filtering through the canopy and the sound of water trickling over stones. The walkways make it accessible for pushchairs too, though it's quite steep in places.

What makes this spot properly special is the mix of natural beauty and Victorian engineering. The wooden bridges and pathways were first built in the 1800s, turning what was once an inaccessible gorge into a proper tourist attraction. It's been drawing visitors ever since, and you can see why.

Allow about 45 minutes for the full walk down and back up, though you could easily spend longer if the kids want to spot the red squirrels or hunt for interesting rocks. The chine works well as part of a day out in Shanklin - you're right in the heart of the old village at the top, with the beach and modern seafront at the bottom. If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Parkdean's Lower Hyde or Landguard, it's an easy drive or cycle ride over.