Ventnor Downs (NT)

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Overview

The Ventnor Downs rise steeply above the Victorian seaside town of Ventnor. With the sparkling sea below and the holm oak trees which have colonised the south-facing chalk slopes, there is almost a Mediterranean flavour to the landscape. On the top of the downs you find a complete change of landscape with large open areas of grass and heather. You can drive to the top of the downs where there are several car parks which lead onto areas of reasonably level footpaths, or you can climb the steep hills from the town of Ventnor. Humans share this wonderful place with ground-nesting birds like skylark and meadow pipit so in spring please keep your dogs under close control and stick to established paths in the designated and signed areas. You may be lucky to catch a glimpse of the herd of Old English goats which graze on Bonchurch Down and Coombe Bottom. They were introduced to the downs in 1993 to help control the spread of scrub and holm oak trees which would otherwise rapidly re-colonise the flower rich chalk grassland.

Location

Ventnor Downs, VENTNOR, PO38 1AH

About the area

Small and intimate – at just 23 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Wight is a popular holiday destination; with its mild climate, long hours of sunshine and colourful architecture, it has something of a continental flavour. Visitors can walk along the island’s varied coastline using the well-established Coast Path or step back in time to explore the island’s history at some of the forts and castles.

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Ventnor Isle Of Wight Things To Do in Isle Of Wight

Ventnor Downs (NT)

Ventnor Downs, VENTNOR, PO38 1AH

01983 741020

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Ventnor Downs (NT)

Recommended by

Overview

The Ventnor Downs rise steeply above the Victorian seaside town of Ventnor. With the sparkling sea below and the holm oak trees which have colonised the south-facing chalk slopes, there is almost a Mediterranean flavour to the landscape. On the top of the downs you find a complete change of landscape with large open areas of grass and heather. You can drive to the top of the downs where there are several car parks which lead onto areas of reasonably level footpaths, or you can climb the steep hills from the town of Ventnor. Humans share this wonderful place with ground-nesting birds like skylark and meadow pipit so in spring please keep your dogs under close control and stick to established paths in the designated and signed areas. You may be lucky to catch a glimpse of the herd of Old English goats which graze on Bonchurch Down and Coombe Bottom. They were introduced to the downs in 1993 to help control the spread of scrub and holm oak trees which would otherwise rapidly re-colonise the flower rich chalk grassland.

Location

Ventnor Downs, VENTNOR, PO38 1AH

About the area

Area image

Small and intimate – at just 23 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Wight is a popular holiday destination; with its mild climate, long hours of sunshine and colourful architecture, it has something of a continental flavour. Visitors can walk along the island’s varied coastline using the well-established Coast Path or step back in time to explore the island’s history at some of the forts and castles.

Explore Isle of Wight

Ventnor Isle Of Wight Things To Do in Isle Of Wight