Ventnor Downs

Golden autumn colours beneath a blue sky on Luccombe down

Important notice -

Our car parks are open. We have limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time.

Dramatic views from the highest point on the Island

More about this place

Adults and two children taking an autumn walk amongst the trees

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Many historic houses are open in England. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. In line with Welsh Government legislation, all places in Wales will close from 24 October to 9 November. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

A walker passing through a gate at St Boniface Down and Coombe Bottom

See what you can get up to 

With an abundance of wildlife for you to spot and glorious walks aplenty, you may have a hard time fitting everything we have to offer into one day trip.

View from Freshwater Bay of Tennyson Down, Isle of Wight

More about visiting the Isle of Wight 

Whether its walking, cycling, family fun, wildlife or history that interests you, you can find it all on the Isle of Wight.

Walking

A sunny view from Ventnor Downs looking down through Coombe Bottom to the sea

Pre-history to Cold War walk 

From Bronze Age burial barrows to secretive Cold War underground nuclear operations, this short but challenging walk will take you down an interesting historical path.

Three walkers on Luccombe Down with fine views over Sandown Bay

Luccombe and the Landslip walk 

Admire autumn colours of heather and bracken on this invigorating walk in the south of the Island, with splendid far-reaching views to Culver Down in the east.

Time: 2 hours
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)

Two dog walkers sit on the grass on Ventnor Downs and take in the wide views

Views of Ventnor walk 

Challenge yourself to this short but particularly steep walk and be rewarded with far-reaching views over the Downs and beyond.

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Ventnor Downs

History

St Boniface and Pulpit Rock
A plaque indicates the site of St Boniface Well
A plaque marks the site of the Dakota crash in 1962

St Boniface 

Discover the story of St Boniface and find out how he's still remembered on the Isle of Wight today.

St Boniface and the Wishing Well 

Hear the story of the St Boniface Wishing Well and learn how it was lost to the Holm oak wood but has since been rediscovered.

The Dakota crash memorial 

Learn about the tragic Dakota air crash, the changes it inspired for airfields and our memorial which helps to commemorate those who died in the accident.

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Ventnor Downs

Wildlife

Old English goats with kid

Old English feral goats 

Find out about our herd of Old English feral goats and how they've helped us care for the Downs.

A mature holm oak showing mostly trunk on the edge of the wood.

The Holm Oaks 

Find out about the holm oak, how it's endangering our chalk grassland and what our herd of Old English feral goats are doing to help.

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