Ventnor Downs

Important notice -

In line with government guidance, our countryside space is open for local visitors to access for walks. We ask all visitors to follow guidance on social distancing to keep everyone safe.

Dramatic views from the highest point on the Island

More about this place

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

In England and Northern Ireland, our gardens, parks and countryside remain open for local people to exercise. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority and we urge you to book your visits in advance and stay local. All places in Wales are currently closed. Please check the property webpage before you travel.

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 15 minutes
Distance: 5.6 miles (9 km) Ascent/Descent: 1100' (333m)

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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