Ventnor

Ventnor is a small town sitting on the southern edge of the Island below the imposing cliffs of Ventnor Down, the highest point of the Island. It is an interesting town as it is built right on the side of the hill with quite an elevation change between the esplanade and the top of town. Ventnor has as cut off feel, with the Downs shielding it from the north and as you drive into town you tend to lose all radio signal and it is not uncommon for your mobile phone to pick up a French network. Most of the interest for photographers is around the beach and the esplanade and the views from the breakwater at Ventnor Haven or from the cliff roads over the town. Ventnor works well as both a sunrise and sunset location due to its position on the South Coast of the Island.

Getting there:

Ventnor does take a bit of getting too, but it is worth it when you get there. The town does have a range of accommodation so is an option for a base, but be aware that if you are wanting to explore the other locations on the Island this will involve quite a bit of driving to get to and from Ventnor and some early starts for Summer sunrises.

From Newport follow signs for Sandown initially and take the A3020 towards Sandown. At Blackwater Junction turn right and continue to follow the A3020 towards Shanklin. This will take you through Rookley and Godshill before passing through Sandford. Once through Sandford you reach a mini roundabout at Whiteley Bank. Take the Third Exit towards Ventnor and pass through Wroxall before arriving into Ventnor.

Ventnor is a bit of a maze, you will want to head downhill towards the esplanade. Initially follow the signs for Town Centre and then the Signs for the Esplanade. This should then bring you through the Cascades and one the eastern end of the esplanade. There is a large pay and display car park to the left of the Esplanade past the Ventnor Haven Fishery building. In addition there is roadside parking on the Esplanade. A final option is to continue along the Esplanade and park in the La Falaise Car Park (pay and display) above the Spyglass Inn.

What to Shoot:

There is a great view back to Ventnor from the end of the Haven Breakwater. At the Eastern end of the Esplanade walk around the back of the rotunda and you can access the walkway along the breakwater. It can be windy and cool out at the end of the breakwater so be prepared. The railings and the curve of the breakwater form a nice leading line up to the town itself and the large Ventnor sign on the rotunda make it clear where you are. Its a great spot for a wide angle shot or a panorama to really emphasise how Ventnor is built right on the hillside.

Whilst out on the Breakwater there is a second shot looking across the haven with the fishery and the hill top buildings beyond. The rocks of the breakwater defences can make good foreground and leading lines. This faces east so the sun will be rising either over the sea or behind the headland depending on the time of year.

A third option is to walk or drive along the Esplanade and up to the La Falaise Car Park. Here there is a view back across the Esplanade from above the Spyglass Inn which forms the foreground of the image. This is another good option for sunrise as the sun will be rising over the sea or behind the town depending on the time of year.

The beach obviously provides other options, and during the summer month Beach Huts are placed on the raised area below the Esplanade which can make a nice subject, the large wooden breakwater outside the Spyglass Inn is a popular option as well and if the tide is right you can capture water coming through the breakwater.

Other Options:

The Ventnor Cascades above the Esplanade is a popular spot for photographer with flowers in bloom throughout the year and the hairpin bend of the road providing an interesting subject. This view is facing west so can be a good sunset option.

Beyond the car park at the eastern end of the Esplanade is a footpath that follows the sea wall round to Bonchurch where there are more sea defences and a row of houses on the seafront at Bonchurch that present options for compositions.