Description
In the 18th century the Chine was a rough walk for the intrepid but the few who struggled as far as the waterfall were deeply impressed by its beauty and grandeur. Reference is made to early efforts to ‘open the Chine up’ and there were certainly steps at the bottom that were used by excise officers on horseback.
Jane Austen writing in June 1813 said, “we hired a Sociable and drove round… Shanklin Chine, lovely.”
However, it was not until 1817, when a William Colenutt excavated the present path and opened it to the public, that the Chine began to attract increasing interest. It is not known what he charged but visitors were expected to contribute 6d (2.5p) in 1873. Amazingly, it remained at this figure until 1958.
Prices starts from £12.95 for adults(16yrs – 65yrs), £9.95 for Child(4yrs – 15yrs) and £39.00 for Family(2 adults + 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Nature:
- Animals: Shanklin Chine is a haven for wildlife. The steep sides and flowing water provide a mini sanctuary for mammals, birds and insects alike. Enjoy a cup of tea or piece of cake in the onsite tearoom, where you may be lucky enough to have a friendly visitor join you.
- Plants: Shanklin Chine is famous for its flora and fauna. There are at least 150 varieties of wild plants and more than 50 species of moss and liverworts have so far been recorded, some of them extremely rare. Ferns, grasses, wild garlic, horsetails, golden saxifrage, wild fuchsia, winter-flowering heliotrope – to name but a few – all grow in profusion.
Shanklin Chine Illuminations: Enjoy the splendour of Shanklin Chine by day … then wonder at its mystical beauty on summer nights during the Chine Lumière illuminations when hundreds of lights illuminate the narrow paths, streams and waterfalls held within. Without doubt this is the hidden gem in the Island’s crown jewels.
Exhibition: A brand-new exhibition in 2017 will tell the fascinating story of the Chine’s two-hundred-year history and features sections on the flora and fauna of this officially classified site of important nature conservation. This is accompanied by a limited edition new book written especially for the Bicentenary.
40 Commando Royal Marines: During the war the Chine was taken over and used as an assault course by the commandos whose HQ was at Upper Chine School. 40 Commando Royal Marines trained at the Chine in preparation for the Dieppe raid of 1942. A plaque to their memory was dedicated on 6th June 1984, the 40th anniversary of D-Day.
0.30 miles
