Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, an idyllic old village in the UK's most sunshine town, is soaked in the typical English charm and D-Day history. A small section of Shanklin Town, frozen in time, features a patchwork of that buildings that make you feel like you're traveling through the 18th century.
The peaceful streets are scattered with adorable village boutiques, tea rooms and traditional country pubs, all countering the quiet sound of wrapping in the distance. Tourist information points within Vernon Cottage Gift Shop have a variety of leaflets and guides that contain useful information during your stay. Shanklin Old Village is more intimate and quiet than some of the island's more popular neighbours, offering a short but charming amble to visitors through the calm roads.
It is this peaceful, loving quality that appears to have beaten the visitors.
Many have mentioned the village's unchanged exterior, saying, “How well they have preserved it… all monuments and marks of land.”
Another comment: “I remember being there and noticed that I almost noticed signs in front of the house like 'Happy Cottage', 'Ocean View' and 'All Us'. My favorite was the slightly run location with a sign that read “I'll do that.” ”
All on All About Brited's comments on the UK Facebook page read “proof that Brits respect their ancient times!” Another share: “What a fun scene! I wish I could sit in a corner chair and drink some hot coffee with two biscuits from Huntley and Palmer.”
For the vultures of culture, Shanklin is more than just a pretty face. It was also once home to the romantic British poet John Keats, and played an important role in World War II.
The small town was prepared for potential invasions, as on the coal surface of the waterway. It also became an important site for the Pluto (Pipeline under the Ocean) project, which fueled the French Allied forces.
Shanklin Cine, which can be visited today, was used by the Royal Marines for training exercises on the run up to D-Day.
According to the Isle of Wight History Center, Chine was used to prepare for the 1942 Dieppard and the 1944 D-Day Invasion.
One of the historic Shanklin Chine TripAdvisor reviews stated, “The stunning wood-lined cheen paves the path from Shanklin Old Village to Sandy Beach and the Esplanade far below.
“Visitors can enjoy the wonders of Shanklin Chine on a daily basis and wonder at the mysterious beauty from dusk, where hundreds of light illuminate narrow paths, streams and waterfalls.”
