- Sea views
- Family
- Free parking
- Breakfast
From beaches to rolling hills in a matter of minutes
Staying at The Royson puts you in one of the best spots on the Isle of Wight. The cliff top location means the beach is two minutes away on foot, the coastal path is practically at the front gate, and pretty much everything Shanklin has to offer is within easy reach.
Whether you are here with young children, as a couple, or as a group of friends, you will find plenty to fill your days — and a comfortable place to come back to at the end of them.
★★★★★
4.7
The closest attractions to The Royson
- 2 minute walk via cliff steps
Hope Beach, Shanklin
Hope Beach is at the bottom of the cliff steps, two minutes from The Royson on foot. It is a sheltered sandy beach tucked into the bay, away from the main Shanklin seafront, and it tends to be calmer and quieter as a result.
The water here is clean and safe for paddling and swimming, and there are watersports facilities on the beach throughout the season. You can hire a kayak, try paddleboarding, or simply take a deck chair and do nothing at all. The cliff steps bring you back up when you are ready, and your room and a pot of tea are waiting.
- Starts from the front gate
The Sunshine Trail Walk
The Sunshine Trail is a coastal walking route that begins right on the cliff top path, just outside the guesthouse. It follows the coastline with views across Sandown Bay towards Culver Cliff, and on a clear day you can see for miles in both directions.
The walk is well-signposted and largely flat along the cliff edge, making it suitable for most ages and abilities. It is the sort of walk you do before breakfast and feel very pleased with yourself about afterwards. Several guests do it more than once during their stay.
- 10 minute walk via seafront or Old Village
Shanklin Chine
Shanklin Chine is one of the Isle of Wight’s oldest and most-loved attractions, having been open to the public since 1817. It is a deep wooded gorge that cuts through the sandstone cliffs, with waterfalls, rare plants and a Victorian tea garden waiting inside.
It can be accessed either from the Shanklin seafront or through the Old Village. Both routes are a short walk from the guesthouse and take around ten minutes on foot. In summer evenings, the Chine Lumiere lights up the gorge with hundreds of lights. Worth visiting in both daylight and after dark if you can.
More to explore on the Isle of Wight
Godshill Model Village
A miniature replica of Godshill and Shanklin as they looked in the early twentieth century, with hand-painted details and tiny figures going about their day. Far more impressive in person than photos suggest.
Monkey Haven
A primate rescue centre near Newport caring for monkeys of all kinds, from gibbons to marmosets. A genuinely moving and educational afternoon out. Brilliant for families with older children.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
A beautifully preserved Victorian steam railway running between Wootton and Smallbrook Junction. The journey itself is the attraction. Children love it from the moment they hear the whistle.
Blackgang Chine
The oldest amusement park in Great Britain, perched dramatically on the southern cliffs. Rides, fantasy lands and spectacular sea views all in one unusual place. Great for a full day out.
The Needles and Alum Bay
The iconic chalk stacks at the far western tip of the island. The coloured sand cliffs at Alum Bay are unlike anything else you will see in England, and the chairlift down to the beach is a highlight.
Amazon World
The largest exotic animal attraction on the island, housing reptiles, birds and tropical species in recreated rainforest environments. A brilliant and genuinely educational afternoon for all ages.
Fort Victoria
The remains of Fort Victoria now house an Archaeology Discovery Centre, Planetarium, Model Railway, Reptilarium and Cafe. An unexpectedly varied and fascinating afternoon out.
Mottistone Manor Gardens
Enchanting gardens found in a sheltered valley surrounded by rolling hills. Quiet and beautiful, particularly in late spring. A peaceful afternoon well away from the busier tourist spots.
Watersports at Shanklin
Paddleboarding, kayaking and bodyboarding are all available to hire directly from the beach. Suitable for different ages and confidence levels throughout the season.
The best base on the Shanklin coastline
- 2 min from Hope Beach
- Sunshine Trail from the door
- Free parking on site
- Full breakfast included