Fairytale UK seaside town with sandy beaches is ‘just like a postcard’ | UK | Travel

As the UK continues to bask in a spell of scorching weather, many Britons are swapping their desks for a well-deserved beach staycation to soak up the soaring temperatures.

If that sounds familiar, you might want to pay attention, as one coastal gem has been dubbed ‘like a fairytale’. Shanklin is a delightful, traditional seaside resort nestled on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight.

Renowned for its golden sandy beaches, striking sandstone cliffs, and the historic thatched-roof Old Village, it ranks amongst the island’s most beloved holiday destinations.

The town strikes an ideal balance between coastal relaxation and historic character. Shanklin Beach and The Esplanade offer a sweeping, family-friendly expanse of golden sand.

The Esplanade brims with seaside entertainment, classic fish and chip shops, water sports, and numerous crazy golf courses (including pirate and dinosaur themes).

The Cliff Lift is another must-see attraction. For those staying atop the sandstone cliffs, the steep descent to the beach can be avoided by hopping aboard the historic Cliff Lift, which has served visitors since 1957.

The island’s oldest visitor attraction, meanwhile, is Shanklin Chine, which first opened its doors in 1817. This verdant, wooded coastal ravine boasts spectacular waterfalls, winding jungle-like pathways, and a breathtaking illuminated evening light display.

Situated directly above the Chine, the Old Village is renowned for its charming, centuries-old thatched cottages, welcoming tearooms, and independent craft boutiques.

Visitors might also explore Shanklin theatre, a lively year-round entertainment venue hosting over 150 performances annually, encompassing comedy and music through to drama and pantomimes.

Online travel influencer Reiko, known as @heyreiko on Instagram, recently used her platform to recommend the town to her 39,100 followers.

She posted footage of the picturesque town, writing: “Why does no one talk about this fairytale town tucked away on the Isle of Wight?

“Shanklin… or as it feels when you’re here, somewhere between a dream and a postcard you swear you’ve stepped inside.”

She continued: “If you ever needed a sign to disappear for a while and find a little pocket of peace that feels unreal… this is it.”

Followers were loving the post, with it accumulating more than 4,900 likes.

One individual described it as “so beautiful”, while another exclaimed: “What a cool spot.”

A third who had visited previously commented: “Stayed there while at the Isle of Wight festival – such a lovely little place and the beach is lush.”