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Lowtherville

Ventnor
Ventnor - geograph.org.uk - 13244.jpg
Ventnor seafront.
Ventnor is located in Isle of Wight
Ventnor
Ventnor
Ventnor shown within the Isle of Wight
Population 5,976 (2011 Census)
OS grid reference SZ562775
Unitary authority
Ceremonial county
Region
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town VENTNOR
Postcode district PO38
Dialling code 01983
Police Hampshire
Fire Isle of Wight
Ambulance Isle of Wight
EU Parliament South East England
UK Parliament
List of places
UK
England
Isle of Wight
50°35′51″N 1°12′30″W / 50.5976°N 1.2084°W / 50.5976; -1.2084Coordinates: 50°35′51″N 1°12′30″W / 50.5976°N 1.2084°W / 50.5976; -1.2084

Ventnor (/ˈvɛntnər/) is a seaside resort and civil parish established in the Victorian era on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, England. It is situated south of St Boniface Down (which, at 241 metres (791 feet), is the highest point on the island), and is built on steep slopes leading down to the sea. The higher part is referred to as Upper Ventnor (officially Lowtherville); the lower part, where most amenities are located, is known as Ventnor. Ventnor is sometimes taken to include the neighbouring settlements of St. Lawrence and Bonchurch .

Its relatively sheltered location beneath the downs produces a microclimate with more sunny days and fewer frosts than the rest of the island. This allows many species of subtropical plant to flourish; Ventnor Botanic Garden is particularly notable.

The local geomorphology defines the town. A significant area is built on clay, which suffers from serious landslip; the ground is notoriously unstable and many buildings and amenities have been lost to subsidence or cliff-falls. There is a local expression: "We live near the sea and are getting nearer every day". A nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest is known as the Landslip.

Interactions between the chalk downs and softer undercliff rocks drive the geological changes affecting Ventnor. A Graben runs above the town. This marks the top of the series of landslips upon which Ventnor is built. The fault moves regularly, which has destroyed buildings over the years, led to serious cracking of local roads, and disrupted utilities. The latest evidence can be seen at the former bus stop in Ocean View Road, where a 5" by 3" vent has opened.


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