Ventnor Downs

At 791 ft above sea level St Boniface Down is the Island’s highest point, it is one of a series of adjoining chalk downs, collectively known as Ventnor Downs, that give spectacular panoramic views, and is one of the few places where both the western and eastern ends of the Island can be seen at the same time. The area is owned by the National Trust and therefore widespread access is available, but please keep to the established paths during the summer to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

Parking and amenities

From the B3327 Newport Road in Upper Ventnor turn into Down Lane, opposite the cemetery. After the road levels out on the top of the Down, there is plenty of free parking but no other facilities.

An alternative route is to park at the Smuggler’s Haven Pay and Display car park on the A3055 between Shanklin and Ventnor, cross the road, and walk up the very steep hill opposite known as Nansen Hill. At the top of the field go through the gate and carry on upwards. Shortly the ground levels out on to Luccombe Down.

What to look out for - Calendar

Spring (March - June)

Ventnor Downs is another of the Island's main migration watch points and is therefore mainly visited during the Spring and Autumn. During the Spring many migrants can be seen including wheatear, ring ouzel, hirundines, warblers, redstarts, flycatchers, chats and finches, etc.

Autumn (July - mid November)

Overhead movement in the Autumn may include raptors such as honey buzzard (almost annual), osprey, harriers, merlin and hobby. Many passerine migrants may be found in numbers in the scrub and cover, and along the fence lines throughout the area, including grasshopper warbler, redstart, black redstart, pied and spotted flycatchers, cuckoo, fieldfare and redwing. In addition, you may spot a Dartford warbler. Wryneck is virtually annual in late August.