Ventnor Harbour

Ventnor’s new harbour was opened in 2003. Photo: Isle of Wight County Council

Ventnor has a harbour now too, whose breakwater marks the foot of the old Royal Victoria pier that was irreparably savaged by the 1987 storms before being demolished in 1993. The town has attempted to build harbours before, in 1862 and again in 1871 but both collapsed. It’s a drying harbour so yachtsmen might struggle to stay for long but should you want to visit the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Hambrough Hotel, there are eight visitors’ moorings, though they become uncomfortable in winds above F3.