The Waterfront
Shanklin
📍 19 Esplanade, Shanklin, PO37 6BN
🚆 Nearest station: · 0.5 mi
🔌 Nearest public charging: · 0.3 mi (Open Charge Map)
🌊 Shanklin: Excellent bathing water 0.1 mi · Environment Agency
- Seafront guest house, bistro and bar on Shanklin's Esplanade
- Historic property once visited by Charles Darwin
- Free house serving local ales, wines and spirits
- Dog-friendly throughout most of the hotel
- Can arrange ferry ticket bookings for guests
The Waterfront is a family-run guest house, bistro and bar set right on the seafront on Shanklin's Esplanade, just a stone's throw from the beach and with panoramic sea views. Inside you'll find simple, airy en-suite rooms, some with sea views, free WiFi, and a bar serving local ales, wines and spirits alongside a homely menu of steaks and seafood. The building has history too, having once welcomed Charles Darwin as a guest. Dogs are welcome throughout most of the hotel, and the team can even arrange your ferry tickets. Shanklin beach is just a few minutes away, with Shanklin station close by, and Pirates Cove Fun Park, the Wight Aviation Museum and the National Poo Museum all within easy reach for days out.
How far to…
- Beach
- 0.1 miles
- Station
- 0.5 miles
- Upper town elevator
- 2-minute walk
Practical details
- Pets
- Dogs welcome, charge applies, not in Darwin room
- Parking
- No on-site parking; street parking and nearby car parks available
- Families
- Family-friendly atmosphere with entertainment evenings
Accommodation on site
- Rooms
Details taken from the operator's own website on 14 Oct 2026 — check current terms when you book.
Facilities
- ✓ Evening Entertainment
- ✓ Bar
- ✓ Restaurant
- ✓ Pet Friendly
- ✓ WiFi
- ✓ Parking
- ✓ Beach Access
- 🌊 Sea Views
- 🚌 Near a Bus Stop
- 🔌 EV Charging Nearby
- 🚆 Near a Train Station
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🎪 What's on nearby, near and far
Events from
Skiddle
Fri 13 Nov · 12:00
Portsmouth Audio Tour: Legends, Landmarks, and Legacy
HMS M33, Portsmouth · 12.3 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 13 Nov · 19:00
The Big Indie Fest | Portsmouth
The Gaiety Southsea, Southsea · 11.2 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Sat 14 Nov · 12:00
Portsmouth Audio Tour: Legends, Landmarks, and Legacy
HMS M33, Portsmouth · 12.3 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Sat 14 Nov · 20:00
Temple - AFTERDARK
The Loft, Southsea · 11.7 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
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Where you'll be
The Waterfront
Explore the area
Everything within reach of The Waterfront — days out, famous places and the local food worth walking to.
🎡
Things to do
Days out and attractions, nearest first
🏛️ Museums & Galleries · 1.5 mi
Wight Aviation Museum
Wight Aviation Museum in Newchurch, Isle of Wight, celebrates over 100 years of the island's aviatio...
🏛️ Museums & Galleries · 1.6 mi
The National Poo Museum
The National Poo Museum offers a quirky, all-new exhibition experience exhibiting species faeces and...
🦁 Zoos & Wildlife · 2.3 mi
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is a charity-run rescue home near Wroxall where you can meet over...
🏛️ Museums & Galleries · 2.7 mi
Ventnor Heritage Museum
Ventnor Heritage Centre is a small volunteer-run local history museum at 11 Spring Hill, in the cent...
🦁 Zoos & Wildlife · 2.7 mi
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, formerly the Isle of Wight Zoo, is a rescue centre in Sandown where...
🦁 Zoos & Wildlife · 2.8 mi
Amazon World
Amazon World Zoo Park is a zoo and wildlife attraction near Arreton on the Isle of Wight, home to ar...
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Places to visit
The famous spots within a day trip
National Trust · 5.1 mi
Bembridge Windmill
Theme Park · 6.7 mi
Blackgang Chine Theme Park
National Trust · 6.9 mi
Chillerton Down
Castle & Heritage · 7.3 mi
Carisbrooke Castle
🎭 Venues with something on nearby
What's on at each, with tickets and places to stay within walking distance.
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Shanklin
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