{"id":573099,"date":"2025-05-03T13:01:19","date_gmt":"2025-05-03T13:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/573099\/"},"modified":"2025-05-03T13:01:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-03T13:01:19","slug":"fairytale-villages-in-england-thatched-cottage-villages-isle-of-wight-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/573099\/","title":{"rendered":"Fairytale Villages in England &#8211; Thatched Cottage Villages Isle of Wight England"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title = \"Fairytale Villages in England - Thatched Cottage Villages Isle of Wight England\"   width=\"580\" height=\"385\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n-28hlzIX58\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><br \/>\n<br \/>\nFairytale Villages in England &#8211; Thatched Cottage Villages Isle of Wight England<br \/>\n<br \/>\nThis time we&#8217;ll stroll through fairytale villages\u00a0<br \/>\nand explore historic sites like the remarkable\u00a0\u00a0 thousand-year-old Calbourne watermill and the\u00a0<br \/>\n&#8220;pepper pot&#8221;, the oldest medieval lighthouse\u00a0\u00a0 in England. We&#8217;ll admire the charming thatched\u00a0<br \/>\ncottages and pretty stone houses that crown this\u00a0landscape \u00a0 and end our day in Shanklin old village\u00a0<br \/>\nfor a quaint nighttime walk amongst the twinkling\u00a0\u00a0 lights of the village and the coloured spotlights\u00a0<br \/>\nof the island&#8217;s oldest attraction, Shanklin Chine. \u00a0\u00a0 Join us for another magical adventure in\u00a0<br \/>\nthis captivating corner of the Isle of Wight. Welcome to Calbourne, nestled in the heart\u00a0<br \/>\nof the Isle of Wight&#8217;s western countryside\u00a0 regarded as one of the most unspoiled villages\u00a0<br \/>\non the island. Life here revolves around the\u00a0\u00a0 gentle Calbourne stream, the very waterway\u00a0<br \/>\nthat gave the village its ancient name.\u00a0\u00a0 I&#8217;m just arriving at the village&#8217;s\u00a0<br \/>\noldest and once most important buildings,\u00a0\u00a0 the thousand-year-old Calbourne Watermill.\u00a0<br \/>\nYou can get here from Newport bus station,\u00a0\u00a0 stand B, using the &#8220;Summerlinks&#8221;\u00a0<br \/>\nservice. There is a bus stop at\u00a0\u00a0 the gates of the attraction. Check\u00a0<br \/>\nthe bus website for all the details. The site features 20 acres of scenic landscape, a\u00a0<br \/>\nshop, a tearoom, a small war museum and adventure\u00a0\u00a0 golf course for children. Additionally, visitors\u00a0<br \/>\ncan learn about the mill&#8217;s history and even\u00a0\u00a0 have the opportunity to see it in operation. The\u00a0<br \/>\nattraction faced potential closure in 2024 due to\u00a0\u00a0 storm damage and a costly wheel repair. Although\u00a0<br \/>\nit wasn&#8217;t operational during my visit, I&#8217;ve been\u00a0\u00a0 informed that the wheel is now functioning\u00a0<br \/>\nagain. The water mill is first mentioned in\u00a0\u00a0 the Doomsday Book of 1086 when it was known as\u00a0<br \/>\nMylplace, a large mill with two sets of grinding\u00a0\u00a0 stones and a malthouse. The stream flows from\u00a0<br \/>\nnatural springs at Westover and passes through\u00a0\u00a0 the village beside the pretty Winkle Street that\u00a0<br \/>\nwe&#8217;ll visit later. It once powered five mills,\u00a0\u00a0 including a fulling mill to process wool and\u00a0<br \/>\ncloth, two corn mills, a paper mill and this flour\u00a0\u00a0 and grain mill. For much of its early history, it\u00a0<br \/>\nwas owned by the lords of the manor of Westover,\u00a0\u00a0 used solely by the tenants of the manor who\u00a0<br \/>\nran the farms in the area, grinding barley,\u00a0\u00a0 oats and wheat. Obviously, the structure of\u00a0<br \/>\nthe mill has changed over a thousand years,\u00a0\u00a0 and most of what we see today was installed around\u00a0<br \/>\n1664 under the ownership of Sir Robert Dillington. In March 1878, George Weekes purchased the\u00a0<br \/>\nmill, marking a significant turning point in\u00a0its history.\u00a0 This acquisition coincided with\u00a0<br \/>\na period of technological advancement in the\u00a0\u00a0 British milling industry where traditional stone\u00a0<br \/>\ngrinding were being replaced by innovative roller\u00a0mill systems. \u00a0 These new systems produced a finer,\u00a0<br \/>\nwhiter flour that was increasingly preferred by consumers. \u00a0\u00a0 The adoption of this new technology had\u00a0<br \/>\nan immediate and substantial impact on the mill&#8217;s\u00a0\u00a0 production capabilities. The output capacity\u00a0<br \/>\nincreased threefold from roughly 0.5 sacks\u00a0\u00a0 of flour per hour with the old mill grinding\u00a0<br \/>\nmethods to 1.5 sacks per hour using the roller\u00a0\u00a0 mill system. This rate was quickly surpassed,\u00a0<br \/>\nreaching almost two sacks per hour. \u00a0 Although the\u00a0mill&#8217;s primary power source initially remained\u00a0<br \/>\nthe impressive 20 foot diameter iron overshot\u00a0\u00a0 waterwheel, the demands of the new machinery\u00a0<br \/>\nrequired additional power sources An oil engine\u00a0\u00a0 was installed early on, followed by a steam engine\u00a0<br \/>\nand finally a more cost-effective gas suction\u00a0\u00a0 engine in 1920. You can still buy flour and\u00a0<br \/>\nrolled oats here, milled by this waterwheel when in operation.\u00a0\u00a0 Before we leave the mill, let&#8217;s\u00a0<br \/>\njust have a quick look in the small war museum and\u00a0\u00a0 browse the interesting collection of artefacts,\u00a0<br \/>\nsome relating to the Isle of Wight during wartime. Like the mill, the village boasts ancient origins\u00a0\u00a0 and is just a 15-minute walk from the\u00a0<br \/>\nmill or two stops on the bus. I drove,\u00a0\u00a0 but parking is very limited as it&#8217;s\u00a0<br \/>\nnot designed as a tourist attraction. The parish church of All Saints, with its\u00a0<br \/>\nstructure largely dating from the mid-13th century, \u00a0\u00a0 dominates the sloping village\u00a0<br \/>\ngreen. The church features remarkable\u00a0\u00a0 early English windows, especially\u00a0<br \/>\nthe elegant lancets in the chancel. The church&#8217;s interior reflects\u00a0<br \/>\nlocal history.. The octagon\u00a0\u00a0 font likely originated as a square Norman piece. Between 1838 and 42, architect A F\u00a0<br \/>\nLivy oversaw significant restoration,\u00a0\u00a0 including the addition of a Neo Norman north\u00a0<br \/>\nporch and the Simeon Chapel and Crypt, built\u00a0\u00a0 at the behest of Sir Richard Simeon of Swainston\u00a0<br \/>\nManor. Calbourne&#8217;s history is deeply intertwined\u00a0\u00a0 with the neighbouring estates of Swainston and\u00a0<br \/>\nWestover. Their influence shaped land ownership,\u00a0\u00a0 the social structure and even the physical layout\u00a0<br \/>\nof the village and its church. The north aisle was\u00a0\u00a0 reserved for Swainston Manor tenants, whilst the\u00a0<br \/>\nsouth aisle served those from the Westover estate,\u00a0\u00a0 illustrating the memorial systems&#8217; influence\u00a0<br \/>\non land tenure, community life and worship. Winkle Street, arguably one of the most\u00a0<br \/>\npicturesque lanes on the Isle of Wight,\u00a0\u00a0 is a truly idyllic location. The row of cottages\u00a0<br \/>\nlining the lane with the Calbourne gently flowing\u00a0\u00a0 nearby evokes a timeless charm and has made it\u00a0<br \/>\na popular subject for photographs and paintings. Originally named Barrington Row after the\u00a0<br \/>\nBarrington family, who lived and owned the nearby\u00a0\u00a0 Swainston estate, the street was likely built in\u00a0<br \/>\nthe 1780s. The name Barrington Row remained in use\u00a0\u00a0 well into the 20th century, but the origin of the\u00a0<br \/>\nname Winkle Street remains shrouded in local lore. The stream running alongside the\u00a0<br \/>\ncottages was once the site of the\u00a0\u00a0 sheep wash with a dedicated stone\u00a0<br \/>\nstructure documented as early as\u00a01640. It continues all the way\u00a0<br \/>\nfrom here towards the watermill. The cottages on Winkle Street were once tied to\u00a0<br \/>\nthe local farms and housed agricultural workers\u00a0\u00a0 and their families. In the 1930s, the rent for\u00a0<br \/>\nthese cottages was just three shillings a week,\u00a0\u00a0 deducted directly from the farm workers&#8217;\u00a0<br \/>\nwages.. Even back then, Winkle Street was\u00a0\u00a0 a popular spot for tourists, with coaches\u00a0<br \/>\nbringing visitors to admire its beauty. Just a mile or two closer to the coast in the\u00a0<br \/>\nIsle of Wight National Landscape is Brighstone,\u00a0\u00a0 a village that charms visitors with its timeless\u00a0<br \/>\natmosphere and picturesque thatch cottages.\u00a0\u00a0 I&#8217;m just taking a very short stop here to\u00a0<br \/>\nshow you around. Dramatic downland walks,\u00a0\u00a0 a forest that is a haven for\u00a0<br \/>\nhorse riders and mountain bikers,\u00a0\u00a0 draws visitors to explore the village.\u00a0<br \/>\nAt its heart stands St Mary&#8217;s Church,\u00a0\u00a0 a building that has watched over the village for\u00a0<br \/>\nmore than 8 centuries, although the parish wasn&#8217;t\u00a0\u00a0 formally established until 1644. The church itself\u00a0<br \/>\ndates back to the Norman times, around 1190. Walking inside, the most striking feature from\u00a0<br \/>\nits earliest days is the impressive North Arcade,\u00a0\u00a0 where sturdy, rounded pillars and semi-circular\u00a0<br \/>\narches speak of the late 12th-century craftsmanship. \u00a0\u00a0 The elegant spire wasn&#8217;t added\u00a0<br \/>\nuntil the 17th century, possibly around 1720.\u00a0\u00a0 The churchyard holds poignant reminders\u00a0<br \/>\nof the community&#8217;s connection to the sea,\u00a0\u00a0 including the graves of lifeboatmen lost\u00a0<br \/>\nin the tragic Sirenia rescue of 1888. North Street, with its row of traditional\u00a0<br \/>\nstone and thatched cottages, houses the\u00a0\u00a0 village library and museum, offering a glimpse\u00a0<br \/>\ninto the past. Sadly, it was too late in the\u00a0\u00a0 day for me to visit. As you can probably\u00a0<br \/>\ntell, the sun is starting to get down low,\u00a0\u00a0 and I want to make my way to the ancient\u00a0<br \/>\nmedieval lighthouse before the light is gone. The approach to this historic beacon begins along\u00a0<br \/>\nthe scenic A3055 coastal road. You may recall we\u00a0\u00a0 drove that in the very first episode, leading\u00a0<br \/>\ntowards Black Gang Chine viewpoint car park,\u00a0\u00a0 nestled between Black Gang Chine and Niton. From\u00a0<br \/>\nhere, the stage is set by the imposing presence of\u00a0\u00a0 St Catherine&#8217;s Down, rising to around 240 metres,\u00a0<br \/>\n790 feet. It ranks amongst the highest points on\u00a0\u00a0 the Isle of Wight, offering commanding views.\u00a0<br \/>\nThis dramatic landscape forms part of the Isle\u00a0\u00a0 of Wight National Landscape, formerly the area\u00a0<br \/>\nof outstanding natural beauty and the Tennyson\u00a0Heritage Coast. \u00a0 The character of the Downs is\u00a0<br \/>\nundeniably wild and windswept; its chalk geology\u00a0\u00a0 shapes the rolling hills, which plunge towards\u00a0<br \/>\nthe sea via steep coastal slopes and dramatic cliffs. \u00a0\u00a0 Visitors should be prepared for the\u00a0<br \/>\nelements. The paths can become slippery and muddy,\u00a0\u00a0 particularly after rain, and the wind often\u00a0<br \/>\nsweeps across the exposed headland. Dense fog is\u00a0\u00a0 also known to shroud the hill, a factor that has\u00a0<br \/>\nplayed a significant role in the history of the\u00a0\u00a0 navigation aids here. This inherent wilderness and\u00a0<br \/>\nthe sometimes challenging conditions underscore\u00a0\u00a0 the very reason a guided light was deemed\u00a0<br \/>\nnecessary on this perilous coast centuries ago. The origin story of the &#8220;Pepper Pot&#8221;\u00a0<br \/>\nis as peculiar and compelling as the\u00a0\u00a0 structure itself. It begins with Walter de\u00a0<br \/>\nGodeton, the local lord of the manor at Chale,\u00a0\u00a0 in the early 14th century. In 1314, a ship\u00a0<br \/>\nnamed the Santa Marie, laden with wine,\u00a0\u00a0 met its end on the treacherous Atherfield\u00a0<br \/>\nledge in Chale Bay. The cargo consisted of\u00a0\u00a0 valuable white wine destined for the monastery of\u00a0<br \/>\nLivers in Picardy, France. Following the wreck,\u00a0\u00a0 much of this wine was salvaged or, perhaps\u00a0<br \/>\nmore accurately, plundered by locals! \u00a0 Walter\u00a0de Godeton came into possession of a significant\u00a0<br \/>\nquantity of this illicitly obtained wine. Because\u00a0the wine belonged to the church, this act was\u00a0<br \/>\nconsidered not just theft but sacrilege. \u00a0\u00a0 Word  reached the ecclesiastical authorities and de\u00a0<br \/>\nGodeton faced severe consequences, including a\u00a0\u00a0 hefty fine and the threat of excommunication, a\u00a0<br \/>\ndire prospect in medieval society. \u00a0\u00a0 His penance was specific and purposeful, to atone for his sin\u00a0<br \/>\nde Godeton was ordered to build a lighthouse on\u00a0\u00a0 the down overlooking the scene of his crime, to\u00a0<br \/>\nwarn future mariners of the dangers. Crucially,\u00a0\u00a0he was also required to construct an adjoining\u00a0<br \/>\noratory or chapel. An endowment was established\u00a0\u00a0 to fund a priest who would perform a dual\u00a0<br \/>\nrole, tending the beacon fire that served as\u00a0\u00a0 the light and saying mass, praying for the souls\u00a0<br \/>\nof those lost at sea, off this hazardous coast.\u00a0\u00a0 Although Walter de Godeton reportedly died in\u00a0<br \/>\n1327, the lighthouse and oratory were completed\u00a0\u00a0 in 1328, and duties were apparently carried\u00a0<br \/>\nout until the reformation in the 16th century. Wow, that was quite a climb. Oh, beautiful\u00a0<br \/>\nviews up here, though. What a wonderful old\u00a0\u00a0 lighthouse. Although being where it was,\u00a0<br \/>\nI really don&#8217;t think it would have stopped\u00a0\u00a0 many shipwrecks. But it&#8217;s still standing!\u00a0<br \/>\nQuite amazing.. What a beautiful sunset. Just down there is Black Gang\u00a0<br \/>\nChine, which is a theme Park. Haven&#8217;t been there since I was a kid,\u00a0\u00a0 but it wasn&#8217;t that good then,\u00a0<br \/>\nso I don&#8217;t think we&#8217;ll go back! See right along the coast, can&#8217;t quite see the\u00a0<br \/>\nneedles, but they are up there somewhere. \u00a0 Well,\u00a0that was very blustery! Well, the sun&#8217;s setting,\u00a0<br \/>\nand I do want to get back to Shanklin and take\u00a0\u00a0 you to Shanklin Chine. I&#8217;m not sure whether we&#8217;re\u00a0<br \/>\ngoing to make it. It closes at 8.30, but it is open.\u00a0\u00a0 It&#8217;s illuminated at night, so we&#8217;ll try and do\u00a0<br \/>\nthat now, and that will finish the day off nicely. If you&#8217;ve been watching the series, then you know\u00a0<br \/>\nmy base has been Shanklin Old Village, and as the\u00a0\u00a0 twilight deepens, the daylight bustle filled with\u00a0<br \/>\nvisitors exploring gift shops and tea rooms gives\u00a0\u00a0 way to a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Soft\u00a0<br \/>\nlight spills from the windows and street lamps.\u00a0\u00a0 Shanklin is a town with a modern high street with\u00a0<br \/>\nshops and restaurants. As you reach the lower end,\u00a0\u00a0 it gives way to the pretty thatched\u00a0<br \/>\ncottages, which are pubs and quaint\u00a0\u00a0 craft shops known as the old village. Shanklin&#8217;s\u00a0<br \/>\nstory stretches back a millennium. For centuries,\u00a0\u00a0 it remained a remote and unassuming fishing\u00a0<br \/>\nand farming village nestled on the coast.\u00a0\u00a0 The late 18th and early 19th centuries marked\u00a0<br \/>\na significant turning point when people were\u00a0\u00a0 drawn to the dramatic landscapes\u00a0<br \/>\nand natural beauty of this area. Many of the quaint cottages huddled\u00a0<br \/>\ntogether are the original dwellings\u00a0\u00a0 of the fishermen who formed the village&#8217;s\u00a0<br \/>\nfirst community. The Old Thatch Teashop,\u00a0\u00a0 believed by some to be Shanklin&#8217;s oldest\u00a0<br \/>\nbuilding, possibly dating back to 1690.\u00a0\u00a0 Its charming pink exterior and traditional\u00a0<br \/>\nthatched roof make it instantly recognisable. Around the bend on Church Road, a short distance\u00a0<br \/>\naway, lies St Blasius Church. I only managed to\u00a0\u00a0 see the miniature version in last week&#8217;s video\u00a0<br \/>\nwhen we visited the charming model village\u00a0\u00a0 at Godshill. Another incredible thatched house\u00a0<br \/>\nvillage. The church is often called Shanklin Old\u00a0Church. \u00a0 It&#8217;s well worth a visit, as is watching\u00a0<br \/>\nthe video if you missed last week&#8217;s episode! The Crab Inn, a fixture since the 1830s, when\u00a0<br \/>\nShanklin was merely a cluster of cottages,\u00a0\u00a0 famously hosted Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. \u00a0 Its central location makes it a popular hub\u00a0<br \/>\nand I enjoyed a quiet drink here of an evening. Across the road, the Village Inn\u00a0<br \/>\noccupies the building that once served\u00a0\u00a0 as the community&#8217;s sole general store\u00a0<br \/>\nproviding groceries and baked goods. Leaving the cosy confines of the\u00a0<br \/>\nold village, I made my way towards the\u00a0\u00a0 main entrance of Shanklin Chine via Chine\u00a0<br \/>\nAvenue. You can also walk down another path\u00a0\u00a0 beside the Crab Inn but I wanted to catch\u00a0<br \/>\nthe sea and beach in the fading light. The opening times and prices vary, so do\u00a0<br \/>\ncheck their website. Your ticket is valid\u00a0\u00a0for 7 days,\u00a0 so you can come back day or night\u00a0to see it from different perspectives This deep wooded coastal ravine is the result\u00a0<br \/>\nof a stream relentlessly carving its way\u00a0\u00a0 through the soft sandstone over a thousand\u00a0<br \/>\nyears. The term chine itself is a local word\u00a0\u00a0of Saxon origin signifying such a geological\u00a0<br \/>\nfeature: A deep, narrow gorge leading to the sea.\u00a0 Shanklin Chine is the largest accessible chine\u00a0<br \/>\nremaining on the Isle of Wight, covering about\u00a0\u00a0 3 acres and dropping 32 metres, 105 feet over\u00a0<br \/>\nIt&#8217;s 400 metre length to reach the sea below. Its history as a visitor attraction\u00a0<br \/>\nis remarkably long. Formerly opened to\u00a0\u00a0 the public in 1817 by William Colenutt, who\u00a0<br \/>\nexcavated the first proper path. Shanklin\u00a0Chine holds the title of the Isle of Wight&#8217;s oldest tourist attraction. Its dramatic beauty captivated\u00a0<br \/>\nartists and writers including\u00a0\u00a0 Keats, Austen, Dickens and Longfellow\u00a0<br \/>\nto name but a few seen here on this\u00a0information board .\u00a0 Long before that\u00a0<br \/>\nit was a known haunt for smugglers,\u00a0\u00a0 utilising its hidden recesses and even a tunnel\u00a0<br \/>\nconnecting to the Chine Inn in the old village. The waterfalls are undoubtedly\u00a0<br \/>\na highlight of the nighttime walk.\u00a0\u00a0 The main cascade dropping 45 feet\u00a0<br \/>\n13.5 metre is bathed in shifting coloured\u00a0lights,\u00a0 transforming the rushing water\u00a0<br \/>\ninto a vibrant spectacle. The interplay\u00a0\u00a0 of lights and water creates mesmerising\u00a0<br \/>\npatterns against the dark backdrop of the ravine. The Chine&#8217;s strategic potential was\u00a0<br \/>\nrecognised during World War II its  steep wooded\u00a0\u00a0 terrain served as an effective training ground\u00a0<br \/>\nand assault course for commandos based nearby.\u00a0\u00a0 More significantly, it became a crucial top\u00a0<br \/>\nsecret component of Operation Pluto, pipeline\u00a0\u00a0 under the ocean , an ingenious project that\u00a0<br \/>\ninvolved laying pipelines under the English\u00a0\u00a0 Channel to supply vital fuel to Allied forces\u00a0<br \/>\nin Normandy following the D-Day landings. \u00a0\u00a0 Forked pipelines ran from Shanklin Chine and neighbouring\u00a0<br \/>\nSandown carrying petrol across the seabed to Cherbourg. While the focus at\u00a0night is primarily visual\u00a0\u00a0 The Chines&#8217;s rich plant life remains\u00a0<br \/>\nan essential part of the experience.\u00a0\u00a0 The illuminations pick out the forms of towering\u00a0<br \/>\ntrees like sycamore, elder, alder, and beech and the\u00a0\u00a0 textures of ferns, mosses, and other lush\u00a0<br \/>\nvegetation that cling to the chasm walls. We&#8217;ll leave the chine at the esplanade exit. Ahead\u00a0<br \/>\nof us is the town&#8217;s original thatched dining pub\u00a0\u00a0 on the beach with rich heritage dating back to 1817.\u00a0 The Fisherman&#8217;s Cottage is popular for drinks and\u00a0dinner \u00a0 So book in advance if you want a seat at\u00a0<br \/>\nthis quaint pub. It was constructed by William Colenutt\u00a0\u00a0 the same chap that originally created the\u00a0<br \/>\nvisitor paths in the chine. He was also the first\u00a0\u00a0 person to operate bathing machines on Shanklin\u00a0<br \/>\nBeach, making the pub a hub for tourists.\u00a0\u00a0 In 1845 the cottage was leased to Colenutt&#8217;s son-in-law\u00a0<br \/>\nJames Samson, who offered visitors hot brine baths.\u00a0\u00a0 Seawater was pumped to a large tank next to the\u00a0<br \/>\npub and then heated in a copper boiler. During the\u00a0\u00a0 Victorian era, these baths were believed to\u00a0<br \/>\nbe very effective in treating serious health\u00a0\u00a0 conditions like tuberculosis and they made the pub\u00a0<br \/>\nfamous throughout the country. In 1970 the baths\u00a0\u00a0 were relocated just inside the lower entrance to\u00a0<br \/>\nShanklin Chine. The family owned the pub right up to 1960\u00a0\u00a0 when a terrible winter storm caused huge amounts\u00a0<br \/>\nof damage to the building which led to extensive\u00a0\u00a0 rebuilding work. Today as I said it&#8217;s as popular as\u00a0<br \/>\never and still retains its character. I&#8217;ve made my\u00a0\u00a0 way along the seafront and Shanklin Beach. There\u00a0<br \/>\nare numerous seaside hotels and a few pubs to\u00a0\u00a0 enjoy a drink in as you listen to the sound of the\u00a0<br \/>\nsea. It really was a great end to my day exploring! Let&#8217;s have a look ahead to next\u00a0<br \/>\nweek in our Isle of Wight series. Next time we explore the small scenic village\u00a0<br \/>\nof Bonurch and the larger seaside town of\u00a0Ventnor. Each with a unique story etched into its\u00a0<br \/>\nlandscapes and buildings \u00a0\u00a0 Our walkabout begins in the quiet setting of Bonchurch, a place full of\u00a0history with an 11th century church and once a\u00a0\u00a0 haven for literary giants like Charles Dickens.\u00a0 We then wind our way to the lively Victorian seaside town of Ventnor,\u00a0\u00a0 for a stroll along\u00a0<br \/>\nthe promenade and streets from high above.\u00a0\u00a0 I&#8217;ll conclude my visit at a historic Smuggler&#8217;s\u00a0<br \/>\nInn nearby for dinner and drinks. Subscribe now\u00a0\u00a0 so you don&#8217;t miss it! See you again on the next\u00a0<br \/>\nvideo in this series! Thanks for watching.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nCalbourne, Brighstone, the enchanting Shanklin Old Village, what a delightful collection of locations that truly embody the fairytale villages charm of the Isle of Wight.<\/p>\n<p>Journey with us as we explore the timeless beauty of the Isle of Wight&#8217;s fairytale villages, with a special focus on the picturesque gems of Calbourne, Brighstone, the historic Shanklin Old Village, and the breathtaking Shanklin Chine. Winding lanes whisper tales of bygone eras and natural wonders unfold at every turn.<br \/>\nLet&#8217;s begin our adventure in Calbourne, a village that exudes tranquility with its thatched cottages and the iconic Calbourne Water Mill. The surrounding countryside, with its rolling hills and verdant fields, adds to Calbourne&#8217;s idyllic charm, making it a perfect escape for those seeking serenity and a glimpse into a gentler pace of life.<br \/>\nNext, we venture to Brighstone, a village steeped in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes. Its charming village centre, with its traditional stone buildings and welcoming atmosphere, invites exploration.<br \/>\nAs the sun starts to set, we take a hike to St Catherine\u2019s Oratory, \u201cThe Pepperpot\u201d to visit the oldest medieval lighthouse in England.<\/p>\n<p>Our fairytale journey continues in Shanklin Old Village, a place where time seems to have stood still. With its thatched roofs, quaint shops, and traditional tea rooms, it&#8217;s like stepping onto a vintage postcard. Wander through its charming streets, soak in the atmosphere at night. The Old Village offers a nostalgic glimpse into the Isle of Wight&#8217;s past, a place where the hustle and bustle of modern life fades away, replaced by a sense of peaceful enchantment.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, we descend into the magical Shanklin Chine, a deep and picturesque gorge carved by a stream over millennia. Lush vegetation clings to its steep sides, creating a microclimate of ferns, mosses, and vibrant flora. Walking through the Chine, with its cascading waterfalls and tranquil pools, feels like entering a secret world. Historically, it has captivated visitors for centuries, including famous figures like Charles Dickens and Alfred Tennyson, who were inspired by its natural beauty. Today, it remains a captivating natural wonder, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all who venture within its verdant embrace.<br \/>\nDon&#8217;t just dream about fairytale escapes; come and experience the reality of Calbourne, Brighstone, Shanklin Old Village, and Shanklin Chine.<\/p>\n<p>\u2764 Please support our channel in one of the following ways:<br \/>\n1. Subscribe and click the notifications bell.<br \/>\n    Subscribe to channel https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/memoryseekers?sub_confirmation=1<br \/>\n2. Buy us a coffee https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/memoryseekers<br \/>\n3. You can also make a one-off support donation through Paypal:<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/paypal.me\/memoryseekers<br \/>\n4. Become a patron on a monthly basis. https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/memoryseekers<\/p>\n<p>\u2691 Follow our travel adventures on social:<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/memoryseekers\/<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/memoryseekersuk\/<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/memoryseekers\/<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@memoryseekers\/<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\uddfa Web: www.memoryseekers.net Head over to our website for more photos and information about our travels.<\/p>\n<p>\ud83c\udfb9 Like the music we use?<br \/>\nWe get it from these 2 sites below:-<br \/>\nArtlist.io &#8211; Get FREE additional month subscription using our link https:\/\/artlist.io\/Simon-312477<br \/>\nEpidemic Sound &#8211; Get 30 days FREE use of Epidemic Sounds using our link https:\/\/www.epidemicsound.com\/referral\/6a40j0\/<\/p>\n<p>We receive 1 free month of access for any referrals<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udcf7  If you&#8217;d like to know what equipment we use, see and buy our latest top kit for YouTubing and Travel Essentials in our Amazon shop:- https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/shop\/memoryseekers<br \/>\nAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy from these links, we will receive a small commission, but you won&#8217;t pay a penny extra.<\/p>\n<p>With thanks to www.google.com and Google Earth for the use of there images.<\/p>\n<p>00:00 Introduction<br \/>\n00:48 Calbourne Mill<br \/>\n05:36 Calbourne Village<br \/>\n13:32 Brigstone Village<br \/>\n16:35 Oldest Medieval Lighthouse in England<br \/>\n22:49 Shanklin Old Village at Night<br \/>\n25:20 Shanklin Chine<br \/>\n33:27 Next Time&#8230;.<\/p>\n<p>#fairytalevillages #isleofwight #englishvillage<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fairytale Villages in England &#8211; Thatched Cottage Villages Isle of Wight England This time we&#8217;ll st<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":573100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[144576],"tags":[191986,339308,339306,339315,192003,339314,339313,339307,339309,339310,339311,339318,279057,339316,339312,49679,191994,339319,192002,339317,443,677,1081,89322],"class_list":{"0":"post-573099","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hokkaido","8":"tag-beautiful-english-villages","9":"tag-beautiful-english-villages-in-england","10":"tag-english-cottage","11":"tag-english-thatched-cottages","12":"tag-english-village","13":"tag-english-village-at-night","14":"tag-english-village-walking-tour","15":"tag-english-villages","16":"tag-english-villages-in-england","17":"tag-fairtale-english-village","18":"tag-fairtale-village","19":"tag-fairytale-english-cottage","20":"tag-fairytale-villages","21":"tag-isle-of-wight-villages","22":"tag-magical-english-villages","23":"tag-memoryseekers","24":"tag-most-beautiful-english-villages","25":"tag-shanklin-village","26":"tag-villages-in-england","27":"tag-visit-isle-of-wight","28":"tag-443","29":"tag-677","30":"tag-1081","31":"tag-89322"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/573099","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=573099"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/573099\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/573100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=573099"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=573099"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/tour\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=573099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}