The Shanklin Chine

The Shanklin Chine

Enjoy the Unique Tranquillity of Shanklin Chine.
When you wander through the peaceful setting of this historic gorge, take time to just sit, look and listen. You are in a magic world of natural beauty, a rich haven of rare plants, woodland, wildlife and an enchanting waterfall.
   
The story of the Chine encompasses subjects of interest to all age groups from geology to smuggling, shipwrecks to P.L.U.T.O. and of course the wondrous scenery.
'Chine' is a local word and now used only in the Isle of Wight and Dorset. It is of Saxon origin and means a deep narrow ravine, formed by water cutting through soft sandstone leading to the sea. The Saxon name for Shanklin was "Scenc-hlinc" or "cup in the rising ground." Think, too, of the chine of a boat - the shape of a cup - or chine as in an animal's backbone - a deep scooped-out cut.
Formation of the Chine has taken place over the last 10,000 years. The stream would originally have flowed into the River Eastern Yar when Sandown Bay was land. This stream is continually cutting its way back to the foot of the Downs from whence it springs. In the latter half of the last century, stones were laid at the top of the waterfall to arrest this progress. There are a continuous series of spring lines on the cliff faces in the Chine.
 
The Island has a number of chines but the two largest are Blackgang, where very little of the original remains, due to erosion, and Shanklin, unique in the quality of its flora and fauna. With a drop of 105ft to sea level, and just over a quarter of a mile, the Chine covers an area of approximately three acres. Shanklin Chine is located at the heart of the Old Village and has two entrances; the top entrance is just down from the Crab Inn and as you walk through the top pay box you are greeted with the beauty of the main waterfall which is over 45ft. The path then takes you on your journey down. If you start from the bottom entrance, which is located at the end of Shanklin Esplanade, you can see the stream as it reaches the beach with the stunning Gunnera manicata and other rare plants.

Evening Magic:
At night the Chine is transformed into a place of magic and enchantment. About 5 miles of cable and just under 200 lights have been installed, the majority of the lights being the most modern and up-to-date available. For instance the waterfall is illuminated by LED's. Should the path lights fail, an emergency system switches on automatically. Because of the two entrances, it has proved impossible to hide all the light sources but improvements and additions are constantly being made.

P.L.U.T.O "Pipeline under the Ocean"
To many of those consulted it seemed a preposterous idea... an undersea pipe-line laid across the bed of the English Channel to fuel the advance of the Allied armies from the Normandy beaches. Nothing like it had ever been attempted before. It would have to be done in the utmost secrecy - concealed from the eyes of friend and foe alike. The experts shook their heads. It was surely impossible.

The Children's Nature Hide
The Children's Nature hide. Is an area for children to find out all about Shanklin Chine and its natural beauty. There are information posters and colourful photographic boards that will encourage children to find out more about this wonderful place. For the older children we have information about the History of the Chine including P.L.U.T.O Pipe Line Under The Ocean.

VISITORS INFORMATION:

Opening Times News and Events
 
Opening Times for 2010
Thursday 1st April to Thursday 27th May*
10am untill 5pm
Friday 28th May to Sunday 12th September*
10am untill 10pm
illuminated after dusk
Monday 13th September to Sunday 31st October*
10am untill 5pm
(*Period of opening may be amended, subject to weather conditions)   
      

Address:
Shanklin Chine
Chine Hill
Shanklin
Isle of Wight
PO37 6BW.