The Victorians left us a legacy across the British Isles and far beyond. Industrial achievements from transport, engineering to architecture. It also stretched to Social improvement in housing and education and of course the arts. But travel was one of the biggest legacies left to us to-day. They encouraged people to venture out, to explore and enjoy our country be it at the seaside, mountains or simply great countryside, to ‘take the waters’ be it bathing or drinking (as health cures of course!). The Victorians gave us Resorts and Spa’s, Terraced Walks, Esplanades, Botanical Gardens and Parks, Bandstands and shelters and provided the means to get to them. In my view they gave birth to the Tourist Industry and in fact did more to develop and encourage holidays in Britain than Visit Britain has ever achieved.
It is though a very sad reflection on our ‘Governing Fathers’ that so many of these once splendid Resorts have to put it politely seen better days and allowed to run down into dilapidation.
So it is nice to see that one Victorian Resort VENTNOR has bucked the trend, no theme park just honest inward investment by council and local commerce.
New building intermingles with restoration on of older architecture. New features created and old landmarks retained, parking provided at reasonable prices (by to-days standards) and visitor facilities readily available. No new culture has been introduced to overlay and replace the old but more to enhance and incorporate the traditional businesses and life styles.
You can still hire Deck Chairs for the Beach and the sea does look good enough to bath in, walk along the Esplanade, buy Ice Cream or just sit and take in the air. but above all it is clean, tidy and you feel safe and relaxed.
The Esplanade, Ventnor.
Ventnor from the West Cliffs
Nor have the Botanical Gardens been forgotten and are being redeveloped with a brand new Visitor Centre and Restaurant. New beds and grottos are being established and no doubt bring pleasure for generations to come.
VENTNOR BOTANICAL GARDENS NEW VISITOR CENTRE
THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
2 July 2011
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 