Heritage Centre
The Victorian Chine Lodge is built on the site of one of the oldest houses in Shanklin. At one time it was a guest house, very popular with newlyweds and for many years was known as Honeymoon Cottage. For a while it served as the first school in Shanklin for the fishermen’s children.
Now an elegant conservatory has extended the lodge to form the Heritage Centre which complements the tea garden and gift shop.
‘History of the Chine’ Exhibition
An exhibition at the centre illustrates the story of the formation of the Chine, the development of Shanklin as a seaside resort and the life and times of the inhabitants during Queen Victoria’s reign. The local fishing industry, smuggling, the coming of the railway, the building of the pier and the development of Shanklin as a spa are all displayed in often unique archive material.
New for 2012: Historic Jubilee Exhibition
The Heritage Centre presents Turner's Isle of Wight Landscapes and the Discovery of Shanklin Chine following JMW Turner’s journey around the island from his sketchbook of 1795. We also include scenic works of Victorian artist, Lefevre James Cranstone, in addition to vignettes of Queen Victoria’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees.
There is a permanent display to PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean). The video and display show the fascinating story of how the pipeline carried petrol to the Allied troops in Normandy.
We sell a book on PLUTO now in its fourth reprint, and a fascinating life story, written by ex-commando Jock Farmer - Jock of 40 Royal Marine Commando: My Life from Start to Finish.
