The UK seaside town, which is perfect for a staycation this summer, is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, striking sandstone cliffs, and the historic thatched-roof Old Village15:04, 29 Jun 2026As the UK continues to bask in a spell of scorching weather, droves of Britons are swapping their office chairs for deckchairs and heading off on a well-deserved coastal staycation.‌If you're among them, you'll want to pay attention, as one seaside gem has been hailed as nothing short of 'like a fairytale'. Nestled on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight, Shanklin is a picturesque, traditional seaside town renowned for its golden sandy beaches, striking sandstone cliffs, and the quaint thatched-roof Old Village, making it one of the island's most beloved holiday hotspots. The town strikes a wonderful balance between coastal fun and rich heritage. Shanklin Beach and The Esplanade is a vast, family-friendly expanse of golden sand.‌The Esplanade is brimming with seaside entertainment, classic fish and chip shops, water sports, and several crazy golf courses (including pirate and dinosaur themes).‌The Cliff Lift is another must-see attraction. Those staying atop the sandstone cliffs can skip the gruelling descent to the beach by hopping aboard the historic Cliff Lift, which has been ferrying visitors down to the Esplanade since 1957.The island's oldest visitor attraction, meanwhile, is Shanklin Chine, which first opened its doors in 1817. This verdant, wooded coastal ravine boasts spectacular waterfalls, winding jungle-like pathways, and a breathtaking illuminated evening light display.‌Situated directly above the Chine, the Old Village is renowned for its charming, centuries-old thatched cottages, welcoming tearooms, and independent craft boutiques.Visitors might also explore Shanklin theatre, a lively year-round entertainment venue hosting over 150 performances annually, encompassing comedy and music through to drama and pantomimes.Digital travel influencer Reiko, posting as @heyreiko on Instagram, recently used her platform to champion the town to her 39,100 followers.‌Content cannot be displayed without consentShe posted footage of the breathtaking town, writing: "Why does no one talk about this fairytale town tucked away on the Isle of Wight?"Shanklin... or as it feels when you're here, somewhere between a dream and a postcard you swear you've stepped inside."‌She continued: "If you ever needed a sign to disappear for a while and find a little pocket of peace that feels unreal... this is it."Followers were loving the post, with it accumulating more than 4,900 likes.One commenter described it as "so beautiful", while another declared: "What a cool spot."Article continues belowA third who had visited previously added: "Stayed there while at the Isle of Wight festival - such a lovely little place and the beach is lush."