cmh4135's Qype reviews
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Old Village, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6RL
cmh4135
wrote on 26 September 2008
For bandstand gigs on the Isle of Wight Rylstone Gardens is the place to play.
A regular programme of concerts appears throughout the season and these are well publicised in the press and via posters around the area of Shanklin.
Sunday afternoons is a favourite time to take to a deckchair and listen to the music. Local brass and concert bands predominate but visiting bands also appear under “From the Mainland” billings!
The bandstand provides excellent acoustics despite its bus-shelter appearance. It’s certainly not the prettiest of stands but the gardens more than make up for this.
The ground to the fore of the bandstand provides an natural, shallow ampitheatre and the fir trees to the rear provide an acoustic wall to contain the sound. The orientation is perfect allowing the audience to soak up the sound and the sun and protecting the eyes of the players.
A refreshments stall, manned by volunteers, allows refreshments to be purchased at reasonable price.
There is a small charge for deckchairs (although you could bring your own or just a blanket) and often a collection (voluntary) for the playing band.
As a player this is one of the best venues in the South of England - you can hear every note, of every player, even in a big band. A rarity for outdoor venues!
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22a Church Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6QR
Upper Chine Holiday Cottages & Apartments
cmh4135
wrote on 25 September 2008
Upper Chine Holiday cottages are situated in Shanklin, one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Isle of Wight. Situated on the main road about 2 minutes walk from the edge of the old town going away from Shanklin the cottages are ideally located for holiday makers of all ages.
The “complex” (converted in part from a private girls school) comprises a number of cottages (mostly terraced although we didn’t notice any noise from adjoining properties) of varying sizes and then a number of apartments. All properties have their own balconies and/or patios. We stayed in a 2 bed cottage and I was very pleased with the space and the fitting out of the cottage.
Everything we could have wanted for (and more) was provided and the whole was spotlessly clean. There were a few areas that would have benefited from a little bit of re-decoration but nothing that was really wanting. The properties were double glazed and appeared fairly secure.
The pool, although small, was clean and well maintained. There was a small Jacuzzi. The pool lacked any changing facilities but its situation meant that this wasn’t really an issue. There is also a sauna and beauty treatments were available on request.
The gym comprised a running machine, a couple of bikes and a multi-gym. A £5 deposit was payable for a key for the multi-gym (the peg that separates the weights).
The children’s play area was well equipped with Little Tykes climbing toys (and slides), a play house and a lego table. A pool table, air hockey and table football (the latter free of charge) were available for older children and adults.
Outside, there was a splash pool, ideal for children, and a “tropical garden” with loungers and shades. The outdoor play park was rather overgrown and the only part of the facilities that was poor with much maintenance being required. The tennis court was adequate and reasonably maintained and balls/rackets were available from reception. If you’d forgotten your bucket and spade these could be borrowed free of charge from reception also!