Award-Winning Garden at The Clifton Hotel
If you’re planning a relaxing coastal escape to Shanklin and appreciate beautiful outdoor spaces, our award-winning cliff-top garden is one of the highlights of a stay at The Clifton.
Overlooking the sea and designed specifically for our coastal setting, the garden combines colourful planting, thoughtful design and environmentally responsible gardening practices. While The Clifton is a traditional seaside hotel, we are proud that our gardens reflect a genuine commitment to biodiversity and sustainable horticulture.
Recognised in Island Garden Competitions
We are delighted to celebrate continued success in the Island Garden Competitions:
First Place – Shanklin in Bloom
Runner Up – Wight in Bloom
The Wight in Bloom judges described the garden as:
“A very pleasant garden with lots of variety of plants. Well laid out, good use of creative design. Planted well for a cliff top location.”
These awards recognise not only the visual appeal of the garden, but also the careful planning required to garden successfully in a coastal environment.
Sustainable Gardening on a Cliff-Top Setting
Gardening beside the sea presents unique challenges. Coastal winds, salt air and dry spells mean plant choice is crucial. Our garden has been thoughtfully designed with:
- Drought-resistant plants to reduce water use
- Species suited to coastal and cliff-top conditions
- Seasonal planting for year-round interest
- Pollinator-friendly flowers to support local wildlife
By selecting plants adapted to the local climate, we minimise excessive watering and create a resilient, long-lasting display. Guests searching for hotels with gardens on the Isle of Wight or places to stay in Shanklin with outdoor space often tell us how much they value this natural setting.
Supporting Biodiversity in Shanklin
Our planting scheme is designed not just for colour, but for ecological benefit. A diverse mix of shrubs, perennials and flowering plants provides:
- Nectar for bees and butterflies
- Shelter for birds
- Habitat for beneficial insects
- A balanced micro-ecosystem within the garden
The presence of pollinators is essential for healthy plant reproduction, and encouraging them is a key part of our gardening philosophy. Throughout spring and summer, the garden becomes alive with birdsong and the gentle movement of wildlife.
Responsible Gardening Practices
Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful garden. Our gardener, Gemma, uses sustainable horticultural techniques including:
- Composting green waste
- Mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Limiting the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides
- Encouraging natural soil health
These practices help reduce environmental impact while maintaining the high standards that have earned the garden its awards.
A Garden to Relax In
Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee overlooking the sea, reading in a sheltered corner, or simply taking in the coastal air, our award-winning garden offers a peaceful space to unwind during your stay on the Isle of Wight.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Shanklin with a beautiful garden, sea views and award-winning planting, we would be delighted to welcome you to The Clifton.
