Ventnor Cascade Gardens
Ventnor Cascade Gardens are situated near the shore at Ventnor Bay. Whilst small, the gardens are exceedingly pretty and offer a stunning view of the English Channel. The water comes from a natural spring that runs under the town. The water tumbles over rockwork with beautiful planting, which are maintained by Isle of Wight Council. These gardens were first created as a beauty spot some 120-150 years ago.
On the wall of the arch at the very bottom (on Esplanade) is a plaque that reads "These cascade gardens were designed circa 1900 by Edgar Harvey, Town Surveyor for 19 years, born 1856, died 1943." But a watercolour by Henry B. Wimbush, entitled 'The Cascade, Ventnor' (reproduced in 'the Garden Isle', R. McInnes 1990), is dated by McInnes to about 1895.
Rene Howe Walk
The public are not allowed to walk through the gardens, so winding up through them is a long steep ramp with metal railings. This offers a perfect spot to admire the gardens, and a uninterrupted view of the sea and Ventnor Bay. Rene Howe was well known in Ventnor for her support of local community events. One such event was (and still is) the annual MacNaughton-Howe Festival which is a community inspired arts & crafts, horticultural, and performing arts festival for all ages. Rene Howe was one of the original volunteers who worked tirelessly to organise the festival. She died in 2001 but left a substantial bequest to the Festival.
Temperance Society Drinking Fountain
At the very bottom of Rene Howe Walk is a rather grand granite drinking fountain with water spouts on four sides. This was erected and presented to Ventnor town in 1883 by the Ventnor and Bonchurch Temperance Society. The society was formed by Mr John Newton Cater, a member of the Local Board (forerunner of the Ventnor Urban District Council), who was the Hon. Secretary in 1883 when it was proposed to erect a 'handsome granite drinking fountain'. The money was raised by public subscription and the fountain was built by Ingrams.
