Business Details
Your Seafront Stay in Shanklin with Historic Charm
Waterfront Inn is a family-run guest house, bistro, and bar situated on Shanklin's seafront, offering panoramic sea views and direct access to award-winning beaches. Established in the 1800s as the Norfolk House Hotel, we combine historic charm with modern comforts, including en-suite rooms, free WiFi, and locally sourced cuisine. Our team prioritises personalised service, ensuring guests enjoy a homely atmosphere, exceptional dining, and unique experiences like Charles Darwin-themed stays.We assist with ferry bookings, offer pet-friendly accommodation, and provide convenient parking guidance. With decades of hospitality experience, we maintain high standards in customer service, blending tradition with innovation to create memorable stays for families and individuals alike.
Services
Bed & Breakfast
Bistro Dining
Bar Services
Live Events
Private Functions
Ferry Booking Assistance
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Parking Guidance
Historic Tours
Seafood Cuisine
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run establishment offering personalised service since the 1800s.
- Our seafront location provides direct access to award-winning beaches.
- Enjoy free unlimited WiFi and assistance with ferry bookings.
- Pet-friendly accommodation available with dedicated cleaning protocols.
- Historic venue linked to Charles Darwin's 1858 visit.
Services
Bed & Breakfast
Our seven en-suite rooms combine traditional furnishings with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Four rooms offer sea views, with breakfast included for all guests. The property, originally the Norfolk House Hotel, blends historic charm with contemporary comforts for a relaxing stay.
Bistro Dining
The bistro serves locally sourced seafood, steaks, and vegetarian dishes using Isle of Wight ingredients. Menus include vegan, gluten-free, and children's options, with signature dishes like 'I.O.W. Steak & local Ales pie'. Meals can be ordered from the bar for added convenience.
Bar Services
Our bar offers Isle of Wight ales, wines, spirits, and creative cocktails. Guests enjoy live music events and themed nights, with outdoor seating providing sea views. The venue has hosted patrons since the 1800s, maintaining its reputation as a social hub.
Private Functions
We host celebrations like birthdays and special occasions, offering tailored menus and dedicated spaces. The venue accommodates groups with buffet options, cocktail service, and themed decorations to suit various events.
Ferry Booking Assistance
Guests booking directly receive up to 30% off ferry crossings when reserving rooms via our website or phone. This service simplifies travel logistics for visitors arriving from mainland UK.
Questions
Does Waterfront Inn offer sea view rooms?
Yes, four of our seven en-suite rooms feature sea views, with prices starting at £70 per night.
Can I bring my pet to the hotel?
Yes, we are pet-friendly. A £10 cleaning charge applies per dog, with restrictions in public areas.
Is breakfast included in room rates?
Yes, all bookings include a full English breakfast or vegan alternatives.
What dining options are available?
Our bistro serves local seafood, steaks, and vegetarian dishes, with a separate children's menu.
How do I book a room?
Rooms can be booked directly via our website or phone, with up to 30% ferry ticket discounts.
What historical significance does the hotel have?
Charles Darwin stayed here in 1858 during his visit to the Isle of Wight.
Reviews (7)
Denise Paynter
Jan 18, 2022
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It was an oasis after our walk. Hot drinks, piping hot and very plentiful food and friendly and efficient staff. I had cod goujons in baguette with salad and chips, I couldn't finish mine. It was tasty but I could have easily shared it. Will definitely be heading back thete
Christopher Brown
Dec 08, 2021
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Very clean. Staff very polite and helpful. Service was excellent. Food was lovely as always. Thankyou for a lovely Sunday carvery roast.
Alison Cox
Nov 01, 2021
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Stayed here for the week with our dog, lovely room, staff very friendly and polite, excellent food especially the BBQ pork ribs, thank you all at the waterfront see you nxt year
Graham Bass
Oct 28, 2021
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Room was good size and good size shower room, both clean and bright. Bar was large bright and clean. Only down side was shut bar early (understandable as not enough customers)
Nicky Slack
Oct 24, 2021
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Service was good when we arrived after a long walk on a Sunday the young man looking after us was very good cleared the table and told us it was table service . On deciding to have steak and ale pie with mash we placed order . Very disappointed in size of mash and why no steak on menu ?
Tracy Davison-Rowe
Oct 13, 2021
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Lovely meal tonight, food was amazing, staff friendly and even let our dog Flo sit with us while we ate x
Chris Shapland
Sep 25, 2021
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Great pub really good food in the week and carvery on Sundays served till 8,
A great place to chill with the hounds after a day out on the coast path. Staff are very efficient and friendly
Only a couple of real ales on and unfortunately my favourite was off all week. Definitely be going back again
A great place to chill with the hounds after a day out on the coast path. Staff are very efficient and friendly
Only a couple of real ales on and unfortunately my favourite was off all week. Definitely be going back again
