In the 1850s, Ventnor, a coastal town on the Isle of Wight, was known as a trendy tourist town and popular vacation spot. The air in Ventor was known to help cure lung diseases like tuberculosis because of its unique microclimate. This contributed to the Victorians’s fascination with the town, beyond the fashionable shops and beach that were already appealing. There are multiple well-loved beaches on the island, hidden gems and popular spots alike, and bathing machines used by Victorians are still used today. In 1866, the Isle of Wight Railway was constructed, allowing even more people to visit for either medicinal or pleasurable purposes.

Nowadays, Ventnor continues to be a popular tourist destination, albeit people no longer visit to cure lung diseases because of medical advancement in the treatment of tuberculosis. In 2003, 2.66 million people were recorded to have visited, only including those arriving by ferry. Popular activities for tourists include visiting the Botanic Gardens, attending an art festival or carnival, or exploring Blackgang Chine, the local amusement park. In 2011 there were only 5,976 permanent residents, with 22% of those residents being between the ages of 45 and 59. Unfortunately, the town now has issues with high unemployment rates, child poverty, and overall health of its residents. It is unclear why exactly the town has declined so, but Ventnor’s economy’s heavy reliance on seasonal tourism could be one explanation.