Ventnor is on the south-east coast of the Isle of Wight, an island in the English Channel about off the coast of Hampshire, at . It is by road south-south-east of the island's county town Newport, and about south-west of London. Its coastline is dominated by cliff scenery, with the town rising up the steep south-facing terraces between Ventnor Bay and St Boniface Down, which, at , is the highest point on the island. The town itself extends from the seashore up to the slopes of the downs, with its commercial centre being above sea-level; the urban area is contiguous with the neighbouring settlements of St Lawrence to the west and Bonchurch to the east.