Alum Bay and The Needles, Isle of Wight
- Even if you have never visited the Isle of Wight, you will probably have seen photos of the Island’s most iconic landmark, The Needles. Located at Alum Bay, The Needles are 3 white chalk stacks that rise around 30m high out of the sea at the most western point of the Island, with a glorious red and white striped lighthouse at the furthermost point. Most of our guests want to make at least one visit to The Needles Landmark Attraction during their holiday.
- Taking about a 45-minute drive from Sandown Bay Holiday Centre, including along the award-winning Military Road, The Needles Landmark Attraction can be reached by car, coastal path ( or maybe just part of the coastal path as the full walk is around 22 miles from the site), or by bus, including the wonderful open-top Needles Breezer bus, where you’ll enjoy one of the most spectacular bus rides in England. Click here for info on The Needles Breezer.
21 different coloured sands in the cliffs of Alum Bay
- It’s not just stunning views either, as The Needles experience is a great attraction for all the family. Most visitors want to go down to the beach, not just to see the Needles closer-up, but also to see the famous, coloured sands in the cliffs – which have an unbelievable 21 different shades of red, black, green white, and yellow-brown. To reach the beach, for the energetic there are over 200 steps! If you fancy something a little more exciting and with much less effort, you can take the chair-lift. I can highly recommend the ride – the views are amazing, first soaring above the tree tops and then, as you descend, the beautiful beach, ocean and The Needles themselves provide breath-taking views in front of you. From the beach you can take a boat ride around the Needles, with the choice of either a fast rib, or a more sedate cruise.
- What else can we do at the attraction I hear you asking? Well, it’s packed with fun for everyone. There’s the Sand Shop where you can choose and fill glass ornaments with coloured sand, just as Queen Victoria herself did over 200 years ago; glass blowing demonstrations with a shop, a sweet manufactory, Jurassic Adventure Golf, 4D Cinema, a carousel, and lots more rides and things to do and see. There are, of course, plenty of food and drink outlets. For lots more details about the Needles Landmark attraction, click here.
There’s lots of family fun at The Needles Landmark Attraction
- As if there isn’t enough to see and do already, you can also visit the National Trust Old Battery and New Battery. This can be reached from the attraction car park, either by a spectacular walk along the clifftop road with views across the bay, or you can catch a bus – a traditional version or one of the open-top Breezer buses. NB Blue badge holders can drive right to the Battery and park outside it. This historic site is not only a Victorian coastal defence but more recently it was also a secret rocket testing site. Lots of interesting history to discover here! There is also a great tea room with wonderful views across the Needles. Also, my favourite bit – descend down some steps into the battery and, after walking along a short tunnel, you will reach the huge searchlight emplacement, and find yourself really close to The Needles below – such an outstanding view and it feels really special to be there. Click here for more info.
Can you spot The Needles Breezer bus travelling along the road to the Old & New Battery?
- If you are looking for a great family day out with stunning views and lots to do, make sure you visit The Needles Landmark Attraction.
