The Needles and Alum Bay
The Needles are the most iconic natural landmark on the Isle of Wight. These dramatic chalk stacks rise from the sea at the island’s western tip, crowned by the red and white Needles lighthouse. The area is one of the most photographed spots in Britain, offering stunning views from the cliff-top lookout points and walking trails across Tennyson Down.

At Alum Bay, visitors can enjoy a chairlift ride from the cliff-top to the beach, or walk down to see the famous coloured sand cliffs up close. The Needles Landmark Attraction also features glass-blowing demonstrations, sweet-making workshops, shops, and family-friendly activities. Boat trips from the bay take you close to the rocks and lighthouse, offering a unique perspective of the coast.

The area is rich in history too. The Needles Battery, a Victorian coastal defence later used during World War II, can be visited nearby. It offers exhibitions, tunnels, and spectacular cliff-top views.

Opening times: The Needles Landmark Attraction is open daily, usually 10am to 5pm in summer, with some facilities closed in winter. The viewpoint and coastal paths remain open year-round.
Nearby attractions: Tennyson Down for scenic walks, Freshwater Bay, and the Dimbola Museum and Galleries, once home to pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron.