Making the most of your visit to the Needles Lighthouse

The stunning Needles found on the Isle of Wight’s craggy coastline, are a row of 3 dramatic chalk stacks rising out of the sea at the end of which is a lighthouse to warn ships of their presence. This popular landmark has grown into a well-developed tourist attraction, including a chairlift and pleasure park, and is regarded as one of the island’s best value sites for families and a perfect day out for all ages.

The Needles

Rising out of the Isle of Wight’s choppy western seafront are The Needles. These three distinctive stacks of chalk close to the popular Alum Bay have been hailed as one of Britain’s best natural wonders. The formation originally took its name from a fourth chalk, needle-shaped spire which stood tall alongside the three that can be seen today. Although this fourth spire collapsed in 1764, the name still remains to this day. Built in 1859, the Needles Lighthouse can be seen on the outermost stack, surveying the choppy waters below.

The Needles Park chairlift

One of the best ways to view The Needles and the lighthouse, the Isle of Wight’s world class cliffs and the picturesque scenery of Alum Bay Beach is from the lofty Needles chairlift. The chairs can be taken down from the top of the cliffs overlooking Alum Bay Beach.

The Needles Pleasure Park

The Needles Park chairlift certainly isn’t the only thing to do in the area. The attraction is just a small part of the area’s larger Needles Pleasure Park which is spread along the cliff top. Fairground rides, souvenir shops, restaurants and shops can be enjoyed all in the nineteenth century style of the Alum Bay Pier. An events calendar and lively days out for kids and families showcases the best of the area all year round.

One the park’s most unique and popular outlets is the quaint Alum Bay Glass Shop which sells and displays a myriad of local glassware for all budgets. Visitors can watch the fascinating craft of glass blowing for themselves and witness how the glass is conceived. For those with a sweeter disposition, the park’s very own Sweet Manufactory is the place for you. After watching the expert sweet makers create some tasty treats in every flavour imaginable, guests can then sample the results and pick up a packet of super sweet gems to take home from the adjoining shop.

The Needles Old Battery

This old Victorian fort was built as a coastal defence and a secret rocket testing site in 1862 and served throughout World War One and Two. From its high perch at the extreme tip of the island, the Old Battery has unrivalled views of The Solent, countryside and The Needles. Visitors can delve into the site’s fascinating past via its atmospheric rooms, vivid cartoons and original guns on its Parade Ground. More information surrounding Britain’s Cold War ‘space race’ can be found further up the coastline at the New Battery. After a few hours soaking in the history of the area, visitors can then migrate to the Old Battery’s quirky little tea room, situated in the Old Battery’s upstairs Port War Signal Station, for some old fashioned home-made food, a cup of tea and more beautiful views.

A famous sight on the Isle of Wight

The Needles are a primary Isle of Wight landmark and a must see on your visit to the island. After your visit to the Needles, there are a huge amount of other things to see and do on the Isle of Wight. Major attractions include Blackgang Chine, the Isle of Wight Zoo, the Adgestone Vineyard and a whole host of beaches and walking and cycling trails. We hope you enjoy your trip!