The Unmissable Enthralling Needles Rocks and Lighthouse Isle of Wight
The glisten white cones stretches out to sea, peering above the bluest of rhythmic waves has attracted millions of visitors over the years. The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse Isle of Wight is a mesmerising aesthetic natural wonder that will captivate your heart and soul from the very first moments you catch a glimpse of it on England’s largest island. This magnificent wonder sits eloquently on the westernmost side of the Isle of Wight just to the southwest of Alum Bay – an attraction that cannot be missed.
The Isle of Wight and The Needles Rocks
The Isle of Wight is a glorious island located off the south-coast of England and is a top-of the list holiday destination for visitors to UK. This unique destination encircled by the sea has attracted visitors since Victorian times. The hub of the island undoubtedly is the enthralling Needles Rocks and Lighthouse – an unmissable attraction in Alum Bay, with almost half-a-million visitors each year. It is also generally the first destination on the island for most visitors as it is conveniently located for public transportation.
Who owns The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse Isle of Wight
The spectacular Needles Rocks and Lighthouse has been in the ownership of Heritage Great Britain. Founded in 1999, Heritage Great Britain are proud custodian of some of UK’s top landmarks and visitor attractions stretching from Land’s End at the Westernmost tip of Cornwall, to remote John O’Groats in the far North of Scotland, with an impeccable array of outstanding attractions in-between.
About the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse Isle of Wight
The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse is a row of distinctive stacks of chalk that rises up to 30 meters out at sea. At the end of the sea stacks is a formidable historic lighthouse.
Simply known as ‘The Needles’ these head-turning spikes of chalk is one of Seven Natural Wonders in the United Kingdom which makes it much more than a beautiful sight.
1 | The Needles Rocks
The Needles Rocks are a band of chalk that crosses the centre of the Isle of Wight, stretching to Culver Cliff in the east. This chalk rim continues west under the sea to Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck. It is believed to have been connected to Old Harry Rocks, about 20 miles away at one point in time. The ridge was breached by the Solent River in around 5000 BC, creating the Isle of Wight with its jagged white rocks at the western tip. These unusually vertical rocks are a result of the heavy folding of chalk.
2 | The origins of the name ‘Needles’ and its shape
The name ‘Needles‘ originated from a fourth chalk stack needle-shaped pillar called “Lot’s Wife“. Lot’s Wife stood at 36.6 meters (120 ft) and was the tallest of the four. This incredible rock collapsed in a great storm in 1764. It’s collapse is said to have felt as far as Portsmouth, England! The name has stuck even though the remaining three chalk stacks are not at all needle-like.
The Needles pointed shape is due to their unusual geology. Formed from chalk and flint, the remaining stacks of hard chalk are extremely resistant to erosion.
Info: ‘Lot’s Wife’ is said to have a religious connection – “The book of Genesis in the Bible records that Lot’s Wife was turned into a pillar of salt as a punishment for looking back after being told not to when she was fleeing from the destruction of Sodom” – nationaltrust.org.uk
3 | The Needles Lighthouse
Rather remote but standing boldly at 33.25 metres (109.1 ft) against the howling gales at the end of the outermost chalk stack overlooking the Solent is the red and white Needles Trinity Lighthouse. The Needles Trinity Lighthouse is an impressive sight. This engineering feat built in 1859 has been automated since 1994.
Dynamites were used to build a platform in the chalk stack to house cellars, coal store and a huge water tank. This ensures that the lighthouse can be manned in severe weather conditions when supplies cannot reach the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is circular in shape and has walls that are three feet thick at its base. It can withstand waves up to twenty feet and its lights can be seen up to seventeen miles away. The lighthouse has a powerful foghorn as well.
How to experience the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse Isle of Wight
A top of the list attraction in the Isle of Wight, The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse is an unmissable sight for visitors to the island. The best way to experience this magnificent wonder is to take to the waters. A boat ride takes you close enough to get some incredible photos of the iconic landmark. More ways to experience The Needles include taking the Chairlift from Alum Bay, and clifftop views from The Batteries,
Recommended read: Where to go for the Best Viewing Points of The Needles landmark.
1 | Boat trip of The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse
Throughout the seasons, there are boat trips from Alum Bay beach on short cruises for close-up best views of the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. When on one of these cruises, you will also get panoramic views of the coloured sands of Alum Bay.
A boat trip is a popular option and as a visitor, you cannot get any closer to the iconic landmark than on a boat ride. There are two types of cruises available to suit all Needles enthusiasts. Choose from a slow 20-minute cruise or a fast 15-minute trip aboard the high-speed RIBS.
Cruises operate 7-days a week, weather permitting. The cruises are well managed and reasonably priced. Prior booking is not required if you are travelling solo, couples or as family and small groups of less than 20 people.
In and around the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse Landmark | Explore Alum Bay
Besides the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse attraction, the area is a paradise for visitors seeking a full-on day of activities – from the historic Needles Old Battery and a Cold War rocket test site (New Battery) to modern day Chairlift and 4D cinema – there is so much to do here! Added to this, you will find the world famous cliffs of coloured sand which forms part of the protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Isle of Wight.
1 | The Needles Chairlift
From the top of Alum Bay to the coloured sands of the beach below, The Needles Chairlift is a favourite activity for many. The magnificent Needles and Alum Bay is a spectacular sight during the journey up and down. The ride is reasonably priced and prior booking is not required.
2 | The Needles Batteries
The Needles Batteries – the Old Battery and the New Battery are two military coastal defences in Isle of Wight built during the Victorian times. The clifftop fort overlooks The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse and were built to guard the West of Solent. The site has been managed by the National Trust England since 1982 and is open to the public.
Pro tip: The views of The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse from atop the cliffs and from the tunnels are spectacular – don’t miss it! 🙂
Both the Old Battery and the New Battery are generally open 7 days a week and prior booking is not required.
Recommended read: The Old Battery and The New Battery, Isle of Wight
3 | Fun Things to do at The Needles Landmark Attraction
Aside from the boat cruises to the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, the Chairlift, and the clifftop Batteries, Alum Bay is famed for its coloured sands.
A fixture of Isle of Wight tourist shops is the creation of ornaments and paintings using the Alum Bay Sands. There is a sand shop where visitors could select the sand in various colours to fill bottles and create a personal souvenir.
Other activities at Alum Bay include a 4D cinema, a glass-blowing factory (highly recommended), sweetshops, Teacup rides and a Victorian carousel.
Good to Know Information on Alum Bay to Plan ahead
Plan ahead a visit to experience The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse with the following information on Alum Bay:
Address: The Needles Landmark Attraction, ALUM BAY, Isle of Wight, PO39 0JD
Tel: +44 1983 752401
Opening times:
Open (12 Apr 2021 – 31 Dec 2021)
Monday10:00
Tuesday10:00
Wednesday10:00
Thursday10:00
Friday10:00
Saturday10:00
Sunday10:00
Open (1 Jan 2022 – 31 Dec 2022)
Monday10:00
Tuesday10:00
Wednesday10:00
Thursday10:00
Friday10:00
Saturday10:00
Sunday10:00
*** Open from 10:00am 7 days per week, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day (closing times vary during the year).
Guide to Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| 4D Cinema | £4.00 per ticket |
| Alum Bay Glass Demonstration | £2.00 per ticket |
| Chairlift One Way | £3.00 per ticket |
| Chairlift Return | £6.00 per ticket |
| Chairlift Unlimited Travel Wrist Band | £9.00 per ticket |
| Games Kiosk – Per Game | £2.00 per ticket |
| Jurassic Adventure Golf | £4.00 per ticket |
| Sweet Factory Demonstration | £2.00 per ticket |
| Water Walkerz | £4.00 per ticket |
*Vintage Cars, Carousel & Tea Cup Ride – Tokens and Cash Accepted.
Recommendations to plan ahead and Explore more of the Isle of Wight
After all the action at and about the Needles landmark, you may be enchanted to explore more of this charming isle. From idyllic beaches, windswept clifftops, coastal walks, yacht races, to music festivals, historic castles, favourite royal cathedral, and fresh delicious food. An absolute haven waiting to be explored with no moments to be bored.
You may also be looking for activities to do, places to stay and ways to move around the island. Here are some recommendations for you:
1 | Activities to do in Isle of Wight
Things to do on the island are aplenty. Ride the steam railway into a bygone age, visit the time enduring Victorian villages, a monkey haven or a village museum. For history buffs – walk in the footsteps of Queen Victoria and visit her beloved places on the island. Here are three recommended articles to read for great ideas.
2 | Places to Stay in Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a small island and you could drive the entire perimeter in three hours but then this is not fun and does not include all the stops you would make! As a small island, you have the advantage of staying anywhere on the island and drive to your destination within a short few minutes.
Select from the following highly rated accommodations to suit your budget and itinerary:
Newport:
Travelling soon and looking for some awesome Special Deals? Click the link below and see what’s in store for you:
Booking.com3 | Moving around the Isle of Wight
The best way to explore the Isle of Wight is by car. It gives you great flexibility to stop for views, stay at one end of the Isle and drive to wherever you want to go. However, a car may not be for everyone visiting the compelling island.
Moving around the Isle of Wight is pretty easy with public transportation. The Southern Vectis buses run regularly. During the summer months between June and August, there are open-top bus tours offering amazing journeys with spectacular sceneries. Plan your journey with Southern Vectis.
As for trains, the Island Line connects the towns of Ryde, Brading, Sandown and Shanklin. Plan your journey with Trainline UK.
4 | Group tours
If transportation is an issue, you could always join one of the many group tours to the Isle of Wight. Tours depart from a central location in London . Departure points are conveniently connected to main transportation hubs. Select from a day to multi-day tours to suit your itinerary.
On a final note
The world famous, one of the most photographed natural wonder – the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse is a beautiful jaw-dropping sight that must be experienced. Together with the Chairlift, the Batteries, the Alum Bay Sands and the Glassblowing activities, your day will be an immensely enjoyable one. When planning your trip, use the links (at no cost to you) embedded in this article and related articles to book your trip by train, your hotel stay or activities to do in this fabulous Isle of Wight. As always, your support is much appreciated.
Do let me know if I could assist in your travel planning or, ask any questions you may have on the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse – I shall be happy to assist.
Have an awesome time discovering the alluring Needles Rocks and Lighthouse in the Isle of Wight.
xoxo
Isle of Wight at a Glance
Coordinates: Latitude: 50° 40′ 30.59″ N Longitude: -1° 16′ 30.60″ W
Island: Largest island in England
Island’s city: Newport
Population: 141,538 | Second most populous island in England behind Portsea Island.
County: Governed by one unitary authority.
Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | British Summer Time (BST)
Money
Currency: Pounds Sterling (£)
Credit and Debit cards accepted.
Topography
Landmass: The Isle is roughly 380.728 kilometer/147 square miles
Elevation: Maximum elevation: 242 m | Average elevation: 15 m | Minimum elevation: -1 m
Designation:
1 | Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve, United Kingdom
2 | Isle of Wight – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Why Visit ?
Famous for: Ghosts, Dinosaur bones, Victorian villages + Healing & Wellbeing retreats
Number of Visitors surpass residents >
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The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse Isle of Wight first published at timelesstravelsteps.com
Updated: Aug 1, 2022
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