Name: Bembridge and Culver Downs
Rating: 5.0

Bembridge and Culver Downs

Bembridge Down, Sandown, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Bembridge and Culver Downs form a dramatic point at the east end of the Isle of Wight. The cliffs are part of the same chalk ridge that forms the Needles and cliffs of Tennyson Down in the west. Feel the wind in your hair and admire the views over Sandown Bay and the Solent from this high point perched on top of the cliffs.

There is also over a mile of sandy and rocky beach accessible from Sandown with the red and white cliffs behind you. Bembridge Down has a lot of military history. In a commanding position on top of the downs stands Victorian Bembridge Fort. You can also still see the remains of First World War fortifications and gun emplacements which took advantage of the high and prominent position of the headland.

If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Fort: An unrestored Victorian fort, which was called into action in both the First World War and Second World War. Bembridge Fort is now under the day-to-day management of Bembridge Fort Trust.
Bembridge and Culver Downs: Dramatic chalk cliffs and open downland with historic monument, battlements, pub, and coastal views over Sandown Bay and the Solent.
Things to see and do at Bembridge and Culver Downs: Adventurers of all ages will find something to keep them occupied on Bembridge and Culver Downs, no matter the time of year. Whether you're cycling, enjoying a stroll with your dog, spotting local wildlife, flying kites or simply enjoying a picnic, there are sea views and plenty of space in which to relax and unwind.
Bembridge and Culver Downs trail: An invigorating circular on the east side of the Isle of Wight, with splendid views of the coast and countryside. The trail starts at Bembridge Windmill, only surviving windmill on the island, before joining with a section of the coast path. It then cuts back inland, heading past a Victorian fort and the RSPB-protected wetland at Brading Marshes. Be sure to stop and take in the scenery from the top of Culver Downs.
Fine fortifications trail at Bembridge and Culver Downs: Although peaceful today, Bembridge and Culver Downs were once a scene of much military activity. Follow this easy circular walk along the top of the downs to gain insight into the Isle of Wight's role in wartime defence and intelligence, and to look out over Sandown Bay, Whitecliff Bay and Brading Haven.
Circumnavigate Culver Down trail: Take a short but exhilarating clifftop walk over Culver Down, taking in the historic Bembridge Fort and Yarborough Monument, along with sweeping views over Sandown Bay and Brading Haven. Keep an eye out for peregrines, ravens, cowslips and butterflies at different times of the year.

Facilities

Parking: There are six free car parks around the downs and fort.
Dogs allowed: Dogs are welcome across the downs. Please keep your dog on a short lead around livestock and under close control at all other times.

What to see

History of Bembridge Fort: Find out more about this large Victorian fortress with commanding views of the English Channel. Known as a Palmerston Folly, it was built to protect the country against the threat of invasion.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/bembridge-and-culver-downs/history-of-bembridge-fort

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Countryside: Dawn - Dusk.

Address: Bembridge Down, Sandown, UK

Post Code: PO36 8QY

Council: Isle of Wight

County: Isle of Wight

By road: The downs can be reached by a steep single-track road off the B3395 between Yaverland and Bembridge.
On foot: Consult Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 196 or OS Explorer OL29. The waymarked Isle of Wight Coast Path follows the cliff top and crosses the eastern end of the downs. There are several other footpaths and many acres of open space.
By train: The nearest railway station is at Brading (about 1 mile) on the line between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin.
By bus: Southern Vectis buses from Newport or Ryde pass along the B3395 between Yaverland and Bembridge. The downs are about 800 metres walk up the hill towards Bembridge Fort. For details of bus timetables see www.islandbuses.info.Hourly Southern Vectis buses from Newport or Ryde pass along the B3395 between Yaverland and Bembridge. The downs are about 800 metres walk up the hill towards Bembridge Fort. See details of bus timetables.
Cycling: The 'Round the Island' cycle path passes along the B3395, within about 800 metres of the downs.
Parking: There are six free car parks around the downs and fort.