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Dramatic chalk cliffs and open downland with coastal views, military history and wildlife.
Bembridge Down, near Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO36 8QY
Asset | Opening time |
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Countryside | Dawn - Dusk |
There are six free car parks in the downland and fort area. We don't allow overnight parking due to the impact on nature and wildlife, staff resource and visitors.
Dogs are welcome across the downs. Please keep your dog on a short lead around livestock and under close control at all other times.
Downland with steep cliffs, some stiles, gates and steps and two cattle grids. Some paths are slippery and muddy when wet. Fort has steep grass slopes and steps.
Some stiles, gates and steps and two cattle grids. Some paths are slippery and muddy when wet. Fort has steep grass slopes and steps.
The downs can be reached by a steep single-track road off the B3395 between Yaverland and Bembridge.
Parking: There are six free car parks around the downs and fort.
Sat Nav: PO36 8QY for fort
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.
The nearest railway station is at Brading (about 1 mile) on the line between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin.
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.
The 'Round the Island' cycle path passes along the B3395, within about 800 metres of the downs.
Bembridge Down, near Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO36 8QY
Bembridge Fort is now under the day-to-day management of Bembridge Fort Trust. While the fort may be closed for up to 18 months for works, organised groups can still arrange guided tours of accessible areas. For details, visit: www.bembridgefort.org.
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.
Dramatic chalk cliffs and open downland with historic monument, battlements, pub, and coastal views over Sandown Bay and the Solent.
Whether you're a cyclist, a stroller, a wildlife-spotter, a kite-flyer or a picnic person, there’s plenty to see and do at the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight.
An invigorating walk over the downs and RSPB Brading Marshes reserve, with splendid views of the coast and countryside and passing the island's only windmill.
This short, wheelchair-friendly fairly level walk with spectacular views will give you a fascinating insight into the Isle of Wight's role in wartime defence and intelligence.
Delve into the Isle of Wight's military history while enjoying sweeping views and myriad wildlife on this short clifftop walk.
This former clubhouse is now a quirky holiday cottage with a verandah great for wildlife watching.
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The downs
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.
There is easy access to the top of the downs on the road with plenty of car parks to choose from. There is good level walking on paths with short turf, particularly on Culver Down at the east end or you can wander further on the coast path and open down land.
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.
Find out more about this Victorian fort that was called into action in both World Wars then left abandoned, including why it was built where it was.
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.