Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Bembridge and Culver Downs
Dramatic chalk cliffs and open downland with coastal views, military history and wildlife.
Bembridge Down, near Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO36 8QY
Important notice
Bembridge Fort is now in the day to day care of the Bembridge Fort Trust.
Find out more about the work they are doing: https://www.bembridgefort.org/
Opening times for 21 November 2024
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS282930311234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301OpenPartially openClosedCar park
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 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.
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.
Steps/uneven terrain
Some stiles, gates and steps and two cattle grids. Some paths are slippery and muddy when wet. Fort has steep grass slopes and steps.
By road
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
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.
By bicycle
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
Planning your visit
Tours of Bembridge Fort
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.
Highlights
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
Article
Things to see and do at Bembridge and Culver Downs
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.
Top trails
Trail
Bembridge and Culver Downs trail
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.
Trail
Fine fortifications trail at Bembridge and Culver Downs
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.
Trail
Circumnavigate Culver Down trail
Delve into the Isle of Wight's military history while enjoying sweeping views and myriad wildlife on this short clifftop walk.
Places to stay
The Old Club House
This former clubhouse is now a quirky holiday cottage with a verandah great for wildlife watching.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Bembridge and Culver Downs
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.
History
Article
History of Bembridge Fort
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.