Our selection of hidden treasures on the Isle of Wight. Special places that are off the beaten track or tucked away where you might not find them. All the places listed below are free to enter and available all year round.
1. Devils Chimney
This narrow crack in the ground is an impressive part of the coast from Luccombe and Bonchurch on the South of the Isle of Wight. This natural split in the rock is steep but a hand rail has been fitted to aid access. Climbing down through lets you emerge out into a wooded area which one could imagine was a different world. A prehistoric atmosphere is abound in these woodlands. Devil’s Chimney can be enjoyed easily by parking at the nearby public Car Park on the left on the main coast road between Shanklin and Ventnor or stop for refreshment at the Smugglers Haven Tea Rooms and walk down from there. Alternatively it is signposted from the coastal path. Read more about Devil’s Chimney. An image of Devils Chimney can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/dgj103/2521584124/
Newtown Bird Hide
2. Newtown Bird Hide
The bird hide at Newtown is a hidden treasure within a hidden treasure. The village of Newtown is made up of attractive historic cottages and churches as well as being the home of Newtown Town Hall.
The bird hide looks out over Newtown’s wetland areas which has bird visitors all year round. The largest concentrations of birds can be seen in the winter as wintering birds set up home. There is a signpost in the centre of Newtown which points the way down a short path to the bird hide.
The Town Hall in Newtown is open to the public by the National Trust. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-oldtownhallnewtown
3. Steephill Cove
This quiet bay on the coastal path between Ventnor and St Lawrence is an idyllic seaside spot and has parallels with small seaside holiday locations in the 1930′s.
The beach is often scattered with a few deck chairs and children explore the waters edge and rock pools at either side of the sandy beach.
Steephill Cove has a couple of places to have some refreshment and everywhere serves crab which is hauled up the beach on a regular basis during the season.
Culver Cliffs
4. Culver Cliffs
The cliffs on either side of Culver Down are a great place to enjoy views over Sandown and Shanklin bays and north to Whitecliff Bay, Bembridge and Bembridge Harbour. Those with keen eyes will even spot Bembridge Windmill.
Culver Down is part of the coastal path between Bembridge and Sandown but if you want to avoid the climb it is also possible to drive to the top.
Apart from the view, Culver Down also has some Second World War history to wonder at. Gun placements on Culver Down were there to protect the Island from aircraft attack.
You can read more about Culver Downs
5. Yarmouth to Shalfleet Coastal Path
The coastal path has many beautiful sections but Yarmouth to Shalfleet is expecially enjoyable and varied. Route takes you from moorland to woodland to farmland before you tackle a short shingle section and onto the amazingly beautiful wetland section.
The wetland part of the coastal path has little wooden bridges and walk ways so you get get right in amongst the wetlands and see the birdlife it contains.
6. Porchfield Woods
These managed woodlands on the edge of Newport are great for a woodland walk to stretch the legs. The woodland has well made, wide tracks and they are reasonably flat. If you have trouble with walking over uneven ground or up and down steep hills then these woods provide access to nature. There is plenty of parking and the woods are just outside of Newport on the main Newport to Yarmouth road.
Needles View
7. Rocket Testing Area overlooking The Needles
Rocket engines were tested on the Isle of Wight in a secrete rocket testing centre which operated into the 1970′s. Yep it’s true. Even more extraordinary is that the facility was located within a short walk of the iconic Needles which form the far Western tip of the Isle of Wight and have been a much visited site since Victorian times.
The rocket testing towers are still in place but many walk right past them to view a stunning view of The Needles with the Needles Lighthouse at the very tip. Sail boat often make a beautiful backdrop to this impressive view.
You can reach the site on the Island Breezer bus from Yarmouth or take the Tennyson Trail from Freshwater and over to Alum Bay. The testing station is located at the very end of the headland.
Yarmouth to Shalfleet Coastal Path
8. Freshwater to Yarmouth Estuary Walk
The estuary between Freshwater and Yarmouth is a beautiful wetland area and this gentle walk over flat ground runs along the cycle track which is well marked with signposts. The walk starts near the garden centre in Freshwater town (near the Co-op store) but it is worth looking at Freshwater Bay before you start.
The cycle track route (which welcomes walkers) follows the water course all the way into Yarmouth. This walk can be done in either direction as you can easily leave a car at either end and buses go between both towns.
9. Borthwood Copse
Remember you heard it here first. Borthwood Copse is probably the best place to see the Isle of Wight red squirrel anywhere on the Isle of Wight. One only has to sit still on one of the benches in the copse for a few minutes before movement in the branches bring the first indications of these rare mammals.
Borthwood Copse is located near Lake on the East side of the Island and can be reached by the footpath from Sandown Airport.
Freemantle Gate
10. Freemantle Gate
This impressive structure which stands alone where the Worsley Trail and the Stenbury Trail cross and is a lovely quiet spot to enjoy the view. The attraction of the gate is added to by the beautiful choice of routes by which to get there. On the Stenbury Trail it can be reached from Godshill or Wroxall and on the Worsley Trail by following the trail up from Steephill (nr Ventnor) and across the Appuldurcombe Down.
If you have any hidden treasures of your own on the Isle of Wight please let us know and we will pass them along.
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