Discovering The Needles
A First-Time Experience After 40 Years
This summer, my family and I finally experienced The Needles, one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic attractions, despite having spent holidays here for the last 40 years! As a mum of two adventurous boys, aged 10 and 12, it was the perfect opportunity to explore this much-loved site together for the first time—and what a fantastic day we had.
The Chairlift to the Beach: A Breathtaking Ride
We began our day with the chairlift ride down to the beach, a highlight for my boys. This gentle descent offers stunning panoramic views of Alum Bay’s famous coloured sands and the Solent, with the majestic Needles rocks in the distance. The chairlift is not only a fun experience but also a great way to see the natural beauty of the coastline from a different perspective. Watching my boys’ faces as we glided down to the beach was priceless!
Once on the beach, we wandered along the shore, marvelling at the colours of the sands—each shade more vibrant than the next. It’s easy to see why these sands are so famous, and being able to get so close to the Needles themselves was an experience we won’t soon forget. There are also boat charters available that take you even closer to the rocks, offering a different view of this natural wonder.
Bottling Our Own Coloured Sands: A Vintage Tradition
After our beach adventure, we headed to the sand shop, a charming spot where visitors can bottle their own coloured sands. The shop has a lovely, vintage feel, reminiscent of the classic seaside attractions of my childhood. My boys were fascinated by the process, carefully layering different colours to create their own sand souvenirs—definitely a keepsake to treasure.
Glass Blowing: An Art in Action
Next, we watched the glass blowing demonstration, which turned out to be one of the most unexpected highlights of our visit. My kids were captivated as the artisans skilfully shaped molten glass into intricate designs. It was a fascinating blend of art and craftsmanship, and we all walked away with a new appreciation for this delicate art form. If you’re visiting The Needles, I highly recommend taking the time to watch—it’s mesmerising!
The Needles Breezer & Exploring The Old Battery
Our day continued with a ride on the Needles Breezer, an open-top bus that took us up to The Needles Old Battery, a National Trust site that is steeped in history. The breezy ride was a thrill for the boys, but the views at the top were the real showstopper. From the battery, you get breathtaking panoramic views of the Needles rocks and the coastline.
The Old Battery itself is a fascinating place, with tunnels to explore and a rich military history that dates back to Victorian times. It was incredible to think about the role this site played in defending the country, and my boys loved exploring the tunnels and discovering the lookout points. For families, it’s a great way to combine a bit of history with some fun, and the views alone make the trip worthwhile.
Why You Should Visit The Needles
If you’re visiting the Isle of Wight, a trip to The Needles is a must. Whether you’re a family looking for adventure, or simply want to enjoy some of the island’s most stunning natural landscapes, The Needles offers something for everyone. From the chairlift and coloured sands to glass-blowing demonstrations and historical explorations at the Old Battery, it’s a day packed with excitement and discovery.
For me, as someone who has been visiting the Isle of Wight for 40 years, it was a long-overdue visit to this iconic attraction. Experiencing it for the first time through the eyes of my boys made it all the more special. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been holidaying here for years, I can’t recommend The Needles enough as a family-friendly adventure.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning your first visit to The Needles or rediscovering it after years, this attraction offers a memorable experience for all ages. With its beautiful views, rich history, and hands-on activities, it’s a true gem of the Isle of Wight.