A natural wonder on the west of the Island, the Alum Bay cliffs are a vision of 21 coloured sands ranging from burning oranges and reds to cool blues and greens. The bright colours are thanks to a unique composition of minerals in the area, a geological process happening over thousands of years. Visitors have long visited Alum Bay to marvel at this natural rainbow, making the trek down the cliff by steps or a vintage ski lift to look back at the cliffs from the pebble beach below. A small amount of the coloured sand is collected each year, made available to visitors to layer into a small glass sand sculpture of their choice to take home – the original Isle of Wight souvenir.

Two imposing formations off the west coast of the Island, Stagg Rock resembles the head of a stag while Mermaid Rock adds to the allure of the pretty Freshwater Bay – both rising from the tranquil turquoise seas of summer and adding drama to the choppy winter waves. Whether you’re admiring from the beach or atop Freshwater’s cliffs, these towering rocks create a stunning coastal vista. One of the most photographed areas of the Isle of Wight, Freshwater Bay and its proud rock formations make for a beautiful sight whatever the season.

The Isle of Wight’s most recognisable landmark is “The Needles”, three bright white chalk stacks rising dramatically from the sea on the very western tip of the Island. Each stack is around 30 metres tall, with a towering red and white lighthouse to warn passing ships of their presence. Places to get a good view of The Needles are The Needles Old Battery, Alum Bay and Headon Warren, with the landmark also visible from across the water in Bournemouth on a clear day. One of the best ways to see The Needles is by boat in the summer, with RIB rides and pleasure cruises available to board from Alum Bay. Offering a unique perspective of this famous landmark, the gleaming white chalk of the Needles and cliffs contrasted against the surrounding blue waters is a sight to behold.

On the north-western coast of the Island you’ll find Newtown Creek, a tranquil tidal inlet once a busy trading port. The Old Town Hall built in 1686 still stands in Newtown close to the creek, offering a glimpse back at the village’s rich history. Today Newtown Creek is a National Nature Reserve, a protected place for wildlife and birds. A place of serenity and calm, the creek is characterised by its mirror glass waters, salt marshes and mud flats and you’ll find chocolate box houses, bird watching huts and footpaths to explore. Newtown Creek is a haven for nature lovers, and its tranquillity and wildlife should be respected during your visit. 

Located in Brighstone, The Dragon Tree is as mysterious as it is beautiful. Thought to be around 400 years old, the ancient oak tree has a mass of spindly branches reaching over the bubbling brook beneath it. Folklore says that the tree marks the spot where a dragon terrorising the local village was slain by a knight, the dragon on its last breath turned to wood and rooted his trail in the ground – hence the name and tree’s peculiar shape. Surviving decades of bad weather and storms, The Dragon Tree leans from its roots over The Buddle Brook, one of its huge branches creating a bridge over the water. Shortlisted for “England’s Tree of the Year” in 2019, The Dragon Tree for years has intrigued locals and visitors and is a great spot for a photo! 

At the heart of the Old Village is Shanklin Chine, an impressive natural gorge leading from the town to the beach. The deep ravine is believed to have formed millions of years ago, possibly during the Eocen period. Exposed sandstone and clay, the soft cliffs and streams create a lush green environment and humidity. Walking through Shanklin Chine you’ll feel transported to far away land, surrounded by vibrant vegetation and a trickling stream from the dramatic waterfall from the cliff – model dinosaurs hidden within the greenery hark back to its inception and the illuminated chine at night is magical. A protected site, Shanklin Chine has been a popular place to visit since Victorian times and is one of the Island’s most celebrated natural attractions.

Standing at 12 feet tall beneath Mottistone Down, The Longstone is an ancient standing stone thought to date back to the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age – around 4000 to 5000 years ago. Shrouded in mystery, for centuries stories have circulated around The Longstone and its purpose – from marking a crossing in the Island’s ancient ley lines to a place used for ritual and sacrifice – there are many ideas as to what this huge natural stone was once used for. One of the more credited reasons for The Longstone is that it marks an ancient burial site. Another is that due to its position on the hillside, it may be to help mark the passage of time or to guide early travellers. While we’ll never know the true reason for The Longstone, it’s a piece of the Island’s ancient history and a fascinating place to visit, surrounded by rolling countryside and downs.