The Needles on the Isle of Wight is surely one of the most photographed groups of rocks in the world. This row of three distinctive chalk stacks features in all the classic views of the island, a truly unforgettable image – and a photographer’s delight.
Why are The Needles Isle of Wight famous?
Situated here at The Needles is the world famous Marconi Monument, marking the location where Guglielmo Marconi undertook his pioneering work at the end of the 19th Century which led to radio and all telecommunications as we know it today.
What is special about The Needles?
Marconi’s radio transmissions
Situated within The Needles is the world famous Marconi Monument, which marks the precise location where Marconi undertook his pioneering work at the end of the 19th Century, which led to radio and all telecommunications as we know it today.
What is The Needles Isle of Wight?
In case you don’t know, The Needles is a row of three distinctive stacks of chalk that rise about 30 metres out of the sea and you will find them on the western side of the Isle of Wight just to the southwest of Alum Bay.
What is the Needles landmark attraction?
Iconic chairlift. Catch a bird’s eye view of the stunning Needles landmark. Dino Jeep Safari. Our Dino Jeep Safari ride is an experience not be missed for any budding explorer! Glass Blowing.
Can you see The Needles without paying?
There are plenty of free views to enjoy, and if you pay to visit the Needles Old Battery you will gain access to a stunning viewing point right on the top of the cliff.
Who owns The Needles Isle of Wight?
Heritage Great Britain
The attraction has been owned by Heritage Great Britain since 1999, where it sits as part of a portfolio that also includes John O’Groats, Land’s End, Lightwater Valley and Snowdon Mountain Railway. The Needles pulls in around 430,000 visitors during the tourist season and in excess of half a million each year.
Why are the Isle of Wight needles called needles?
The name the Needles comes from the fourth rock, which was needle-shaped and known as ‘Lot’s Wife’. The book of Genesis in the Bible records that Lot’s Wife was turned into a pillar of salt as a punishment for looking back after being told not to when she was fleeing from the destruction of Sodom.
How do humans use The Needles Isle of Wight?
Military use
The Needles were a site of a long-standing artillery battery, from the 1860s to 1954, which was eventually decommissioned. A nearby site on High Down was employed in the testing of rockets for the British ICBM programme.
Is it worth visiting The Needles?
Although the area is remote, a trip to the Needles is absolutely worth it to get a sense of just how vast and diverse the desert really is.
How old are The Needles Isle of Wight?
In 5,000BC this ridge was breached by the Solent River, creating the Isle of Wight with its jagged white rocks at the western tip. These unusually vertical rocks are a result of the heavy folding of chalk and the remaining stacks of hard chalk are extremely resistant to erosion.
Can you walk down to The Needles?
You can reach the down by following the Tennyson Trail and the Isle of Wight Coast Path. These two waymarked trails are a great way of further exploring the area around The Needles. You could also head east along the coast path to visit the lovely Freshwater Bay.
Why is the sand black on the Isle of Wight?
The sands are coloured due to oxidised iron compounds formed under different conditions. Alum Bay Chine begins as a small wooded valley descending eastward from the junction of the B3322 and the road to Headon Hall.
How long is the walk down to The Needles?
Experience this 13.2-km circular trail near Freshwater, Isle of Wight. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete.
Do you have to pay to visit The Needles Isle of Wight?
Entry to The Needles is completely free of charge and you only pay to park your car during the main season, but if you’re visiting between April and October then our supersaver tickets are a great way to make savings on all your favourite activites.
Why is the tip of needles made pointed?
The tip of a sewing needle is sharp so that due to its sharp tip, the needle may put the force on a very small area of the cloth, producing a pressure sufficient enough to pierce the cloth being stitched.
Are there toilets at The Needles?
There are two accessible toilets along with accessible baby changing rooms on site, one next to Marconi’s bar and the other situated next to the Carousel. There are printed copies and large print copies of the glass studio and sweet manufacturing demonstrations available.
How do you get to Shanklin from needles?
The fastest way to get from Shanklin to Needles Point is to taxi. Taking this option will cost £45 – £60 and takes 32 min. Is there a direct bus between Shanklin and Needles Point? Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Shanklin Esplanade, Chine Avenue and arriving at Alum Bay, Needles Landmark Attraction.
What happens if a needle stays in your body?
Needle embolism is a rare complication of intravenous drug users, Retained broken needles can lead to local complications, such as infection, but they also have the potential to embolize to heart or lung, and lead to serious complications.
Can you go in the Needles lighthouse?
The Needles lighthouse is owned and managed by Trinity House. For more technical information, visit their website. Unfortunately you can only admire it from a distance, as it is not safely accessible or open to the public.
How many people visit The Needles every year?
Approximately 1.3 million guests visit the Space Needle per year, and nearly 60 million visitors have visited the tower since it opened in 1962. It cost $4.5 million to build the Space Needle in 1962.