The Needles Viewpoint — Attraction in Isle of Wight

At the time of visiting The Needles Landmark Attraction, (on a Wednesday), the parking tariff only had an all day option for £6. (£2 discount for National Trust Member). Payment is on entry via a kiosk. Card payment is accepted. Later in the day (we departed at 2pm) it was free to park. I’m not sure if this is a regular thing though. The parking surface is sloping gravel and grass. Disabled parking is available next to a purpose built viewing point. It has good views towards the mainland and obviously the Needles. I Recommend you bring the binoculars but there are pay to view telescopes available as well. There is an amusement area on site (not for me). Chair lift to the beach (£9!). A Cafeteria, gift shop, glass shop, The famous Alum bay sand shop and toilets. The Needles are well worth a visit but you need good visibility to fully appreciate all the views. It’s worth noting that from this area you can walk, cycle or take a bus ride to the Needles Old and New Battery which is now looked after by the National Trust. There is The Needles Viewing point here too. I’ve only rated it 4* as I think the parking facilities could...

On a clear day, there's a good view of the iconic chalk stacks from this point. The path leading down to Alum Bay is fairly short, and the steps should be no problem for most visitors. The Needles Landmark Attraction seems well run and family friendly, but is very commercialised and not really my thing. That said, the boat trip is the easiest way to get up close to The Needles and is worth doing. Parking was £6 for the day at the time of my visit in August 2024. The National Trust - Needles Headland and Battery offers similarly good views without the amusements and shopping for those that prefer a...

Do I begrudge that some lucky landowner decided to monetise this site, creating a rather tacky fun fair and ‘attraction’ centred around a view of the Needles? Actually no, it’s called business and I’d probably do the same, so fair play to them, whoever they were/are. That said, I can’t say I liked paying £6 just to park for the privilege of taking a 5 minute view of the Needles. It’s also a shame you can’t drive up to the Old Battery (bus only). It is what it is, try to get your...