The Needles Landmark Attraction — Attraction in Totland

A nice place to spend a few hours - if you have young children you might spend longer here but for 4 adults there wasn't much we wanted to do - we were there to see the Needles, and use the chair lift down to the beach. Queued to get to the car park - understandable with 1 road in and out - parking is £6 all day (July 2021). Chairlift for 4 adults return - £26 - Queued to use the chair lift at the top for around half an hour, and slightly shorter queue at the bottom to come up. Worth it because we enjoyed it. There's not much going down on the beach at all - it's just narrow pebbly beach, so some people chose to stay on and ride the chair lift straight back up. It was a windy day so the sea was quite rough and not really suitable for paddling. Got hot food in the restaurant to eat outside - there were some veggie options as well as a vegan pastie. Cold drinks, hot drinks, chocolate and cakes available as well as hot food options (jacket potatoes / burgers / chips / pasties). For guests in wheelchairs or not able to walk as far - be prepared for a poor view of the needles. There is a viewing platform, but there's no ramp up to it, only steps, so wheelchair users cannot see over the fence. Instead, wheelchair users or those unable to use steps are left to look through a wire fence at the Needles. You can't get down to the beach, and there is no other view. There is also nothing else for you to do, except go in the shop or get some food. I felt awful, I'd taken my Nan all the way to the Isle of Wight to see The Needles, and she couldn't even see them properly (See pictures for her view). The gift shop was pretty boring but wasn't too bothered by that. There's a small arcade with some games / 2p machines, as well as a mini golf and other kids activities. These were all quite popular on a busy day (Thursday in July) so be prepared to queue a bit, or maybe go first thing in the morning. Views - if you want to get away from people and get a lovely view of the needles, I recommending walking out of the attraction at the bus stop, turning left and walking back down the road 100m or so, and turning left down the track marked coastal walk. There's a 10 minute easy walk up to the cliff top (or a half an hour loop walk) to Heatherwood Battery with really lovely views of the sea and the chair lift and the needles. Could sit up here and have a picnic too, plenty of green space away from everyone down at the tourist attraction. Over all, a massive tourist trap, but we...

During our Easter holidays, we visited The Needles Landmark Attraction. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

1.Check Ahead: Always call ahead to ensure that all attractions are operational to avoid any disappointment.

2.Must-Do Chairlift: The chairlift is a must-experience attraction. You can always get one-way tickets for the chairlift if you prefer.

3.Ticket Purchase: Chairlift tickets are available at the chairlift entry itself. You don't need to go to the visitor center to purchase them. If you do, you'll have to stand in the chairlift queue again, resulting in waiting twice.

4.Chairlift Capacity: Only two people are allowed on the chairlift at any time, including infants or children.

5.Children's Tickets: Children under four do not require a ticket, but they must be carried on your lap.

6.Smooth Ride: Although the chairlift may look intimidating, it offers a very smooth ride, so there’s no need to worry.

7.Boating Experience: Once you get down, you should also experience the boat ride to The Needles. Tickets can be purchased on board (£9 for adults on the slow boat, £17.50 per adult on the fast boat).

8.Restroom Availability: There are no restrooms on the beach, so make sure to use the facilities before heading down.

9.Stroller Storage: You can leave your stroller outside the chairlift entry; it’s generally safe.

10.Parking: Ample parking is available for just £6 for the whole day.

11.Other Attractions: We didn't experience any other attractions, but they are similar to those found at fairs, so I don't particularly recommend them.

12.Wait Times: Despite the Easter holidays and good weather, it took about half an hour to get on the chairlift both ways.

13.Closing Time: The attractions start closing around 4:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

14.Beach Access: Walking down to the beach via the steps doesn't seem to be a good option as it can be...

Fantastic location with beautiful views. Don't forget your National Trust card to get £2 off parking and free entry to the Old Battery Fort at the tip of the needles. Parking at the attraction is plentiful but on rough ground (no tarmac). Low slung sports cars might struggle in some places. Disabled parking is available but the only hard surface that's available so often used by non badge holders (cheeky sods!).

Plenty to do at the attraction centre but strongly advise to get there early at 0900 so you can get to the boats and cable car lift on time. Queues get long very quickly. The boat trip (slow cruise) is great value and approx 20mins long, very smooth and informative There is a jet boat cruise (more expensive and appeared to be a little rough/bouncy at sea) but this is 15mins long . Both boat rides offer a great chance to view the Needles up close. Please note that only the slow cruise is dog friendly (dogs go free!).

Once you're on the beach, you can get a very close up view of the Alum Cliff's, the 21 different coloured sandstones that make the cliffs so unique. Can see why the Victorians loved visiting here. We took the cable car back and this saved us walking the 150 ish steps up the steep cliff face - the cable car ride is not dog friendly so be prepared to make arrangements to return to the attraction on top. If you are not a fan of heights probably best to take the steps back up anyway.

Restaurants start hot food service at 1130. Kids food is generously portioned so be prepared for left overs (or order their meals for adults lol). Recommend the chicken and chorizo pasty - hot and slightly spiced but lovely flavour.

Try the NT bus up to the Old Battery fort - it's quite a climb by foot and the onboard commentary is very good. This is reasonably priced at £3 per person RTN (every 30mins approx).

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