The Hermitage
The Hermitage is an extremely pet- and people-friendly establishment in a stunning, unspoilt…
The Needles Headland and Tennyson Down (NT)
LOCATION
TOTLAND, ISLE OF WIGHT
RECOMMENDED BY
Our View
Tennyson Down is probably one of the most popular places to walk on the island. You can walk from Freshwater Bay to the Needles Headland, and drink in the salt-laden air that so inspired Tennyson. The Down is perched above high chalk cliffs and translucent seas. Amongst the gorse bushes are small birds and thousands of minute downland flowers, and cliff nesting birds soar effortlessly along the cliff tops using the updrafts. The National Trust are restoring more of Tennyson Down back to open chalk grassland. Since the 1920s the Downs had fewer grazing animals, which allowed the whole of the sheltered north side of the Down to grow up with young ash woodland, and many of the chalk grassland flowers and butterflies have disappeared. Cattle have been reintroduced to the Down and areas of young ash trees are being removed where the soil is suitably thin to allow the chalk grassland to gradually return and provide more open downland.
The Needles Headland and Tennyson Down (NT)
Tennyson Down, Totland Bay, TOTLAND, PO39
Phone:
01983 741020
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About the area
Discover Isle of Wight
There’s a timeless quality to the Isle of Wight. For many it embodies the spirit and atmosphere of English seaside holidays. Small and intimate – at just 23 miles by 13 miles – it’s a great place to get away from it all. And with its mild climate, long hours of sunshine and colourful architecture, it has something of a continental flavour.
Explore the island’s varied coastline at any time of the year using the well-established Coast Path. Even in the depths of winter, the weather conditions are often favourable for walking. The island has more than 500 miles of public rights of way in all. There are numerous other things to do too. You could plan a week’s itinerary and not set foot on the beach. The island’s history is fascinating and it was long considered as a convenient stepping stone for the French in their plan to invade the UK mainland. Various fortifications – including Fort Victoria, Carisbrooke Castle and Yarmouth Castle – reflect its key strategic role in the defence of our coastline.
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