Culver Down

Culver Down is the chalky headland that protrudes out into the sea forming the white cliffs at the north end of Sandown Bay. It is owned and protected by The National Trust.

The white cliffs are clearly visible from Yaverland beach

Perched high on the down you will find Bembridge Fort, a very interesting building which was built to protect us against Napoleon's forces.

The fort is also owned by the National Trust, but it has been closed to the public for many years because of its dilapidated condition.

But now, in 2009, it is being cleared and restored (mainly by volunteers) and tours for visitors are being arranged.



There will be two weekday tours each month from March until October at £3 per head (including National Trust members). For any further information, or to make a booking, please call 01983 741020 or email isleofwight@nationaltrust.org.uk.

The entrance to Bembridge Fort

Further along the headland you will find spacious, grassy picnic areas with wonderful views across Sandown Bay in one direction, and Bembridge and Whitecliff Bay in the other. On a warm, sunny day this is a great place to relax!

View of Sandown Bay from the picnic areas

Of added interest, towards the tip of the headland, past the Culver Haven pub you will find the remains of wartime batteries also belonging to The National Trust, and an ancient fire beacon which, in days gone by, would have been used to signal the mainland.

One of two wartime batteries on the headland

The fire beacon - with Portsmouth clearly visible in the distance

The National Trust owns and protects several other sites on the Isle of Wight. For details of these simply click here to visit our National Trust main page.

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