An unrestored Victorian fort set on dramatic chalk cliffs and open downland with coastal views
Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.
The downs
Bembridge and Culver Downs form a dramatic point at the east end of the Isle of Wight. The cliffs are part of the same chalk ridge that forms the Needles and cliffs of Tennyson Down in the west. Feel the wind in your hair and admire the views over Sandown Bay and the Solent from this high point perched on top of the cliffs. There is also over a mile of sandy and rocky beach accessible from Sandown with the red and white cliffs behind you.
There is easy access to the top of the downs on the road with plenty of car parks to choose from. There is good level walking on paths with short turf, particularly on Culver Down at the east end or you can wander further on the coast path and open down land.
Bembridge Down has a lot of military history. You can still see the remains of 19th-century and First World War fortifications and gun emplacements which took advantage of the high and prominent position of the headland.
The fort
In a commanding position on top of Bembridge Down, Isle of Wight, this unrestored Victorian fort is now open for volunteer-run guided tours.
Pre-booked guided tours are available every Tuesday from April to October. Additional weekday tours for groups of 10 plus may be possible on request. Tours are not suitable for children under 10.
Please call 01983 741020 to book or email us as booking is essential.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | N/A | £5.00 |
| Child | N/A | £2.50 |
| Family | N/A | £12.50 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Pre-booked guided tours of the fort: National Trust members: free. Tours are not suitable for children under the age of 10
The downs are free for all to access.
