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Bembridge Fort and Downs
An unrestored Victorian fort set on dramatic chalk cliffs and open downland with coastal views
Bembridge Down, near Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO36 8QY
Opening times for 1 December 2023
Asset Opening time Fort Closed Countryside Dawn - Dusk Booking is essential for tours of Bembridge Fort and access to the fort is by guided tour only.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £5.00 Child £2.50 Family £12.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Car park
There are six free car parks in the downland and fort area. We don't allow overnight parking due to the impact on nature and wildlife, staff resource and visitors.
Guided tour
Access to Bembridge Fort is by guided tour only.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome across the downs. Please keep your dog on a short lead around livestock and under close control at all other times.
Downland with steep cliffs, some stiles, gates and steps and two cattle grids. Some paths are slippery and muddy when wet. Fort has steep grass slopes and steps.
Steps/uneven terrain
Some stiles, gates and steps and two cattle grids. Some paths are slippery and muddy when wet. Fort has steep grass slopes and steps.
By road
The downs can be reached by a steep single-track road off the B3395 between Yaverland and Bembridge.
Parking: There are six free car parks around the downs and fort.
Sat Nav: PO36 8QY for fort
On foot
Consult Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 196 or OS Explorer OL29. The waymarked Isle of Wight Coast Path follows the cliff top and crosses the eastern end of the downs. There are several other footpaths and many acres of open space.
By train
The nearest railway station is at Brading (about 1 mile) on the line between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin.
By bus
Southern Vectis buses from Newport or Ryde pass along the B3395 between Yaverland and Bembridge. The downs are about 800 metres walk up the hill towards Bembridge Fort. For details of bus timetables see www.islandbuses.info.Hourly Southern Vectis buses from Newport or Ryde pass along the B3395 between Yaverland and Bembridge. The downs are about 800 metres walk up the hill towards Bembridge Fort. See details of bus timetables.
By bicycle
The 'Round the Island' cycle path passes along the B3395, within about 800 metres of the downs.
Bembridge Down, near Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO36 8QY
Highlights
Fort
An unrestored Victorian fort, which was called into action in both the First World War and Second World War.
Bembridge and Culver Downs
Dramatic chalk cliffs and open downland with historic monument, battlements, pub, and coastal views over Sandown Bay and the Solent.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Bembridge and Culver Downs
Whether you're a cyclist, a stroller, a wildlife-spotter, a kite-flyer or a picnic person, there’s plenty to see and do at the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight.
Top trails
Trail
Bembridge and Culver Downs trail
An invigorating walk over the downs and RSPB Brading Marshes reserve, with splendid views of the coast and countryside and passing the island's only windmill.
Trail
Fine fortifications trail at Bembridge and Culver Downs
This short, wheelchair-friendly fairly level walk with spectacular views will give you a fascinating insight into the Isle of Wight's role in wartime defence and intelligence.
Trail
Circumnavigate Culver Down trail
Delve into the Isle of Wight's military history while enjoying sweeping views and myriad wildlife on this short clifftop walk.
Places to stay
The Old Club House
This former clubhouse is now a quirky holiday cottage with a verandah great for wildlife watching.
About Bembridge Fort and Downs
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.
History
Article
History of Bembridge Fort
Find out more about this Victorian fort that was called into action in both World Wars then left abandoned, including why it was built where it was.