Brighstone Lifeboat

Two weathered lifeboats sit on the green outside Brighstone village, monuments to the island's maritime heritage rather than working vessels. The James Stevens No. 14 and James Stevens No. 2 served the treacherous waters off the Isle of Wight's south coast for decades, rescuing countless sailors from the rocky shoreline that claimed so many ships.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the boats' significance - they're proper working vessels, not replicas. The larger boat dates from 1952 and saw service until 1988, while her smaller companion worked these waters from 1936 to 1980. Both represent the self-launching design that made Brighstone's lifeboat station so effective despite having no harbour.

Families staying at nearby parks like Grange Farm Camping or Tapnell Farm will find it's worth a brief stop if you're exploring the village anyway. The boats are freely accessible and there's parking nearby, though don't expect interactive displays or guided tours - this is heritage in its raw form. Kids might enjoy clambering around for ten minutes before getting restless.

Combine it with a walk along Brighstone's fossil-rich beach or a visit to the village shops. From Newport, it's a straightforward drive south through the island's rural heart. The location works well as part of a broader exploration of the island's coastal villages rather than a destination in its own right.