Culver Millenium Beacon

Built to mark the millennium, this steel beacon stands proud on Culver Down, offering some of the finest views across the Solent you'll find anywhere on the Isle of Wight. The walk up from Bembridge takes about twenty minutes through gorse-covered downland, and the gradient's not too taxing for most visitors.

Families with older children will love the climb - there's something rather satisfying about reaching a proper viewpoint after a bit of effort. The beacon itself is a striking modern sculpture that catches the light beautifully, particularly in late afternoon when the metal gleams against the chalk cliffs.

From here, you can see right across to Portsmouth on a clear day, with the Spinnaker Tower clearly visible. The views back towards Sandown Bay are equally spectacular, and it's a lovely spot for a picnic if you've brought supplies up from the car park below.

Dog walkers make good use of the surrounding downland, and it's completely free to visit whenever you fancy. Allow an hour for the full experience including the walk.

Location-wise, it works brilliantly with a stay at any of the holiday parks around Bembridge and St Helens. Sandhills Holiday Park is practically on your doorstep, while Nodes Point and Landguard further west make it an easy day trip. The beacon's well worth combining with a visit to nearby Bembridge Windmill for a proper Isle of Wight countryside day out.