Sea Mark

Perched on the cliffs near Sandown, this weathered stone tower has been guiding mariners safely to shore for centuries. The Sea Mark stands as a proper piece of maritime heritage, though you'll need to work a bit to reach it - the coastal path requires decent walking boots and a head for heights.

History buffs will appreciate this well-preserved navigation aid, which served as a crucial landmark before modern GPS made such towers redundant. The views across Sandown Bay are genuinely spectacular on a clear day, stretching right across to the mainland. Worth noting though - there's not much interpretation here, so you'll need to bring your own knowledge or do some reading beforehand.

Families with younger children might find the walk a bit challenging, and once you're there, it's essentially a photo opportunity rather than somewhere to spend hours. The tower itself can't be climbed, so you're looking at perhaps 30 minutes maximum unless you fancy a longer coastal ramble.

From any of the holiday parks around Sandown - Fairway Holiday Park and Whitefield Forest Touring Park are both within easy driving distance - this makes for a decent morning excursion. Combine it with a trip into Sandown itself for fish and chips, and you've got a proper day out sorted.