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.          
In a commanding position on top of the downs stands Victorian Bembridge Fort with a long and important military history from 1869 to its stand down in 1956.
At the end of the Downs impressive the last of the Palmerston gun emplacement still survives that took advantage of the high and prominent position of the headland to protect the bay and eastern approach to the Solent.

A defensive position?
The commanding position of the Fort at the top of Bembridge Down could make you think that the fort had seen considerable combat in the past. But until the 20th century no guns or bullets were ever fired in anger.

A Palmerston Folly
This formidable building is known as a Palmerston Folly, named after Prime Minister Palmerston, who worked during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was originally built as part of a chain of defences to protect against the threat of invasion.
‘…a citadel has been commenced on the topmost crest of Bembridge Down...’
- The Hampshire Telegraph, 1862

A Fort for the 21th century
The fort was used during both the first and second world wars. During WW2” the fort became one of the most secret places in the country critical for the defence of the Island, the development of radar and the operation of anti-submarine loop, ASDIC and remote mine systems when it was occupied by the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force at the same time. 

Following the war, the fort was abandoned and became heavily vandalised.


The fort came into the care of the National Trust in 1967 as part of their coast fundraising campaign, which aimed to save over 574 miles of coastline.
Bringing the Fort back to life

In 2024 The Bembridge Fort Trust took over ownership and operation of the Fort with an aim to both restore, interpret and bring this special place back into community use.