Needles Chairlift to Alum Bay Beach on the Isle of Wight

While researching things to do on the Isle of Wight, I came across a photo of a chairlift gliding over beautiful cliffs overlooking the turquoise sea below. I knew immediately that it had my name written all over it.

I wouldn’t be able to tell you the last time I had been on a chairlift. A cable car, yes, but not a chairlift which I find infinitely more fun. There’s something about them that appeals to my inner child, almost like being on a big swing at a great height. You’re completely exposed to the elements. Even though you’re locked in safe, it still feels a little precarious, all adding to the excitement.

How to reach Alum Bay Beach using the chairlift

The Needles Chairlift is the most popular way to reach Alum Bay Beach. This is the beach from where you see the Isle of Wight’s most famous landmark – the Needles – a row of three stacks of chalk that rise about 30m out of the sea.

We reached the area by driving to Needles Park located on the western tip of the island. The Isle of Wight isn’t very big so it doesn’t take too long getting anywhere providing you have a car.

At the top of the cliffs there’s a large parking area and a rather touristy square that has some shops, cafes, and amusement rides. Personally, I found the whole shebang is a bit of an eyesore, but I’m sure the extra entertainment is a hit with families – plus and minuses, eh?

This area is also the access point to the chairlift. It costs £9 for an adult return ticket, and £6 for children.

Alternatively, if you want to save some money you could buy a single ticket for £6. This allows you can experience both the chairlift and various walking routes.

After we purchased the ticket, a member of staff directed us to our chair, pulled down the safety bar, and within a matter of seconds we were being whisked up into the air!

The ride itself doesn’t last very long, short and sweet as they say. Nevertheless, the scenery was gorgeous. As we travelled further up and across, views of the sea began to creep into vision, culminating with a full view of the Needles, the island’s most iconic landmark, before descending down onto Alum Bay Beach.

The chairlift might be a challenge for people who don’t like heights, so there is an option to walk down to the beach too.

At Alum Bay Beach

Alum Bay Beach is famous for its cliffs and their myriad of natural colours. Multi-coloured sand, composed of quartz, felspar, and mica combined with other minerals have created a rainbow effect of red, grey, white, and yellow layers.

As soon as you step off the chairlift at the bottom of the cliffs you can see the layers of cliff sand.

We walked a little way to admire the colours in the rock surface and where there were less people. We then found a nice spot to sit down and relax.

If you’re looking for a sandy beach then I’m afraid this isn’t the beach for you. Alum Bay is a pebble beach – but no less beautiful I’m hasten to add. It was quite rocky and hard to walk over so I advise you to bring flip flops and a towel. Don’t let this put you off, the location is stunning and should not be missed.

Boat tours on Alum Bay Beach

There are also regular boat tours leaving from the docks nearby the chairlift. The tours get up-close to the Needles and the lighthouse that sits next to it.

The Needles were part of a larger chalk ridge extending across the English Channel, but erosion over thousands of years separated the formationsWe didn’t bother going on one because we were already content with the views from the beach.

We loved the cliff backdrop and climbed up to an area where it looked safe and easy to climb. It had been raining in the morning so I could feel my feet sinking into the ground in some areas.

I erred on the side of caution and turned back to the beach after I almost lost my sandal to the mud. Turns out it wasn’t so easy!

Fortunately, the sun came out in full glory, but as you can see from my photos I came to the beach overdressed (you don’t need me to tell you to pack swimwear).

Summary

Alum Bay Beach and Needles Park is definitely worth visiting on any trip to the Isle of Wight. Very wholesome. Its combination of amazing geology, a famous chairlift experience, epic views and walking routes makes it great day out for everyone.

Tip: Stop for ice cream because the scoops are huge!

Looking for more things to do on the Isle of Wight? Why not visit Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria?

Accommodation on the Isle of Wight

When visiting the Isle of Wight, there are various accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Look for accommodations in popular towns and seaside towns such as Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, and Ventnor.

If you’re looking for somewhere unique and memorable, The Garlic Farm ticks that box and more!