Coast & Country

The Isle of Wight has a rich variety of distinctive landscapes which is often described as lowland England in miniature. Take time to explore the wild and varied terrain it has to offer and the landmarks including one of the seven wonders of the UK, The Needles.

The Island's landscape and coastline offer fantastic experiences of dramatic cliffs, long and hidden beaches, quiet estuaries which are a haven for wildlife, gently rolling patchwork fields with secret woodlands, open chalk downs and stunning views across the Island's countryside and coast.

In 1963 half the Isle of Wight was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

This was undertaken to ensure that one of England’s finest landscapes is conserved and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.

Heritage Coast

In 1974 the North West coast of the Isle of Wight was recognised for its unspoilt natural beauty of soft cliffs, woodlands, farmland and creeks and was defined as the Hamstead Heritage Coast.

The South West coast of unspoilt chalk cliffs and downs, chalk grasslands, sandstone cliffs and patchwork fields were defined as the Tennyson Heritage Coast.

Hamstead Ledge | Hamstead Heritage Coast

The Island was separated from the mainland around 7000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. The North West Hamstead Heritage Coast facing the New Forest was recognised in 1974 for its beautiful, undeveloped coastline, which is managed to conserve its natural beauty. This tranquil and secretive coastline of low sloping clay cliffs crowned with woodland and farmland has inlets, estuaries and creeks; this beautiful area offers a haven for wildlife including the native Red Squirrel and migratory birds. Hamstead Heritage Coast includes the National Trust land of Newtown National Nature Reserve and Forestry Commission woodland of Bouldnor Forest.

The Heritage Coast can be accessed along the coastal path the goes around the Island, from Bouldnor near Yarmouth or Thorness near Cowes, with many other footpaths from Newtown, Shalfleet and the surrounding areas leading across the fields and woodland to the coastline.

Newtown Coast Map courtesy Isle of Wight AONB Partnership © Alan Rowe

Tennyson Heritage Coast

The Tennyson Heritage Coast along the south west was also recognised in 1974.  In contrast to Hamstead, it has breathtaking rugged clay and sandstone cliffs, with open aspect long distance views to the English Channel. It includes the iconic Needles chalk stacks and multi-coloured cliffs. It is a fossil rich coastline and the well known for dinosaur footprints, chines and lighthouses.

Tennyson Heritage Coast Map courtesy Isle of Wight AONB Partnership © Alan Rowe