The cliffs here are made of
at least 21 multi-coloured sand
which range from deep reds and browns to bright yellows and oranges.
From the bay you can also get some
great views of the Needles. Being here at the end of the day can command
some great sunsets which enhance the colours of the rock and the sunsets
in winter can give some good silhouettes of the Needles.
Alum Bay dates from the 1562 and the variegated
cliffs and colourful sands are a natural phenomenon on the West Coast of the
Isle of Wight. You can get down to the bay either via the Needles Chairlift or
out of season down a set of steps. It provides views of the Chalk Cliffs which extends out to the
Needles and the
Needles Lighthouse.
From the top of the cliftop you can walk out to the end of the promontory, or in summer take a
short bus ride. From here you can access the Needles Old and New Battery's as
well as giving views of the lighthouse. Boat trips from the bay can also
get you close up to the Needles Lighthouse.
Visiting Alum Bay by car, you can drive directly to the Needles
Attraction and park on the cliff top. There are toilets, and in the summer, cafes,
tourist shops and other tourist attractions. During the winter the chair-lift
is not operational and access to the beach is via steps or a dirt track from
the cliff top.
The Sand Shop within the Needles Attraction can have up to 21
different coloured sands available daily, all natural colours from the sands
in Alum Bay.
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