Colin van Geffen

The Colin van Geffen is a striking coastal landmark on the Isle of Wight that most casual visitors walk straight past without knowing what they're looking at. It's a former sea defence structure - part of the island's complex relationship with erosion and coastal management - that now stands as a curious relic of 20th-century engineering pragmatism.

What you're actually seeing is a substantial concrete installation that tells a story about how we've tried to hold back the sea. The structure itself is worth a closer look if you're into industrial heritage or just interested in how coastal communities have grappled with the relentless problem of land loss. It's the sort of thing that appeals most to walkers with a bit of curiosity, history buffs, and anyone who likes spotting the unglamorous infrastructure that keeps coastlines functioning.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Lepe Beach Campsite is only two miles away, or Solent Breezes just a bit further - this is genuinely worth a detour during a seaside walk rather than a dedicated trip. The real draw is combining it with a proper coastal ramble along the Solent shore, where you'll get far more from the walk itself than the landmark alone.

It's free to view, obviously. Allow ten minutes if you're specifically seeking it out, though most people will just stumble across it while walking the coastal path. The Isle of Wight's coastline has plenty of these forgotten structures dotted about - this one's just more substantial than most.