Nodes Beacon Replica

Climbing up to this whitewashed replica feels like stepping into maritime folklore. The original Nodes Beacon guided ships safely past the treacherous waters off the Needles for centuries, and this faithful reconstruction maintains that sense of purpose even without its warning flame.

Perched on the clifftops near Totland Bay, the beacon offers cracking views across the Solent towards the mainland. On clear days you can spot the New Forest stretching beyond Portsmouth, while closer to home the famous chalk stacks of the Needles create a dramatic backdrop to the west.

History buffs will appreciate learning about the beacon's role in coastal navigation, though there's not masses of interpretation on site. Families with older children who don't mind a bit of a walk will enjoy the adventure - it's about a 20-minute stroll from Totland village along well-marked paths.

The walk itself is half the attraction, winding through coastal grassland where skylarks nest in summer. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it, combining the beacon visit with a wander down to the colourful beach huts at Totland Bay.

If you're staying at nearby Tapnell Farm or one of the other holiday parks around the west Wight, this makes a lovely morning expedition before the crowds arrive at the more famous Needles viewpoint further along the coast.