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Bembridge - Isle of Wight Attractions
Picturesque and 300 years old Bembridge windmill finds itself being one of our best loved landmarks and National Trust properties on the Isle of Wight. It is industrial archaeology close to its best. With a lot of its original wooden machinery in a good state of repair visitors can also explore the windmill’s four floors, touch the machinery and also behold the breathtaking scenery across the encompassing countryside. You will find a small kiosk selling drinks and ice-cream and notably the windmill is at the start of the Culver Trail.
Also to be found at Bembridge is the RNLI station which is of particular significance for extending into the sea towards the east of the village lies the infamous “Bembridge ledge”, a significant rocky outcrop posing a great threat to passing boats. Even though private sailing yachts are most at risk, a large variety of boats often run aground here, particularly in the all too common stormy weather conditions that can affect the Solent during the winter months.
Near to the lifeboat station can be found a coastguard outlook. To be found at a high elevation portraying views of the Solent greeting the English Channel towards the east of the Isle of Wight. Through this vantage point you are able to see an array of watercraft all year round though there is a greater amount of marine traffic during the summer. Close to the coastguard outlook can be found the Crab & Lobster pub, well-liked for its locally-caught seafood. Alternative popular places for seafood surrounding Bembridge are “Baywatch on the Beach”, The St. Helens Restaurant and also the Lifeboat View. Bembridge had a population of 3,848 according to the United Kingdoms census of 2001 which led to claims by its residents that Bembridge is the biggest village in England. There are also some claims that it could be the largest village in Europe. Some of the Island’s wealthiest residents live in Bembridge.
Bembridge is a local hub having primary and middle schools, post office, plenty of shops, a local airport and Catholic, Methodist and Anglican Churches. A notable district in the village is Lane End. It is for the most part composed of modern bungalows with a small shopping area containing a Co-Op store. The lane finishes at the beach where Bembridge Lifeboat station and the Bembridge Coast Hotel are situated. Previously a great many of the bungalows were located on the land of a cottage where Cecily Cardew lived, to whom an Oscar Wilde character was named.
Bembridge Windmill, now managed by the NAtional Trust is well worth a visit as its one of the finest examples still fully standing in the UK with sails and original machinery intact.
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