Split between two halves Niton village is separated by a break in the inner cliff which is just about large enough to give place to the main road through Niton. Lying in a hollow set around a crossroads is Upper Niton. Below the inner cliff is the lower part of the village frequently known as Niton Undercliff which until the 19^th Century was a small fishing hamlet.

 

Are you interested in visiting a bit of history? In World War II St Catherine’s Lighthouse was hit by a bomb receiving a direct hit on the boiler house killing three lighthouse keepers. St Catherine lighthouse itself received only slight damage with its lens only having slight damage, the same lens is still in use today.

 

Could you be interested in the early beginnings of radio as we know it? Knowles Farm was instrumental in that Marconi used it to be a location for radio experiments as he lived in the Isle of Wight between the 1890’s and early 1900’s. In January 1901 Marconi succeeded in transmitting radio signals a record 186 miles from his transmitter station at Knowles Farm to Lizard Radio Telegraph Station in Cornwall.

 

Is history from the medieval times something that interests you? A piece of history hewn straight out of the medieval times St. Catherine’s Oratory is an Isle of Wight lighthouse from that era. Built by the Lord of Chale, Walter de Godeton this was as an act of penance for stealing from the shipwreck of St. Marie of Bayonne in Chale Bay dating back to April 20, 1313. The St. Catherine’s Oratory now is a monument to those times is locally known as the “Pepperpot”.

 

Are you are looking for refreshment whilst in Niton? The Buddle Inn is known for being an old smugglers pub and is situated on the cliff top near St. Catherine’s lighthouse. The Buddle Inn is noted for an extensive range of cast beers, large menu with excellent views across the English Channel.