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National Trust Properties on the Isle of Wight
The National Trust owns and looks after 10 per cent of the total area of the Isle of Wight. This includes 17 miles of unspoilt coastline, many well-known beauty spots and areas of outstanding natural beauty, as well as several unique historic properties. The National Trust also run a programme of guided walks and fun-packed family activities on the Island. There are five National Trust properties on the Isle of Wight, which are listed below.
Bembridge Windmill
This picturesque 300 year old windmill is one of the best loved landmarks and National Trust properties on the Isle of Wight and is industrial archaeology at its best! It has much of its original wooden machinery intact and visitors can explore the windmill?s four floors, touch the machinery and enjoy the breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside. There is a small kiosk selling drinks and ice-cream and the windmill is also the start of the Culver Trail.
The Needles Old Battery & New Battery
This spectacularly sited cliff top fort has the best views of the Needles Rocks and a fascinating military history. Built in 1862 following the threat of a French invasion, the site contains exhibitions about its involvement in both World Wars. Two original gun barrels are displayed in the parade ground and a tunnel leads to a searchlight emplacement perched above the Needles rocks.
Additional features:
- Tea room situated in the former Port War Signal Station
- Cartoon displays by Geoff Campion, leading comic book artist of the 1950s
- Family Activity Packs
- Shipwreck display
- The Needles New Battery further up the headland contains a refreshment kiosk and a new exhibition about the part the site played in Britain´s race for space - opening times vary.
Mottistone Manor Garden
Mottistone Manor Garden is one of the most peaceful and magical gardens on the Island. Set in a sheltered valley with views to the sea, the gardens with their colourful borders, shrub-filled banks and grassy terraces surround an Elizabethan manor house (tenanted). There is a small, but thriving organic kitchen garden overseen by a resident scarecrow and a plant sales area.
Additional features:
- Flowerpot trail
- Family Discovery Packs
- Tea garden
- Gift shop
There are also delightful walks onto Mottistone Down and to the Longstone across the adjoining Mottistone estate.
Newtown Old Town Hall
17th-century town hall with no town but a fascinating history.
- A town hall with no town
- Located in a now tranquil village on the edge of a marshland nature reserve
- Fascinating local history to uncover
- Exhibition about the mysterious ´Ferguson Gang´
Brighstone Shop & Museum
National Trust gift shop housed in a row of attractive thatched cottages.
- Home to Brighstone Village Museum and a National Trust gift shop
- Fascinating exhibition recounts the history of this old Island community
