Isle Of Wight Tourist Guide

Description

Welcome to The Needles Park - The Island´s most famous attraction for all the family. Our world famous views and dazzling multi-coloured sand cliffs are just the perfect packed day out for all the family. And remember, the park is free to enter - you only pay to park your car. All rides and other attractions are pay-as-you-go, so you can decide how long the fun goes on!

Our great range of attractions include:

Chairlift
The Needles Park Chairlift continues to be a firm favourite with visitors and the best way to see the Isle of Wight´s most famous landmark. Ride in one of the 50 chairs from the top of the cliff to Alum Bay beach and back. The views are truly spectacular, from the picturesque Needles rocks and lighthouse to the multi-coloured sand cliffs. Also look out for the marvellous turquoise colour of the sea.

Family Rides
One of the kids´ favourite rides at The Needles Park is the teacup ride Spins and Needles. Ride in your very own teacup which spins and whirls around. Spin your wheel to increase the pace or go gently and enjoy the fresh air blowing through your hair. There are five cups and each cup can take up to four people - so great fun for all the family. Another great ride for all the family is our Pirate Ship. Be brave as you lift up high in the sky, swinging to and fro. Traditional Carousel This popular Victorian fairground ride is a delight for all ages. Choose to ride on one of our many horses - there might even be one with your name!

Sand Shop
The Sand Shop remains a firm favourite and you can choose from a variety of shapes to fill yourself with up to 21 shades of Alum Bay sand, or you can buy a ready filled item with fancy patterns created by our very own sand expert. Queen Victoria heard about the enchanting coloured sands at Alum Bay whilst she was holidaying at Osborne House and was presented with samples in glass containers. This began a very special souvenir tradition that still enthrals visitors today. Many people remember visiting the Isle of Wight as a child and filling their very own sand souvenir. Alum Bay Glass Come and watch live demonstrations from our skilled craftsmen at Alum Bay Glass, which have been enjoyed by visitors for over 30 years. Our craftsmen work their magic to create stunning perfume bottles, vases, bowls and ornaments in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes.

Sweet Manufactory
A must for every sweet tooth - you´ll be right at home at the Island´s very own sweet factory. Watch our sweet makers create treats you´ll find nowhere else and then sample the results. We make hard-boiled sweets in every imaginable flavour, from the firm favourite rhubarb and custard to our very own special Wight Mints. It will be hard to resist the selection of sweets available to purchase in the adjoining shop and there really is something to everyone?s taste.

Jurassic Golf
An absolutely roaring success - our prehistoric adventure golf features a 9-hole course with some 3 and 4 par holes all beautifully set off by imaginative water features and story boards depicting 9 different dinosaur species. Junior Driver Our younger visitors love this one - it´s fun, exciting and educational. Children aged 4 - 11 get behind the wheel and drive an electric car or truck around a realistic purpose built roadway. They learn to steer, stop and start, whilst hopefully obeying road signs, markings and working traffic lights! After finishing, each learner driver is awarded their very own unique Needles "driving licence" to keep and show they have passed their test!

Traditional Games Kiosk
Come and have a go at our traditional games including "Hook A Duck" where you have to hook a duck out of the pond - it´s not as easy as it looks, as they are moving all the time! There is a small prize for every go. Other games include "Tin Can Alley" where you have to knock the tins of the shelf with beanbags and our "Lighthouse Ring Game" where you see how many rings you can get over the lighthouses. If you are skilled and lucky enough, there are some fantastic prices to be won such as extra large cuddly toys, which the kids will love.

Food and Drink
There´s no excuse to go hungry at The Needles Park! We pride ourselves on the quality and value for money that we offer within the park. Delicious hot or cold snacks and a wide range of hearty meals are always available; our catering facilities include a 250-seater restaurant with adjoining licensed bar. There are also several outside kiosks serving a wide range of on-the-go food, from ice cream to traditional pasties. If you´re after a great tasting cappuccino, latte or espresso, why not take time out to enjoy a real coffee in our coffee house, Needles Perk.

Pier Head Shopping Emporium
You´ll be spoiled for choice with great value gift ideas on display in our gift shop, The Pier Head Shopping Emporium. The design of the shopping emporium reflects the image and style of nineteenth century Alum Bay pier, which bought many visitors to Alum Bay by paddle steamer in Victorian times. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of bygone times as you browse the vast array of quality gifts, souvenirs and memorabilia on offer - it´s an experience in itself. Make sure you also check out our own hand-made sweets and glassware shop. We have souvenir ideas for every taste and budget. Happy shopping!

The Needles Park will be fully open again from April 4th 2009.