Places of Interest

Situated in the Solent are the four Solent Sea Forts. Spit Bank Fort Horse Sand Fort, Saint Helens Fort and No Man's land Fort, were built to protect the maritime access to Spithead and the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour.

The base is the oldest in the Royal Navy, and it has been an important part of the Senior Service's history and the defence of the British Isles for centuries. At one time it was the largest industrial site in the world. It is home to one of the oldest surviving drydocks in the world.

It is very popular in the summer, it is a large anchorage and there is plenty of room. It is fairly sheltered but only offers a private beach and as such no landing is permitted. However, it is a perfect place to take a dip at anchor and take in the Solent.

Queen Victoria used Osborne for more than 50 years, finding solace here after Prince Albert's death in 1861. She entertained visiting kings and queens and ministers at the house as well as her own extensive family. Today, the story of a marriage, a family and an empire is revealed in the richly decorated rooms.

Situated on a remote shingle spit commanding and the Needles passage and the mainland stands Hurst castle. The castle was used as a prison for 17th century captives such as Charles 1. It later defended the western Solent from invasion threats form the Napoleonic wars to the second world war. Established by Henry V111 between 1541 and 1544 Hurst castle was one of the most advanced auxiliary fortresses in England.

The bay is near the most western point of the Isle of Wight and within close sight of the Needles. The bay is famous for its multi coloured sand cliffs. Alum Bay sand includes extremely pure white silica, which was once extracted for glass and pottery manufacture. The backdrop of cliffs with their multi coloured sand have occurred over many years due to oxidised iron compounds formed under different conditions. These three landmarks truly are breathtaking sights and what better way to explore them than by boat.

Lying off the western point of the Isle of Wight 30 meters above sea level you will find the ‘The Needles Rocks’ one of the Isle of Wight's most iconic sights. The three stacks of chalk and flint were originally part of the cliffs but overtime coastal erosion has separated them from the headland. Initially 4 stacks, one of which collapsed in a storm in 1764. Standing at the end of the outermost chalk stack boldly stands the ‘Needles lighthouse’, another famous landmark. Built by Trinity House in 1859 to replace the cliff-top lighthouse established in 1785 to guide the ships making their way up the Solent