Culver Down

Culver Down is a chalk down on the eastern edge of the Isle of Wight, England, just north of Sandown. It is the easternmost point of the entire island and one of the best viewpoints on the south coast, combining an easy grassy ridge walk with sea views and traces of old coastal defences.

Where is Culver Down and how do you get there?

The down rises above Sandown Bay, between Sandown and Bembridge. Most visitors drive to one of the car parks on the summit or at Culver Cliff and set off on foot. The ground is open and grassy, and the wind near the cliff edge can be strong, so bring a windproof layer and sturdy shoes.

What is there to see?

The best-known landmark is the Yarborough Monument, a Grade II listed memorial to Charles Anderson Pelham, the 2nd Earl of Yarborough, who died in 1846. It was paid for by public subscription, following a proposal from the Royal Yacht Squadron committee. It originally stood on nearby Bembridge Down and was moved to make way for one of the Palmerston-era forts.

The down also holds Culver Battery, part of a chain of fortifications protecting the sea approaches to Portsmouth. It was completed in the early twentieth century with two gun emplacements, which were upgraded in 1924, and it was manned in both world wars. A signal station here was one of the wireless stations Guglielmo Marconi built along the south coast; its site is now a car park. The hill's history goes back further still, since beacons here formed part of a medieval early-warning system against a possible French invasion.

Is it worth walking here?

Yes. A popular route is about 4.5 km and takes roughly an hour and a half. It starts at the National Trust car park near Bembridge Fort, passes the monument, then continues to the battery and the coast. A shorter loop of about 2.5 miles begins at Culver Cliff car park. Both are easy and suit most walkers.

The Culver Haven pub stands next to the monument, handy for a rest afterwards. Nearby you can also visit Bembridge Windmill, the island's last surviving windmill, looked after by the National Trust.

Where does the name come from?

The name may derive from an Old English word for a dove (culfre), though this is a suggestion rather than a certainty.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Culver Down? On the eastern end of the Isle of Wight, north of Sandown.

Is it the easternmost point of the island? Yes, Culver Down is the island's easternmost point.

How long is the walk? An easy loop of about 4.5 km takes around 1.5 hours.

What can I see besides the views? The Yarborough Monument, the remains of Culver Battery, and nearby Bembridge Fort and Bembridge Windmill.

Is the walk difficult? No, the paths are easy, though it can be very windy near the cliff.