The Needles

The Needles consist of three vertical chalk pillars rising from the water at the western tip of the Isle of Wight. A red and white lighthouse stands on the outermost rock, marking the entrance to the strait between the island and the mainland.

A fourth pillar called Lot's Wife collapsed into the sea during a storm in 1764, giving the formation its present name. The lighthouse was built in the 19th century to warn ships about the rocks and strong current.

The white cliffs and lighthouse appear on postcards, souvenirs and local advertising as a recognizable emblem of the island. Visitors often see artists and hobbyist photographers at the viewpoint trying to capture the light over the water.

Viewing platforms at the Needles Landmark Attraction offer a safe view of the formation from around 328 feet (100 meters) above sea level. Boat trips from Alum Bay allow a close view of the chalk rocks from water level, depending on weather conditions.

The chalk layers stand vertically instead of horizontally because intense folding processes during Alpine mountain formation tilted the originally flat beds. This uncommon angle makes erosion faster and gives the pillars their narrow, upward form.