Photograph by John Palk

Visiting Niton

Another of our 6-bell towers on the Island, Niton sits in the centre of the village. The village churchyard holds the memorial to Edward Edwards, a co-founder of the British Public Library system. The church was founded by William FitzOsborn and given to an abbey in Normandy until Victorian times when it was extensively restored and rebuilt.

Access to the ground-floor ringing area is to the left of the church as you enter the building.

Adjoining the church graveyard you will see Manor Farm with its lovely stone farmhouse.

Parking is available in the road which runs along the boundary wall of the church.

If wanting a longer stay in Niton it is worth travelling down the main road towards St Lawrence where you will come to the lower village which was a small fishing hamlet until the 19th Century.

This part of Niton flourished due to the popularity of Ventnor as a health resort and many Mansions and holiday cottages were built here. There is a pub at the Undercliff called the Buddle Inn. It has a stream running through the garden and a splendid view overlooking the sea. Opposite are steps leading down to Castle Cove with its history of smugglers and ghosts.

Further along Undercliff Road in a Westerly direction you will come to a lane leading to St Catherine’s point and Lighthouse. At the lane end is a car park from where you can walk over a beautiful area of undulating countryside, an area popular with birdwatchers and walkers alike. This is the most southerly point on the Island.