Alum Bay

Alum Bay is a sandy bay near the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight, England, within sight of The Needles. The bay is noted for its multi-coloured sand cliffs.

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An amusement park exists at the top of the cliffs, and during the summer season a chair lift takes tourists down to the beach below.

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Samples of the sand in vials and jars were for many years available in tourist shops all over the island. Some fine examples of pictures made with the coloured sand also exist. The practice of collecting sand for these purposes is no longer possible, due to the continuing erosion of the cliffs, and so sand is now imported and dyed for the purpose of making such souvenirs. Signs on the beach warn tourists not to climb the cliffs because of the danger of sandslides. A facility for visitors to fill their own sand vials has been incorporated into the amusement park.

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External Link:

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Needles and Alum Bay tourist website

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Isle of Wight: The Isle of Wight is an island off the south coast of England, opposite Southampton. Popularized from Victorian times as a holiday resort, it is known for its areas of natural beauty and as home to the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes, a town that hosts a world famous annual regatta. Colloquially, it ...

England: :For an explanation of often confusing terms like England, (Great) Britain and United Kingdom see British Isles (terminology)....

The Needles: The Needles is a row of distinctive stacks of chalk that rise out of the sea off the western extremity of the Isle of Wight, England, close to Alum Bay. A lighthouse has stood at the western end of the formation since 1859. The formation takes its name from a needle-shaped pillar called Lot's Wif...

Alum Bay related Images and Photos (experimental)

Bay	Bay Tree	Bay Bridge	Bay Breeze I
Bay Breeze I	Azure Bay	Bay Breeze II	Bay City Rollers
Cruden Bay	Cruden Bay	Cruden Bay	Waimea Bay