Binnel Bay is a remote stretch of rocky coastline between Niton and St Lawrence. It is about a mile long, stretching from Puckaster Cove in the west, and Binnel Point in the east. The beach is hard to access and has no sand. However, it is a very pretty spot and well worth the trek, and makes a lovely stopping point if you're walking the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. There is a beautiful view from Binnel Point, with the bay stretching west, and St Catherine's Lighthouse in the far distance.
There is plenty of interest including the large lumps of masonry that were once a 19th century seawall.
The coastal slope above Binnel Bay is geologically unstable has experienced several recent landslides.
DOGS ALLOWED: Yes, all year round
TOILETS: No
OTHER AMENITIES: None
LIFEGUARDS: No
ACCESS ON FOOT: The beach is best reached by walking west along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path (section V99). Starting at Undercliff Drive (by Woolverton Lodge PO38 1XG), walk down Old Park Road and then take the narrow track (V95) on your left, and pick up the V96 through the gate (watch for cows), following V96 until you reach V99 which takes you westward to the beach. Alternatively: if parked at the western end of Woolverton Road (PO38 1XW), walk down Old Park Road at the end of which is Binnel Studios. It's then about a 10 min walk along the public footpath that winds through a lightly wooded area. For both routes, you have to scramble down some rocks to get onto the beach. There's a rope to assist. NOTE: Footpath V124 is closed due to previous landslips.
ACCESS BY CAR: You cannot access this beach by road. Do not drive down Old Park Road beyond the junction with Woolverton Road. It is closed to non-residential traffic due to a significant landslip in March 2024. Park in Undercliff Drive, by Woolverton Lodge (PO38 1XG), at the eastern end of Woolverton Road. NOTE: Undercliff Drive is a narrow main road with no pavement, so park wisely and safely, with with consideration of others. Alternatively: park at the western end of Woolverton Road PO38 1XW, then walk down Old Park Road towards the privately owned Binnel Studios.
AS WITH ALL BAYS ON THE SOUTH OF THE WIGHT, CARE MUST BE TAKEN DUE TO UNSTABLE CLIFFS. LANDSLIPS ARE NOT UNCOMMON IN THIS AREA.
HISTORY
Archaeological finds from landslide deposits at Binnel Bay have unearthed evidence of human activity in this area of The Undercliff dating back to the neolithic period. This includes a geological soil layer dating back to 2530BC, containing charcoal and the remains of red squirrel, red deer and marine molluscs. Later prehistoric evidence includes midden deposits (kitchen waste) from bronze age to iron age.
In 1882 an eccentric German industrialist, William Spindler, attempted to build a harbour and resort town in St Lawrence to rival Ventnor. However, he died before it was completed. He owned a large house (now Old Park Hotel) and planted thousands of trees, laid roads but most notably created a seawall at Binnel Bay. This seawall was substantial and designed to allow tourists to reach St Lawrence by sea. However, the geological instability of the Undercliff meant it had poor foundations, so it soon fell into disrepair and was destroyed through a combination of landslips and severe winter storms and sea swells. The failed harbour was dubbed Spindler's Folly, and the remains can be seen broken up and scattered around the bay today.
