Attraction
The world-famous Marconi Monument marks the location where Guglielmo Marconi undertook his pioneering work at the end of the 19th century, which led to radio and all telecommunications as we know them today.
In early December 1897, Guglielmo Marconi set up his revolutionary wireless equipment in the Royal Needles Hotel, above Alum Bay, and sent the very first wireless transmission to a ship out at sea.
A huge 168 feet high mast was set up outside the hotel and over the years following, Marconi conducted ever more complex experiments with wireless transmissions. In 1898, messages were received from Marconi at Queen Victoria’s Osborne House and on the royal yacht.
Little now remains of Marconi’s experimental stations as the hotel and masts have long since gone. However, a monument to him stands on the cliff top within The Needles park and information lecterns provide a detailed history of radio, Marconi and the role played by Alum Bay.
Don’t forget to check out Marconi’s Licensed Tea Rooms and Café Marconi’s if you’re looking for a drink and a bite to eat in the birthplace of modern telecommunications.
As we are a big family we bought the supersaver tickets to go on chairlift. This was amazing, I am not good with heights but it was very gentle and the views were stunning. Alum bay is gorgeous, we were lucky with the weather and spent about an hour on the beach...Lovely day out, something you should see if you go to the Isle of Wight
Sarah, Exeter
We visited as a large family group and went on the cables cars down to the beach, this was great fun and we all agreed we would do it again on our next holiday.
Felicity, Truro
What a stunning place, so beautiful in any weather. The views are incredible.
A. Whittall, Hampshire