Niton
Niton village is split into two halves by a break in the inner cliff large enough to house the main road through Niton. Upper Niton lies in a hollow and is set around a crossroads. In this area you will find a church, shop and pub. Much of its original village charm has been preserved due to the lack of new houses that have been built over the years in Niton. The church was founded by William FitzOsborn and given to an abbey in Normandy until Victorian times when it was extensively restored and rebuilt. Adjoining the church graveyard you will see Manor Farm with its lovely stone farmhouse.
Travelling down the main road towards St Lawrence 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 Undercliffe 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. So Niton, although small, has much to offer - with its occasional thatched cottages it nestles in the downs offering many scenic walks.
