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.
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.
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.
External Link:
Needles and Alum Bay tourist website (http://www.theneedles.co.uk/)