Tennyson Down
Good walks are even better shared.
SZ3285 : Tennyson's Monument
Ian Capper Photo source
Explore routes near Tennyson Down
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest
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Durdle Door coastal walk
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Tennyson Trail
A scenic route that starts at Freshwater Bay, offering stunning coastal views and meandering through meadows.
The Needles Circular
This route takes you from The Needles viewpoint via Tennyson Down, incorporating breathtaking seascapes.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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SZ3285 : Tennyson's Monument
Ian Capper
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SZ3285 : Tennyson's Monument
Bob Embleton
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SZ3285 : Tennyson's Monument, Tennyson Down, Isle of Wight
Christine Matthews
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SZ3285 : Tennyson's Monument
Graham Horn
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SZ3285 : The toposcope on Tennyson Down
David Smith
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SZ3285 : Tennyson Monument
Anne Burgess
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SZ3285 : Dusk at Tennyson Down
Colin Park
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SZ3285 : Highdown Cliffs
Philip Halling
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SZ3285 : Tennyson's Monument
Shaun Ferguson
SZ3285 : Tennyson's Monument
Bob Embleton
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
147m
482 ft
Prominence
145m
Coordinates
50.6667, -1.5414
SZ325853
OS Map
196
Explorer: OL29W
At the Summit
The summit is marked by a trig point, offering a perfect spot for selfies or contemplating life’s existential mysteries.
Terrain & Geology
Tennyson Down features chalk and greensand, typical of the southern coast, presenting a mixture of grassy slopes and steeper chalk cliffs.
Views & Scenery
The Needles, Solent, Portsmouth skyline, and on clear days, the outline of the mainland.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
Named after Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the Victorian poet laureate who lived nearby and found inspiration in the stunning landscapes.
Historical Significance
The area is rich in literary history, having inspired many of Tennyson's works, making it a pilgrimage site for poetry enthusiasts.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is a car park at Freshwater Bay (Postcode: PO40 9RU) with a nominal fee.
Public Transport
Regular buses operate from Newport to Freshwater; the nearest bus stop is at Freshwater village.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby Freshwater offers cafes, restaurants, and public toilets. The 'Freshwater Bay Cafe' is recommended for a cuppa post-hike.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Beware of steep cliff edges; the chalk can be crumbly and slippery, especially after rain.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Tennyson Down?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Tennyson Down through the maps
Are there other walkers around Tennyson Down?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Tennyson Down search or of course create your own walk for Tennyson Down
Can I organise a walk to Tennyson Down?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Tennyson Down.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Tennyson Down?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Tennyson Down here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
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Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: SZ325853
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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