St Catherine's Oratory
St Catherine's Oratory is a slender octagonal stone tower on St Catherine's Down, completed in 1328 and the only medieval lighthouse left standing in Britain. Local landowner Walter de Godeton was made to build it as penance after looting wine from a wrecked ship, and a beacon once burned at its top to warn passing vessels. Known fondly as the Pepperpot, it stands wind-battered on the island's high southern downs with vast views over the Channel.
- Medieval lighthouse tower
- High downland walks
- Channel coast views
Best for walkers who like a strange landmark with a story to match.
Things to see at St Catherine's Oratory
Tick these off when you visit — open the place in Manorhop to save your progress.
- The octagonal medieval tower
- St Catherine's Down summit viewpoint
- The Pepperpot silhouette against the sky
- Coastal views towards the Needles