Welcome to Brighstone

The Parish of Brighstone nestles between the south-west facing coast of the Island and the chalk downland to the north, partly owned by the National Trust. The entire parish lies within an Area of Outstanding Beauty, and its coastline is designated as a Heritage Coast and Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is famous for its numerous dinosaur finds in the eroding cliffs. The centre of Brighstone is protected as a Conservation Area, while 85 buildings or structures within the Parish are designated as Listed Buildings.

The civil Parish comprises the village of Brighstone and hamlets of Brook, Hulverstone, Limerstone and Mottistone. Brighstone, the largest of the villages, has 644 households. The facilities include a Primary School, an 800 year old Parish Church, Methodist Church, Library, Museum, Recreation Ground with play area, Pavilion and Tennis Courts, Village Hall, Scout, Guide and Community Centre, Reading Rooms, GP Surgery with Pharmacy, Post Office, pub and a number of shops and businesses.

Brook boasts a Village Hall, a Parish Church and a Post Office, while
Hulverstone has a 600 year old thatched pub. Mottistone is probably most famous for Mottistone Manor which is owned by the National Trust and hosts its annual jazz festival. There is also a twelfth century Parish Church, and at the top of the Downs is a Neolithic long barrow known as the Longstone. Limerstone has a pub and across the road from it is the Parish Cemetery.

The parish is considered by many to be one of the most desirable place to live on the Island, having frequent bus connections to Newport, Freshwater and Yarmouth, good village facilities and a strong and vibrant sense of community. It is also popular with visitors, many of whom enjoy opportunities for walking and cycling, exploring local history and relaxing on the less commercialised beaches on this side of the Island.

This web-site is produced by Brighstone Parish Council as a service to local people and those interested in the parish. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, the Council will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, or inconvenience whatsoever, caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within these pages. The website should be considered as “work in progress” during 2008: any organisations wanting information to be included should contact Terry Hack on 740576 or email him at tudormiles66@hotmail.com