The Needles Old Battery

This spectacularly sited cliff top fort at Alum Bay, in the care of the National Trust has the best views of the Needles Rocks and a fascinating military history.

Built in 1862 following the threat of a French invasion, the Needles Old Battery contains new and updated exhibitions about its involvement in both World Wars, including displays by leading comic book artist of the 1950's Geoff Champion. Two original gun barrels are displayed in the parade ground and a tunnel accessed by a spiral staircase leads to a searchlight emplacement perched above the Needles Rocks.

Buy Needles Battery Tickets

Families can discover the site with ‘A Soldier’s Watch’, a specially designed activity pack which is free to borrow for the duration of your visit and younger children will enjoy looking for the toy soldiers (members of the Needles Regiment) hidden around the Battery.

The New Battery

Further up the headland is the Needles New Battery featuring an exhibition about the part the site played in Britain’s race for space – open 17 March - 4 November 2012, Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays from 11am to 4pm and other days where possible (please phone for details). Admission to the Needles New Battery is free. Refreshment kiosk (please note, there are no toilet facilities at the new Battery). More about the Needles New Battery

Facilities

Tea room situated in the Port War Signal Station
Family activity packs
Lavatories
Dogs on leads allowed
Disabled access: There is no vehicular access to either Battery. For disabled access arrangements please phone (01983) 754772. Access to the tunnel is via a narrow spiral staircase. Stepped access to ground floor seating area of tea room (ramp available). One wheelchair available. Grounds partly accessible, uneven and loose gravel paths, steep slopes, some steps.

Forthcoming Events

Behind Closed Doors - The Needles Old Battery and New Battery
Dates: 22 May 2012 2:00pm and 29 May 2012 2:00pm.

The Big Bang: Guns & Gunpowder - The Needles Old Battery and New Battery
Dates: 4 dates between 5 June 2012 and 26 June 2012. A short talk and a chance to ask questions about the guns on the Parade Ground, how they worked and the Victorian technology that ensured they'd hit their target.

Make Dad's Day - The Needles Old Battery and New Battery
Dates: 17 June 2012 10:30am. Make dad's day by taking him to the Needles Old Battery where he can enjoy free entry when accompanied by one or more of his children. Then watch our Victorian drummer demonstrate how commands were given on the battlefield before the days of radio and mobile phones. Afterwards dads can enjoy a free piece of bread pudding when they purchase a drink in the tea room.

Notes

Please note there is no vehicular access to the Needles Old Battery or New Battery. The nearest car park is at the Needles Park (not NT, minimum charge £4) then it is a 20 minute walk (approx ¾ mile) along a well surfaced private road with lovely views across the Solent or you may prefer to use the Southern Vectis Needles Tour Bus (additional charges apply. Half price fare available for National Trust members, please ask driver for details).

For disabled access arrangements please phone (01983) 754772 or isleofwight@nationaltrust.org.uk