BOOK ALUM BAY HOTELS

Attraction in Alum Bay

Needles Old Battery, Alum Bay, Isle of Wight

Needles Old Battery
West Highdown
Alum Bay
Isle of Wight

PO39 0JH
Click for phone

Write a review
update this listing

THE NEEDLES OLD BATTERY is a spectacularly sited cliff top fort high above the Needles rocks. A fascinating history from the 19th century through both World Wars is evocatively brought to life in this highly unusual historic landmark. Two original guns are on display in the parade ground and an underground tunnel leads to a lookout with a bird‚s eye view of the Needles. Families can explore the site with a discovery pack. Based on the life of a soldier it is free to borrow for the duration of your visit.

NEW FOR 2009: Children's soldier trail. Can you find Major Mindup and his 5 Gunners?

The Needles Old Battery tea room is also open from 10th January to 8th March 2009 and 7th November to 13th December 2009 on Saturdays & Sundays from 11am - 3pm. There is no admission charge as the rest of the site is closed.

Further up the headland, the underground rooms of THE NEEDLES NEW BATTERY contain an exhibition about the part the site played in the secret rocket testing programme of the 1950s & 60s. There is also a small refreshment kiosk. Admission to the New Battery, which is next to the bus turning point is free.

THE NEEDLES NEW BATTERY is open Saturdays & Sundays, 14th March to 1st November and other days as possible. (Please phone to check). Open 11am - 4pm. There is no admission charge to the Needles New Battery.

NB. For disabled access arrangements for either Battery please phone (01983) 754772 or email isleofwight@nationaltrust.org.uk.

The Needles Old Battery and New Battery closes in high winds: please phone on day of visit to check.

There is no vehicular access to the Batteries. Visitors can either walk along the well surfaced private road from Alum Bay or take the Southern Vectis Needles Tour Bus. For arrangements for disabled vehicular access please contact the property in advance.
Click here to buy English Heritage membership and enjoy free entry to all English Heritage Properties

Details

Months Open: Needles Old Battery - 2009 Season
Open daily 14th March to 1st November
10.30am - 5pm (last admission 4.30pm)
Groups/Parties Welcome: Yes - Please pre-book
Admission Price: Including a voluntary 10% donation
Adult: £4.85
Child: £2.45
Family: £12.10
National Trust members free
Catering: Tea Room

Today's best hotels deals

This page viewed on 5,725 occasions since Oct 16th 2005

Brit Quote:
Surround yourself with human beings. They are easier to fight for than principles - Ian Fleming
More Quotes

On this day:
Tolpuddle Martyrs Sentenced - 1834, Argentine Forces land on South Georgia - 1982
More dates from British history

click here to view all the British counties

County Pages