The Needles Old Battery and New Battery

The Needles Old Battery and New Battery are maintained by the National Trust. They are located above the Needles stacks in Alum Bay on the Isle of Wight.

What is there to do at The Needles Old Battery and New Battery?

The batteries were built to guard the West end of the Solent and to defend against French enemy ships. The Old Battery was constructed between 1861 and 1863. Due to subsidence problems and concerns that the firing guns were causing the cliffs to crumble they built a New Battery higher up the cliff, which was completed in 1895.

Since the site came into the possession of the National Trust the decision was made to restore the Old Battery so that it could be opened to the general public. It gives visitors an insight into how a Victorian battery would work and how soldiers would have once lived there.

There is a series of exhibition rooms and an underground tunnel to explore plus guns and strategic look-outs. At the new battery, there are two underground rooms which tell the fascinating story of British-made space rockets which were secretly tested here between the 1950s and 1970s.

FAQ and Further Information The Needles Old Battery and New Battery

Is there food and drink available?

There is a tea room serving food and drinks. You are welcome to bring a picnic.

What are the main things to do?

A series of exhibition rooms and an underground tunnel to explore plus guns and strategic look-outs. There are toilets and a tea room.

What are the ticket prices?

Free for members of the National Trust. Adult standard ticket costs £8.00, children £4.00, under 5s are free and family tickets are £18.75.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.