Table of Contents
What you can see at The IOW Needles Old Battery
- Explore the IOW Needles Old Battery, a Victorian coastal fort that guarded the Solent against possible French invasion and played a role in both World Wars.
- Discover the New Battery, a secret rocket testing site where British scientists experimented with space technology in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Needles rocks, the English Channel, and the Dorset coast from the Parade Ground, the underground tunnel, and the strategic look-outs.
- Learn about the history, science, and nature of this special place through atmospheric rooms, hands-on objects, and illustrated panels.
- Relax at the tea-room serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, light bites, and cakes.
A Fascinating and Scenic Visit to the Needles Battery Isle of Wight
I visited the Needles Old Battery with my daughter and our dog on a cloudy day in August. We parked at Alum Bay (not National Trust, but 20% off for members. Isle of Wight residents can get a season pass for around £7) and walked up the hill to the Battery. It was a pleasant 20-minute walk with amazing views of the sea and the cliffs overlooking Alum Bay.
The Needles Old Battery is a National Trust property, so we showed our National Trust membership cards at the gate and entered for free. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and they gave us a map of the site.
The Needles Old Battery is a Victorian coastal fort that was built in 1862 to protect the Solent from possible French invasion. It was also used in both World Wars and has a lot of history and stories to tell.
We explored the underground tunnel that leads to the searchlight emplacement, where we had a stunning view of the Needles rocks, the iconic chalk stacks that rise out of the sea.
We also saw the original guns on the Parade Ground, which were impressive and made for great photo opportunities. We learned about the role of Victorian gunners and Second World War officers through hands-on objects and illustrated panels.
Buried into the cliffs below are a series of tunnels and a lift shaft that goes all the way down to sea level. Currently not available to the public, although some intrepid explorers have gained access from the openings at sea level. These have been documented on youtube.
We had a lovely time at the Needles Old Battery, and we learned a lot about history, science, and nature. The site is very well maintained and presented by the National Trust, and it offers something for everyone. The views are spectacular, and the atmosphere is atmospheric. It is also dog-friendly, which was a bonus for us. Although there is a steep spiral staircase that leads to the searchlight emplacement that is hard for dogs to navigate.
We finished our visit with a refreshing drink and a delicious cake at the tea-room, which serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, light bites, and cakes. The prices were reasonable, and the service was quick and friendly.
We then walked further up to the New Battery, which was a secret rocket testing site where British scientists experimented with space technology in the 1950s and 1960s. We saw scale models of the Black Knight and Black Arrow rockets and the satellite Prospero, which were launched from here. We also saw some of the rooms that were used for the top-secret tests, which were recreated as they would have looked back then.
We highly recommend visiting the Needles Old Battery if you are on the Isle of Wight. It is a fascinating and scenic destination that will not disappoint you.
How long does it take to walk to the Needles
The walk to the Needles takes about 20 minutes and is up a gentle incline. The views are so spectacular over Alum Bay it is worth the time to explore.
Can dogs go to Needles Old Battery?
Feel free to walk your dog on a lead around the Needles old Battery. If you are exploring the cliff tops and rocket sights. Its advisable to keep your dog on a lead due to the steep drops.
Is there parking at the Needles Old Battery?
Parking is provided at Alum Bay at a small cost. This car park is about 20 minutes walk from the attraction. There is parking at the attraction is you have a disability, and it is probably best to contact the National Trust directly.
Why Is The Needles Old Battery famous?
The Needles Old Battery is a Victorian coastal fort that was built in 1862 to protect the Solent from possible French invasion. It was also used in both World Wars and has a lot of history and stories to tell.
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