The Needles Old Battery - Alum Bay

LOOKING FOR: Historical, Heritage
ADDRESS: The Needles Old Battery
West High Down
Alum Bay
Isle of Wight
POSTCODE: PO39 0JD
AGE GROUP: All Ages
TELEPHONE: 01983 754772
WEBSITE: CLICK HERE
The Needles Old Battery - Alum Bay
Perched high above the Needles, amid acres of unspoilt countryside, is the Needles Old Battery, a Victorian fort built in 1862 and used throughout both world wars. The Parade Ground has two original guns and the Fort's fascinating military history is brought to life with a series of vivid cartoons by acclaimed comic book artist Geoff Campion. An underground tunnel leads to a searchlight emplacement with dramatic views over the Needles rocks. The New Battery, further up the headland, has an exhibition on the secret British rocket tests carried out there during the Cold War. Note: steep paths and uneven surfaces. Spiral staircase to tunnel. Toilet at Old Battery only.

Don't miss
  • Enjoy dramatic sea views from the clifftop walk.
  • Discover the rooms where soldiers worked with gunpowder.
  • Explore the site with a family activity pack.

Making the most of your day
Programme of family events. Family activity packs, children's quiz and soldier trail. Clifftop walks to Tennyson Monument and beyond. Dogs: welcome on leads only

Opening times
Tea-room
8 Jan - 27 Feb 11 11 - 3 Closed Mondays Closed Tuesdays Closed Wednesdays Closed Thursdays Closed Fridays Sa Su
Old Battery and tea-room
12 Mar - 30 Oct 11 10:30 - 5 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su
Tea-room
5 Nov - 11 Dec 11 11 - 3 Closed Mondays Closed Tuesdays Closed Wednesdays Closed Thursdays Closed Fridays Sa Su
New Battery*
12 Mar - 30 Oct 11 11 - 4 Closed Mondays Tu Closed Wednesdays Closed Thursdays Closed Fridays Sa Su
KEY: Dark blue=open
Old Battery closes dusk if earlier. Property closes in high winds: telephone on day of visit to check. *Open other days where possible: please telephone to check. 25 June: Old Battery opens at 6:30 for Round the Island Yacht Race. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.