The Needles Old Battery & New Battery
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Overview
The threat of a French invasion prompted the construction in 1862 of this spectacularly sited fort, which now contains exhibitions on the Battery's Victorian past and involvement in both World Wars. Two of the original gun barrels are displayed in the parade ground and a 60-yard tunnel leads to a searchlight emplacement perched above the Needles Rocks giving magnificent views of the Dorset coastline beyond. An exhibition about the secret rocket testing programme is housed further up the headland at the Needles New Battery.
Features
- Opening Times
- Opening Times: Old Battery open 11 Mar-29 Oct, daily 10.30-5 (last admission 4.30 or dusk if earlier). New Battery open 11 Mar-29 Oct, daily 11-4. Both properties will close in high winds
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
- Children
About the area
Small and intimate – at just 23 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Wight is a popular holiday destination; with its mild climate, long hours of sunshine and colourful architecture, it has something of a continental flavour. Visitors can walk along the island’s varied coastline using the well-established Coast Path or step back in time to explore the island’s history at some of the forts and castles.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
The Hermitage
The Hermitage is an extremely pet- and people-friendly establishment in a stunning, unspoilt location near to the cliff top in Totland Bay. Extensive gardens are well maintained and off...
Sea Haze Cottage
Perfect for walks along the nearby NT-owned coastline, Sea Haze Cottage is a real home-from-home with a large back garden and a sunny conservatory. Nearby you’ll find The Needles, the O...
Sea Haze Cottage
Perfect for walks along the nearby NT-owned coastline, Sea Haze Cottage is a real home-from-home with a large back garden and a sunny conservatory. Nearby you’ll find The Needles, the O...
The Bay Colwell
The Bay is a small, very well presented park offering peace and tranquillity. Well placed for the local community and the nearby coast, also serving as a good base for visiting the many...
Bayside Cottage
Close to the beach and with excellent footpaths right from the doorstep, Bayside Cottage – Colwell Bay is a great base for exploring the Isle of Wight. Swimmers will love easy beach acc...
Bayside Cottage
Close to the beach and with excellent footpaths right from the doorstep, Bayside Cottage – Colwell Bay is a great base for exploring the Isle of Wight. Swimmers will love easy beach acc...
Freshwater Bay House
Perched atop white cliffs overlooking the eponymous bay, Freshwater Bay House sits in extensive gardens leading onto the coastal path and beach. The property offers comfortable, pleasan...
2 Cliff End
No 2 Cliff End is a self-contained, 2 bedroom holiday bungalow. Accommodating six with the use of the lounge sofa bed. Well equipped with everything you need for a self-catering holiday...
