West High Down, Alum Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0JH Telephone: 01983 754772
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
Don't miss
Enjoy dramatic sea views from the cliff-top 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. Cliff-top walks to Tennyson Monument and beyond. Dogs welcome on leads only
Opening times
Tea-room
09-Jan - 28-Feb-10
11 - 3
Sa
Su
Old Battery and tea-room
13-Mar - 31-Oct-10
10:30 - 5
Mo
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
New Battery*
13-Mar - 31-Oct-10
11 - 4
Tu
Sa
Su
Tea-room
06-Nov - 19-Dec-10
11 - 3
Sa
Su
KEY: Dark blue=open
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. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets): adult £4.85 (£4.40), child £2.45 (£2.20), family (2 adults and children 5--17) £12.10 (£11). The Needles New Battery admission free
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