West High Down, Alum Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0JH Telephone: 01983 754772
Victorian coastal defence and secret rocket testing site perched high above the Needles Rocks
19th-century cliff-top fort built to guard against the threat of French invasion
Spectacular location with unrivalled views over the Needles
Fascinating military history from Victorian times to the space age
Tunnel through the cliffs leads to a unique panorama of The Needles
Original guns on display
Old Look-out Tower tea-room, for the Isle of Wight's most westerly refreshments
What's new this year
Updated family activity packs. Southern Vectis are now offering National Trust members half price travel on the Needles Tour Bus. Ask driver for details
No vehicular access to either Battery (visitors with disabilities by arrangement). The Old Battery has a number of steep paths and uneven surfaces. Access to the tunnel is via a narrow spiral staircase. WCs are available for visitors to the Old Battery. The New Battery has uneven surfaces and steps down to the exhibition rooms. There is no WC at the New Battery. The route from the Old Battery up to the New Battery is steep
Opening arrangements
Tea-room
1 Feb–8 Mar 09
11–3
Sa
Su
Battery/tea-room
14 Mar–1 Nov 09
10:30–5
Mo
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
Tea-room
7 Nov–13 Dec 09
11–3
Sa
Su
9 Jan–31 Jan 10
11–3
Sa
Su
The Needles New Battery
14 Mar–1 Nov 09
11–4
Sa
Su
KEY: Dark blue=open
Property closes in high winds: telephone on day of visit to check. New Battery also open school holidays and other days where possible. Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets): £4.85 (£4.40), child £2.45 (£2.20), family (2 adults and children 5--17) £12.10 (£11). Groups (£4.10). The Needles New Battery (Standard Admission): free
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