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
Built against the threat of French invasion
Spectacular cliff top location with fine views over to Dorset and Hampshire
Fascinating military history
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
Exhibition at the New Battery about the part the site played in the race for space
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–9 Mar 08
11–3
Sa
Su
Battery/tea-room
15 Mar–29 Jun 08
10:30–5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
1 Jul–31 Aug 08
10:30–5
Mo
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
1 Sep–2 Nov 08
10:30–5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
Tea-room
8 Nov–14 Dec 08
11–3
Sa
Su
10 Jan–31 Jan 09
11–3
Sa
Su
The Needles New Battery
15 Mar–2 Nov 08
11–4
Tu
Sa
KEY: Dark blue=open
Also open Easter Mon and May BHols. Property closes in high winds: tel. on day of visit to check. Last admission 30mins before closing
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets): £4.65 (£4.20), child £2.35 (£2.10), family (2 adults and children 5--17) £11.55 (£10.50). Groups (£3.95). The Needles New Battery (Standard Admission): free
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