Family fun at the Needles Old Battery

Needles Old Battery children dressing up

The Needles Old Battery has amazing views, and a dramatic past waiting to be discovered, which makes it perfect for a family adventure. Hunt for Major Mindup and his gunners who are hidden around the fort. Or find out what it was really like to be a gunpowder soldier at the Battery, with our dressing up costumes. There’s a secret tunnel too with a winding staircase, but what will you find at the end?

Find the Battery's gunners

See if you can find Major Mindup and his gunners who are hidden around the Battery. Then when you have found them all, draw and name your own gunner. If you are lucky, he may be chosen to be part of the trail next year.
 

Have fun dressing up

Try on the special clothing that the soldiers wore when  working with gunpowder. The red spot on the hat meant that the ammunition was live and ready to fire. Don't forget to bring your camera.
 

How big a bang would this make?

Take a look at our displays and models showing the Battery in the 1880s. Find out how gunpowder was stored and discover how careful the soldiers had to be.
 

History cartoon-style

The history of the Battery is brought to life with our large cartoons, drawn by comic book artist Geoff Campion.
 

The secret tunnel

Climb down the spiral staircase, follow the twisty tunnel and see what's at the end.
 

50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾

Tick off some of your 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. You could try spotting some birds as they swoop around the Needles Rocks, or climb the really big hill from the Needles Old Battery to New Battery.