Needles New Battery Tour
Uncover the rich history and hidden secrets of The Needles New Battery with educational and fascinating guided walks led by the knowledgeable team at Restore The Story CIC.
- Booking essential
- Admission applies
Explore one of the Isle of Wight’s most fascinating historic sites on a guided tour of the Needles New Battery with Steve and Jo from Restore The Story CIC. Built in the late 19th century to strengthen Britain’s coastal defences, the New Battery later became a secret Cold War rocket‑testing base. Here, Britain developed the Black Knight and Black Arrow rockets, marking the site’s shift from military fort to pioneering space‑research centre. Discover this remarkable transformation while taking in the dramatic clifftop views over Alum Bay and the Needles.
Times
The basics
- Booking details
Call 07955569766
- Suitability
Children 12 years and older are welcome but must be accompanied.
- Meeting point
Tours start at the Needles New Battery near to the bus stop. what3words – ///informal.eruptions.liver
- What to bring and wear
Sturdy footwear. Weather-appropriate clothing (the site can be windy and changeable.
- Accessibility
Adapted toilet and toilets available at Needles Old Battery. There are some steep slopes and uneven surfaces inside the Battery but they can be avoided. Onsite parking is not available – nearest car parks are at Alum Bay or Freshwater Bay (not NT).
- Other
Please arrive 15 mins before the start of the event.
Upcoming events
Needles Old Battery Tour
Uncover the rich history and hidden secrets of The Needles Old Battery with educational and fascinating guided walks led by the knowledgeable team at Restore the Story CIC.