The Needles Old Battery

About this activity

The Needles Old Battery is a Victorian coastal defence and secret rocket testing site high above the Needles Rocks in the Isle of Wight. It was built in 1862 as a defensive fort and was called into action during the World Wars. Explore the underground tunnels, guns, strategic look-out and discover the stories about the people who worked here. 

The place is brought to life by a range of rooms that show what it was like to work at the site. the Old Battery holds huge importance in defending the country from invasion and stories are told through the hands-on objects and boards around the site. 

You can follow the underground tunnel deep into the chalky cliffs and you'll find the searchlight emplacement. You'll also be able to admire the views high above the Needles rocks and even as far as Dorset on a clear day! 

On the parade ground you'll find two original guns and they make for great photos too as you'll have the bay behind! 

There's also the New Battery site which is a secret rocket testing site where rockets were tested between the 1950s and 1970s. There's a series of underground rooms and scale models of the Black Knight and Black Arrow rockets. 

There's a vintage tea-room too where you can enjoy some light refreshments and you'll be able to step inside and enjoy the views from the iconic lighthouse!