Visiting the Needles Old Battery and New Battery

Visitors at the Needles Old Battery and New Battery, Isle of Wight | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Discover the Old Battery built in 1862 as a defensive fort that was called into action during both World Wars. When the New Battery was built it became a top secret base for testing rocket missiles. Explore underground tunnels, guns, strategic look-outs and find out about the people who worked here.

This autumn.

Autumn at the Needles Old and New Batteries

Experience the drama of the autumn at The Needles Old Battery. With a view like no other, see the waves crash on to the base of the famous lighthouse, watch the birds rest at the Needles while migrating, gaze at the ever-changing clouds drift swiftly over the sea, and take a stroll to view the sunset across the headland. Will you be lucky and catch The Needles on a crisp clear day when the autumn sky seems bluer than ever, will you see the mists cover the coast, or experience the thrill of the ever-changing British weather as winds take your breath and blow the few cobwebs away.

Can you find Gunner John? One of our gunners is hiding in six locations around the Old Battery. See if you can find him during your visit as you discover more about this fascinating fort.

Great walks to and from the Needles Headland provide some fantastic photo opportunities, and once you reach the New Battery, the vista from the Highdown Rocket Test Site viewpoint is spectacular. Late season butterflies, migrating birds and the interesting chalk downland set the scene for a spectacular autumn walk and capturing unforgettable memories.

Pop into the tearoom at the Old Battery to enjoy a warming drink, hot sandwich, or tasty treat in the original Port War Signal Station building. Like the Naval WRENs and Coastguards before you, enjoy the views from the elevated location of this lookout post - a welcome retreat from the autumn winds.

Discover the site

The story of this special place is brought to life in a series of atmospheric rooms that show what it was like to work here. Find out more about the role of the Victorian gunners and Second World War officers.

Old Battery

The Old Battery had an important part to play in defending the country from invasion due to its vantage point over the entry to the Solent. Stories from both World Wars and the soldiers that were based here are displayed through hands-on objects and illustrated panels.

Underground tunnel

Follow the underground tunnel as it twists and turns deep into the chalky cliffs and you’ll find the searchlight emplacement. You'll get a real feel for what life was like here.

Far-reaching views

It’s also one of the best locations to get a great vantage point of the Needles rocks. Look out for views high above the Needles rocks and as far as Dorset on a clear day.

Guns

On the Parade Ground stand two original guns. These two tonne guns were hauled up from the sea below where they were thrown years ago. They make a great place for a photo opportunity with views of the bay beyond.

New Battery

Secret rocket testing

Walk further up the headland to the New Battery. The New Battery was built when the Old Battery deteriorated and more space was required. Two underground rooms tell the fascinating story of British-made space rockets which were secretly tested here between the 1950s – 1970s.

Underground rooms

Venture down to the underground rooms of the New Battery to see scale models of the Black Knight and Black Arrow rockets and the satellite Prospero.

These rooms were the nerve centre of a highly secret operation to test rockets prior to their launch into space. Some of the rooms have been recreated as they would have looked when the top-secret tests were being carried out.