The Needles Battery

The Needles Battery comprises two military installations positioned high above chalk cliffs on the Isle of Wight, with underground tunnels and gun positions overlooking the English Channel. Each battery was constructed in a different era and reflects distinct phases of military design and defense strategy.

The Old Battery was built between 1861 and 1863 to defend Portsmouth's naval dockyards against potential French threats during a period of international tension. The newer installation served a completely different purpose decades later.

The site preserves Victorian military structures where two Armstrong guns were recovered and restored after years underwater. Visitors walk through spaces that show how soldiers lived and worked in these fortifications.

The site is open to visitors with exhibition rooms and a tea room, while underground tunnels lead to viewing points over the cliffs. Wear sturdy shoes as pathways are uneven, and be prepared for sudden weather changes at this exposed location.

The newer section of the site served as a secret testing ground for British rocket development, operating far from public view. This chapter of the battery's use reveals how dramatically the installation's purpose transformed over time.

Location: Isle of Wight

Inception: 1861

Part of: Isle of Wight Palmerston Forts

Address: West High Down, Alum Bay PO39 0JH

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/the-needles-old-battery-and-new-battery

GPS coordinates: 50.66210,-1.58399

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:45