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Description |
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The Needles Old
Battery is situated on the most westerly point of the Isle of
Wight overlooking the Needles with spectacular views of the,
Hampshire and Dorset coastline.
The Needles Batteries were constructed between
1861-95 for coastal defence against
the threat of invasion by France. In the Parade Ground is a spiral staircase leads down to a 65
metre tunnel that ends up at the searchlight position with dramatic
views overlooking the Needles.
During the 1960s this area was also used by Saunders Roe for
testing the Black Knight and Black Arrow space rocket engines,
there is a small free exhibition about the part the site played
in the race for space.
Also on the headland is a Rocket Testing
Site, used in the 1950s and 60s. |
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| In 1913 Britain's first anti-aircraft gun was tested in the centre of the courtyard. |
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Open
2010 |
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Mid March
to end October
Daily, 10.30am - 5pm
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Prices |
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Free entry for under
5s and National Trust members
The Needles New Battery (space exhibition) is free and open 11am - 4pm Tue, Sat,
Sun and school holidays.
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Contact |
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More pictures |
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Pathways leading to the Needles Old Battery |
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Tunnel underground to the searchlight position |
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Directions |
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| The tour bus from Yarmouth stops at the Needles Old Battery. Car users can park at Alum Bay. |
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Parking |
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| Parking is at Alum
Bay followed by a half mile walk uphill. |
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Refreshments |
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Accessibility |
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 Wheelchair
accessible |
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More
info |
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Baby
changing facilities 
