National Trust Ticket Portal

Uncover the rich history and hidden secrets of The Needles New Battery with educational and fascinating guided walks led by our knowledgeable walking team.

Join our guides on a journey through time and discover the history of the New Battery.

Learn why the New Battery was built and what life was like here during World War II, including its vital role in radar operations. 

Hear fascinating stories about shipwrecks in the bay and the lighthouse that once stood on the cliffs.

Then, journey to the High Down site, where Saunders-Roe - a pioneering aviation and engineering company - helped shape Britain’s space programme. Learn how they built and tested rockets, leading to the historic launch of Prospero, the UK’s first satellite.

Next, explore the New Battery’s former ammunition storage area, where ground-breaking advancements once took place.

Please note:

• Meet at the Gun Position at the New Battery. Please arrive 15 mins before the start of the event.
• Practical clothes for the weather are recommended. Please bear in mind the battery can get cold and windy at times, even in the summer.
• 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 National Trust).
• The walks would best suit adults and families with older children. Suitable for children aged 16+ and children under 12 if accompanied by an adult.