Needles Old Battery Museums

The threat of a French invasion prompted the construction in 1862 of this spectacularly sited fort, which now contains exhibitions about the Battery's involvement in the First and Second World Wars and the Headland's intriguing past as a secret rocket testing site. The Battery retains two of its original gun barrels, and the laboratory and position-finding cells have been restored. A 60yd tunnel leads to dramatic views of The Needles rocks and the Dorset coastline beyond.

What's new in 2005

Exhibition depicting shipwrecks off The Needles rocks; Headland Visitor Point including refreshments kiosk and information about the NT's work on the Isle of Wight.

Tea-room. Spectacular views. Kiosk at Needles Headland. No seating available. No parking on site. Parking Alum Bay (not National Trust; minimum £3), or in Freshwater Bay (IOW Council) or Highdown car park (NT) and walk over Downs (or see bus services above).