The Needles Old Battery is a spectacularly sited cliff-top fort, in the care of the National Trust.

It has the best views of the Needles Rocks and a fascinating military history. Built in 1862 following the threat of a French invasion, the Needles Old Battery contains exhibitions about its involvement in both World Wars evocatively brought to life in cartoons by comic book artist Geoff Campion.

The parade ground has two original gun barrels and a tunnel accessed via a spiral staircase leads to a searchlight emplacement perched above the Needles. There is a wheelchair accessible viewing platform overlooking the Needles rocks and new interpretation for 2010.

The Needles New Battery slightly higher up the headland houses an exhibition about the secret rocket tests carried out there in the 1950s and 60s as part of Britain's race for space

There is a tea room at the Needles Old Battery serving homemade refreshments and light lunches. Children's portions are available on request and there is a highchair. Local and seasonal produce available.

The kiosk at the Needles New Battery sells drinks, ice creams and limited light refreshments.

Our shop sells a range of pocket money toys and souvenirs, books and postcards.

Toilet facilities are available for visitors to the Needles Old Battery including a unisex accessible toilet with baby changing facilities. There are no toilets at the Needles New Battery.

There is no vehicular access to the Needles headland. The nearest car park is at Alum Bay (chargeable, min charge £3, not NT) from where you can take the Needles Tour Bus to the Battery (charges apply). Alternatively it will take you about 20 minutes to walk the 3/4 mile along a well surfaced private road, suitable for pushchairs. Or you can take the Needles Tour Bus from Yarmouth or any of its other stops. Half price fares available for National Trust members on the Needles Tour Bus - please ask driver for details.

There is no vehicular access to the Needles headland but the 3/4 mile walk from Alum Bay is on a well surfaced private road, suitable for pushchairs. There are lovely views across to the mainland which, on a clear day, make the walk a pleasure in itself. The Needles Old Battery & New Battery have to close in high winds so please phone 01983 754772 on the day to check if doubtful.

If you've had fun on your family day out to The Needles Old Battery, tell us about it your visit, so other people will know it's a great place to go as well.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight