The Needles Battery
The Needles Battery
4.5
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,286 reviews
Excellent
740
Very good
414
Average
100
Poor
14
Terrible
18
OneGlove
England, UK86 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
£6 parking charge now. Not really worth it for Alum Bay, but worth the 20 min walk to the old and new battery which give great views of The Needles. You need to be a National Trust member or pay around £7 per head to actually get in to the Old Battery so we didn’t bother. Just go up the hill or take the upper coastal route abit towards the New Battery and you get great views of The Needles anyway for free and an old rocket testing launch site.
Nothing really to see at Alum Bay it’s just a pebbly beach. You can see the different coloured sands from the cliff top anyway. A bit of a waste of time going down there unless you want to experience a chair lift ride or get the boat tour of The Needles.
Nothing really to see at Alum Bay it’s just a pebbly beach. You can see the different coloured sands from the cliff top anyway. A bit of a waste of time going down there unless you want to experience a chair lift ride or get the boat tour of The Needles.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tubbytummy
London, UK307 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We walked from Freshwater Bay over the landscape past Lord Tennyson Cross this was very pleasant easy walk. Arriving at the Old Battery a couple of hours later. This is an old fort with plenty to explore, it is owned by National Trust and payment on entry. As a member I presented my card on my phone, the lady at the gate was clearly not that happy it even had the scan code ( use app storcard). I understand people can have copies of cards but hopefully National Trust will bring its own version on its current app. Anyway got in and explored. Lots to see and explanation are geared to younger people. I rate 4 for the site and 2 for the lady gate protector
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LynsFrostee
London, UK550 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Due to covid a lot of the battery site was inaccessible. This is entirely understandable but obviously you’re paying the usual fee but not gaining Much from the price. It’s it pricey though so arguable its good to give the funds to the property so that they can ensure it’s maintained.
You need to book online in advance of your trip due to covid also.
Parking is at the site where the needles attraction meaning the chair life Is also based. You have to pay £6 for the parking which seemed a bit excessive and made us want to linger around for most of the day purely to get our monies worth.
If you don’t want to pay for this specific battery attraction I’d still recommend you take the walk up towards the site as if you head round the back of the old battery towards the new battery aa you can get an amazing view of the needles attraction. Definitely worth the walk.
You need to book online in advance of your trip due to covid also.
Parking is at the site where the needles attraction meaning the chair life Is also based. You have to pay £6 for the parking which seemed a bit excessive and made us want to linger around for most of the day purely to get our monies worth.
If you don’t want to pay for this specific battery attraction I’d still recommend you take the walk up towards the site as if you head round the back of the old battery towards the new battery aa you can get an amazing view of the needles attraction. Definitely worth the walk.
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JillyWitchy
Ipswich, UK50 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We wanted a light lunch, we were told that there was a nice Teashop and cafe at the Battlement. Upon arrival we were told we would have to pay to go into the site to use the cafe. There were 3 of us, costing £15. We read that they had a secret tunnel to explore and museum to go on. We also spotted a look out at the top of a long climb! When we arrived at these places within the complex, we found the tunnels closed due to covid, the museum rooms closed due to covid and after walking the hike to the lookout room, the door was locked! The cafe was closed, and a small kiosk said we could have a scone in a box and a cardboard cup with tea in it. Think under those circumstances the entrance fee should have been scrapped, and we should have been told that the cafe/tearooms were closed. Would NOT recommend visiting
Written June 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas T
Worcester, UK587 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We had visited the Needles a few days previous but rain stopped us going to the old battery, so we went today. We had to pay £6 at the needles park, then walk the mile to the old battery site. I had read reports that most of it was closed and it’s still right. £5 per person will get you into the old fort, very little to so or do, just a cafe and rooms, tunnel is closed. A real shame as it could have been very enjoyable, we support the national trust but it’s a costly walk to an old fort.
Otherwise it is worth seeing but there needs to be more there to see.
Otherwise it is worth seeing but there needs to be more there to see.
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hoppityskip
Essex, UK13,663 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Despite one or two bad reviews, as NT members we visited to experience reality of the war effort.
The vneue iis not all frills, it's about what life was like. If your mobility is compromised use the bus but you will miss one element (underground tunnel) as its accessed via a very narrow steep spiral staircase. Well worth the visit to see everything, not least the views too.
Gents toilet recently refurbished ladies soon to be dome. Lovely walk from an expensive unconnected car park
The vneue iis not all frills, it's about what life was like. If your mobility is compromised use the bus but you will miss one element (underground tunnel) as its accessed via a very narrow steep spiral staircase. Well worth the visit to see everything, not least the views too.
Gents toilet recently refurbished ladies soon to be dome. Lovely walk from an expensive unconnected car park
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen_Andy_Lawson
Leeds, UK1,257 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We visited here after reading up on the needles and decided to avoid the landmark attraction As it is called which looks like a real tourist trap where there is little to do but let them empty your wallet. The best view of the needles is to be had from the national trust property the battery. Our daughter enjoyed it more than I thought she would and we also enjoyed ice cream sat outside as the weather was glorious. It was midweek outside school holidays so was quiet enough to enjoy the views too.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trent19
Burton upon Trent, UK165 contributions
Sep 2020
Parked at the Needles attraction car park (£6 per day for a very dusty and pot-holed car park).
We then walked up the National Trust coast path to the Old Battery which was very interesting to look around, but also gave stunning unspoilt views of The Needles.
We then climbed up the hill to the New Battery which was closed due to COVID and then further still to the rocket testing site.
I can recommend the cheese scones and the fruit scones at the NT tearoom and my husband enjoyed a perfect take away cream tea at the Old Battery - the two ladies in the NT cafe were very lovely and gave exceptional service.
The whole site gave magnificent views over the Solent and we spent ages looking through binoculars and pointing out other places on the landscape.
Well worth the walk for the spectacular scenery.
We then walked up the National Trust coast path to the Old Battery which was very interesting to look around, but also gave stunning unspoilt views of The Needles.
We then climbed up the hill to the New Battery which was closed due to COVID and then further still to the rocket testing site.
I can recommend the cheese scones and the fruit scones at the NT tearoom and my husband enjoyed a perfect take away cream tea at the Old Battery - the two ladies in the NT cafe were very lovely and gave exceptional service.
The whole site gave magnificent views over the Solent and we spent ages looking through binoculars and pointing out other places on the landscape.
Well worth the walk for the spectacular scenery.
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david c
Swaffham Bulbeck, UK6 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
After months of home arrest due to Covid and three holidays cancelled three days on the Isle of Wight was almost paradise. We have visited this lovely place hundreds of times over the past fifty years beginning when the children were small and before. We made a point of visiting the needles as had never been before in all that time. Nearest was a wonderful trip around the Isle of Wight on the Waverley steam paddle ship. That was fantastic. Sorry to hear that even this great ship was ill last year but pleased to hear that she will be back in service soon. Everywhere is in a strange Covid limbo at the moment and at times places resemble ghost towns. Full praise to those who open and give us glimpses of what we are missing. The needles must be one of the most iconic views of anywhere in Britain. To view it in all its natural breathtaking beauty you must visit this unique place. The lighthouse is certainly different looking down from way above on the high chalk cliffs. We found the historical defensive encampments very interesting and never knew they were there. I was disappointed that the battery that produced Britain’s first attempts at rocket technology was closed due to Covid. I would love to have seen the site of the ultimate secret blue streak was made and tested. I have read the story of how secret it was and the ultimate launch of a satellite in space which is still orbiting the earth today. I always thought the story would make a great film. But back to the needles and I would highly recommend a visit. It is certainly a very unique place
Written March 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Climber
Swindon, UK109 contributions
Jun 2021
What the NT handbook doesn’t tell you is that you have to park in the tourist car park £3.00 and then there is a 20 to 25 minute walk each way, unless you take the “tourist” bus at £3.00 single or £5.00 return each. Having said that once you get there the staff were very welcoming and the views of the needles spectacular. Due to COVID some parts of the battery were not open to visitors and the refreshments were takeaway, not very good in the wind and rain.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BathMissa
Bath, UK144 contributions
Have a toddler under 2, how safe is the cable thing ride? Will we need to put him in a sling?
NataliaD D
Cambridge, UK271 contributions
We walked both ways. It's a lovely and pleasant walk especially in a good weather. We also saw few cars and even a bus driving pass, so I'm sure there is a way to get there using a transport.
Andy K
Bristol, UK41 contributions
I want to go on the cable car etc. I understand car parking is £5.00. Do motorbikes have to pay, if so how much? Thanks
ClearlyAM
Royal Wootton Bassett, UK331 contributions
I am not sure - but I would think they might be less - they have been really helpful when I have called the Needles Landmark (the chairlift/ car parking is different to National Trust) in the past - you can call them on 01983 752 401.
Robert M
Blackburn, UK40 contributions
Hi Please can you let me know the opening times will be over Christmas, as we are only on the Island for 4 days. Regards Robert
Remarks4711
Folkestone, UK90 contributions
Closed Xmas/Boxing day, New Years Day, but only open weather permitting 10am to 4pm. Hoteliers will have more info, this is a bleak, windy location, £5 parking. We went mid September, good luck Xmas time.
Alid12
Resolven, UK62 contributions
Are dogs allowed on the chairlift if held ?
Fiona jane W
Llangollen, UK327 contributions
no they are not and I wouldn't recommend it !
fannyblot
UK30 contributions
We have heard of the great view of the Needles from the Battery. However we are in our 80s and not very mobile.
How close can we park, and how far would we need to walk?
Will the Battery be open on 16th/ 17th February?
Gary
Isle of Wight, UK
Hi
The normal parking is 1.5 miles away from the Battery, however we have 2 disabled bays at the site. As there is very little room for parking and turning around if those bays are taken, we ask that you ring ahead (when you are on your way)01983 754772 and ask if there is a bay available. The Battery isn't fully open until 14 March, however the site is open and the Tearooms are open from 14 february to 22 February for half term. There are stunning views from the Tearoom, so you are able to enjoy a cuppa & a slice of cake and soak in the views.
I hope that helps.
Kathryn
Visitor Operations Manager
The Needles Battery (Totland) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Needles Battery
- The Needles Battery is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near The Needles Battery:
- (1.82 mi) Weston Manor Bed & Breakfast
- (2.00 mi) Sentry Mead
- (2.55 mi) Rockstone Cottage
- (5.05 mi) South Lawn Hotel
- (4.67 mi) Tom's Eco Lodge
- Restaurants near The Needles Battery:
- (2.66 mi) The Freshwater Coffee House
- (4.36 mi) Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
- (5.03 mi) The Cedar Tree Restaurant
- (3.95 mi) The Lighthouse
- (1.86 mi) The Waterfront Bar & Restaurant Totland Bay
The Needles Battery Information
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