EVENTS AT OUR PROPERTIES 2012
Normal admission prices apply unless otherwise specified.
Please keep checking this page as more activities are added.
Sat 17 & Sun 18 March 12 noon – 2pm
Needles New Battery - Meet a Rocketman
Part of National Science & Engineering Week
Find out from the people who worked here about the part they played in ‘Britain’s Race for Space’. Former rocketmen will be on hand to answer your questions about the rockets that were tested at the site between the 1950s and 70s. These include the rocket which launched the satellite Prospero over 40 years ago.
Free admission (Needles New Battery only)
Sun 18 March 10.30am – 4pm
Needles Old Battery – Make mum's day
Free entry for accompanied mums plus ration book food tasting.
Make mum’s day this Mothering Sunday by taking her to the Needles Old Battery where she can enjoy free entry when accompanied by one or more of her children. Then sample some WW2 favourites and look at meal planning 1940s style. Mums can also enjoy a free slice of Victoria sponge when purchasing a drink in the tearoom.
Sun 18 March
Mottistone Manor Garden - Make mum's day
Free entry for mums when accompanied by one or more of their children.
Sat 31 March – Sunday 15 April
Bembridge Windmill – Spring Nature Trail
Make more of your visit to the mill with our free family nature trail.
1 – 15 April
Newtown Old Town Hall - Sculpture & paintings by Paul Murray-Smith
An exhibition by local artist Paul Murray-Smith who works with both paint and sculpture and who is returning to Newtown for his second exhibition.
Sun, Tues, Weds & Thurs 2-5pm (also Easter Monday).
Tuesdays in May 2pm
Needles Old Battery - Behind closed doors
Meet Hannah our Custodian and find out what goes on behind the scenes at the Needles Old Battery
Sat 12 & Sun 13 May 10.30am – 4 pm
Bembridge Windmill - National Mills Weekend
A weekend of family activities based on milling. Details tbc
Tuesdays in June 2pm
Needles Old Battery
The Big Bang: Guns & Gunpowder
A short talk and a chance to ask questions about the guns on the Parade Ground, how they worked and the Victorian technology that ensured they’d hit their target.
Wed 16 May 2.30pm
Mottistone Manor Garden – Spring Garden Tour
Normal admission + £1.50.
Sat 2 – Sun 10 June
Bembridge Windmill – Tree ID Trail
Make more of your visit to the mill with our free children’s’ tree identification trail.
Sunday 3 June
Mottistone Manor House Open – NT members only
Guided tours only by timed ticket between 9.30am – 12 noon. Free flow 1.30pm – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Monday 4 June
Mottistone Manor House Open
Additional charges apply. 11am – 12 noon & 1.30pm – 5pm. Last entry 4.30pm.
Tues 5 June 11am – 4.30pm
Mottistone Manor Garden – Family fun day
A day of fun family activities around the garden.
Sun 17 June
Needles Old Battery: Make dad’s day
Make dad’s day by taking him to the Needles Old Battery where he can enjoy free entry when accompanied by one or more of his children. Then watch our Victorian drummer demonstrate how commands were given on the battlefield before the days of radio and mobile phones. Afterwards dads can enjoy a free piece of bread pudding when they purchase a drink in the tea room. Meet on the Parade Ground at noon, 1pm or 2.30pm to watch the Victorian drummer.
Saturday 30 June 6.30am – 11am
Needles Old Battery - Round the Island Yacht Race Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty breakfast whilst watching the yachts round the Needles Rocks. Additional charge for breakfast items.
Sun 8 July 11am – 4pm
Isle of Wight Community Day, Bembridge Fort
Weds 8 Aug 11am
SANDCASTLE COMPETITION: Compton Bay
Will yours be the last castle standing or the best sand sculpture?
Park at Hanover Point National Trust car park (SZ 378 841) and meet on the beach near the steps to register between 1030 and 11am.
The last castles standing will be the ones that survive the 1pm high tide and if any are left, will be judged at 1.30pm