THE NEEDLES OLD BATTERY ∙ WEST HIGH DOWN
TOTLAND BAY ∙ ISLE OF WIGHT ∙ PO39 0JH
Telephone +44 (0)1983 754772 ∙ Facsimile +44 (0)1983 756978 ∙
2011 EDUCATIONAL VISITS TO THE
NEEDLES OLD BATTERY & NEW BATTERY
Why the Needles?
The Needles Old Battery is a Palmerstonian Fort built from 1861-1863 following the threat of a French invasion and was designed to protect the approaches to the Needles Passage. This spectacularly sited fort contains exhibitions about its military history including its involvement in World War II.
School visits to the Old Battery combine learning with fun. Cartoon boards by leading comic book illustrator Geoff Campion, help bring its fascinating history to life and exhibits include two original guns on the parade ground. Young people particularly enjoy the trip down the spiral staircase and along the 60 metre tunnel to the 1899 searchlight position overlooking the Needles.
The Old Battery is situated on the cliffs at the very western end of the Isle of Wight and offers superb views of the Needles rocks and lighthouse, as well as a spectacular maritime panorama of the Hampshire and Dorset coasts. Fencing all around the Battery allows visitors to enjoy views in safety.
The Needles New Battery was built between 1895 and 1898 as a replacement for the Old Battery which could not accommodate the new weapons being introduced at the turn of the century. It played a part in both World Wars before being decommissioned in 1947.
The main focus of the site however is the role it played during the Cold War. In the 1950s the site was taken over by the RAE and Saunders Roe and the headland was transformed into a secret test site for the Black Knight and Black Arrow rockets and was named the Highdown.
There is no admission charge for the New Battery which houses a small exhibition on the rocket test site but opening times are limited. However guided tours can be arranged for groups so that pupils can explore the rocket test site, discover its history and learn about the people who worked there. Please note: there are no toilet facilities at the New Battery.
Needles Old Battery Educational Tours
and Discovery Packs
1 Guided Tours
Guided tours are provided by the Custodian or one of the volunteer guides. The tour is customised to the age of the children but covers the varied history of the Battery from the Victorian era to the rocket testing site of the 1950s, including WW1 and WW2.
School parties of up to 50 children can be accommodated on one of the tours and these are available at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm, Monday to Friday from mid March – end October, excluding August.
During August groups are very welcome to visit and can discover the site for themselves on a self guided tour.
2 Self Guided Tours
If you wish to conduct your own tour of the site we are able to offer a number of aids to plan your lesson including quiz trails and guide books. Please contact The Custodian for more information.
3 Discovery Packs
Discovery Packs are designed as a family activity but a number of groups trialled them last year for use with schools. The groups used the packs to explore the site using items such as maps and binoculars. Discovery Packs are more suited to smaller groups of 30 or fewer children of primary school age and adult supervision is also required. Please note there is a charge of £10 for the use of the packs.
Needles New Battery Educational Tours
Guided Tours
Guided tours are provided by the Custodian or one of the volunteer guides.
School parties of up to 40 children can be accommodated on one of the tours so larger groups will need to be split. These are available at 10.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday from mid March – end October, excluding August.
Planning your Visit
1 Transport
There is no vehicular access to the Needles Old Battery. The nearest coach and car park is at the Needles Park, Alum Bay.
The walk to from Alum Bay to the Needles Old Battery is approximately ¾ mile along a well surfaced private road with spectacular views across to the mainland.
Please arrive at Alum Bay at least half an hour prior to your tour to allow time for walking up the headland road.
Alternatively a Needles Tour Bus operated by Southern Vectis runs from Alum Bay to the Battery site: telephone 01983 522456 for further details including special offers.
Those coming on foot across the downs from Freshwater Bay should allow at least 1 ½ hours for the journey.
2 Clothing
Please ensure that the pupils have the correct clothing with them as even in summertime some parts of the site can be very windy and cold. Waterproof coats and jumpers together with shoes suitable for the amount of walking involved are recommended. There is no shade on the headland so pupils should have adequate protection from the sun – hats, sunscreen etc.
3 Refreshments and shopping
At the Needles Old Battery there is a tea-room where drinks, snacks and ice creams can be purchased and although we do not have a designated picnic area groups are welcome to eat their packed lunch on the grass overlooking the Needles rocks.
Our gift shop has been refurbished and school groups are very welcome. We sell postcards, gifts and pocket money items for souvenirs of the visit.
Due to the limited space in the shop and tea-room we would ask that no more than 6 pupils at a time use them. Your assistance with this would be appreciated.
4 Supervision
All groups should be supervised by their adult leaders at all times; this includes groups of older pupils. We request this to prevent overcrowding in exhibitions and to follow health and safety guidelines.
5 Risk Assessments
A site risk assessment can be provided on request.
Please note: it is essential that schools arrive on time for their visit as failure to do so results in “school traffic jams” and overcrowding. If you anticipate being late please telephone us and we will attempt to reschedule your visit.
Charges
1 Admission Fees for School Groups who are not National Trust Education Group Members
The admission charge for non EGM visits to the Needles Old Battery in 2011 is £2.10 per child and £4.25 per adult. There is no admission charge for the Needles New Battery.
Most educational groups visiting the Needles Battery take out National Trust Educational Group Membership (EGM) as this is often cheaper than paying for individual students and teachers. EGM is based on the number of pupils on the school role. Membership lasts for 12 months and can be used to gain free entry to most National Trust properties (including all the other National Trust properties on the Isle of Wight.)
As an Education Group Member you will receive:
the annual Members’ Handbook
the Guide for Education Visitors
the Trust's membership mailings three times a year with the National Trust Magazine and Trust Tracks, the poster-format newsletter for young members
Plus free planning and preparation visits to sites for group leaders.
Membership entitles card-holders to make as many pre-booked visits during the year as required. Group leaders are also entitled to make free planning and preparation visits to sites. Such visits should also be booked in advance as this enables the property staff to familiarise leaders fully with the site being visited.
EGM can be arranged at the Needles Battery on the day of your visit and current subscription charges are:
To join under 50 pupils on role £34.50
51 – 100 £57.50
101 – 200 £70.00
201 – 500 £73.50
Over 500 £85.00
This type of membership covers colleges, scouts etc.
Educational not school £109.00
Membership Prices are valid until 28th February 2012
2 Admission Fees for National Trust Education Group Members
Education Group Members are admitted free.
Existing Education Group Members must bring a valid membership card on the day of the visit. If you are unsure about your membership status, please telephone The National Trust Membership Dept 0870 458 4000 who will be happy to help. If your membership has lapsed a new membership can be taken out at the Battery on the day of your visit.
3 Guided Tour & Other Fees
Needles Old Battery: £25
Needles New Battery only: £25
Needles Old Battery & New Battery combined (for groups of 40 & less) £30
Needles Old Battery & New Battery combined (for groups of 41 & more) poa
Hire of Discovery Packs £10
A non-refundable tour fee/deposit of £25 is required from groups requiring a tour. This deposit is payable in advance at the time of booking but we are happy to take a post dated cheque for the date of the visit.