National Trust - The Needles Old Battery and New Battery Reviews Summary

Views and Surroundings

Pros:

• "Stunning views and get to see a piece of history."
• "The cliff views are incredible, ranging from chalk white to the pink, yellow and orange shades of Alum Bay."
• "Fantastic view of the needles and the Solent."
• "The views are brilliant and plenty of history around the place to look at and read about."
• "Such a great view of the needles the wind was crazy but the beauty was worth it to us."
• "There are excellent views of the needles from this place."
• "BEST VIEW OF THE NEEDLES."

Cons:

• "The day we visited was fairly misty, so the views were not too great."
• "You don't get a very different view than what you get from the beach below and the boat ride."
• "I thought this would provide the best vantage point for the Needles, so we paid the £5 each and there was no place apart from a grass slope to get a good shot."
• "The spectacular geology of the needles completely overshadows the wartime defences of the old and new batteries."

Facilities and Services

Pros:

• "The tea room at the old battery was also really good, would recommend!"
• "The food and drinks in the tearoom are phenomenal too."
• "Lovely cafe serving simple, pleasing toasties, sandwiches and the most delicious Victoria sponge I have had on the island yet!"
• "The facilities were well-maintained and we enjoyed the 1940's style Cafe."
• "The Old Battery features a cafe with plenty of downstairs (dog friendly) and upstairs seating featuring panoramic views of the Needles and surrounding sea."
• "Once at the battery we had delicious coffee and cake in the NT tea rooms."
• "The cafe was amazing and served superb, reasonably priced, tasty food and quality coffee."

Cons:

• "Shame the car park is no longer free for national trust members."
• "Parking at 6 quid is a bit steep."
• "The on-site cafe was good, but a bit cramped."
• "You can buy snacks and drinks from the tea room but have to eat in the open/heavy rain."
• "Cafe has amazing views but is small and doesn't have the usual NT range or quality."
• "Inside seating exceptionally Limited which is no good when it ls pooring with rain."
• "Not enough seating in the cafe and as it's across three levels it's hard to grab a table before ordering."

Accessibility and Experience

Pros:

• "The attraction is very dog friendly and only certain, understandable areas are not accessible for dogs."
• "Lovely walk from the car park along the coastal path with stunning views across the bay."
• "Nice walk from the car park to the needle viewpoint, no uphill climbs but need to take some care on the steps from viewpoint on the left."
• "We had afternoon tea looking at the Needles."
• "The staff were very welcoming and friendly."
• "All areas dog friendly, including downstairs in the cafe."
• "Take the short spiral stairs and along the tunnel to the forward searchlight position- it’s as close to the needles as you can get, other than on a boat."

Cons:

• "We did not have a good experience there."
• "The trek from the car park is quite long so be prepared to walk for a good 10-15 mins when you get there."
• "Unfortunately due to covid some of the more interesting wartime parts were shut but the signs were still interesting."
• "Unfortunately all rooms and underground features are closed because of COVID."
• "It's quite a distance from the carpark, so prepare for a long walk."
• "Currently they're at the top of a small tower with only a small spiral staircase to get to it."
• "A few areas a little tricky with a pushchair and lots of steps up to the cafe."

Value and Cost

Pros:

• "Entry is free for National Trust Members and around 8 pounds for others."
• "NT members get £2 off parking in The Needles car park."
• "Also show your NT card at attractions car park for 25% discount."
• "Super saver ticket is useful as it gives 12£ tickets for £9."
• "Parking at the needles landmark attraction is usually £6 but if you tell them you're going to the National trust and show your booking/membership or similar it's only £4."
• "No access for cars. The car park at Alum Bay is £6 all day and has 20% discount for NT members."
• "To visit is not free ( £5 ), but all goes to the National Trust to repair and maintenance that historic place."

Cons:

• "We then see this attraction that is over priced at £7.50 per adult, which is a shame because I like too support English heritage sites."
• "Car park not national trust so that's £5 for all day, no option for less."
• "It is a good place to visit but fairly overpriced."
• "I personally think there is no point in paying (if you're not a national trust member) for entrance to this place."
• "Parking is reduced from £6 to £4 for National Trust members but 1/2 hour after we arrived, the pay kiosk closed which was a little annoying."
• "The National Trust shouldn’t be charging £7.50 an adult for this!"
• "The actual Old Battery, for the cost involved, is okay but expensive for what you get out of it."