Local Historians Begin New Chapter for Needles Battery Tours

Two Isle of Wight historians are beginning a new chapter in sharing the remarkable history of the Needles Batteries, as their popular guided tours move forward under the island-based heritage organisation Restore The Story CIC.

For the past two years, Jo and Steve have volunteered their time delivering guided tours at the historic Needles Batteries site. During that time they have welcomed thousands of visitors, bringing to life the dramatic story of this coastal defence position overlooking the western approaches to the Solent.

Building on that experience, Restore The Story CIC will now deliver guided tours independently under its own organisation. The tours take place at the Needles Batteries sites, which are cared for by the National Trust, and are delivered independently by Restore The Story CIC.

The tours explore the full story of the Old and New Batteries, from their origins as Victorian coastal defences through to their later roles in experimental rocketry and military operations. Particular emphasis is placed on the people connected with the site — including the soldiers, master gunners and later personnel who lived and worked on this exposed cliff-top fortress.

Steve said:
“We’ve spent the past two years learning from visitors, refining the stories we tell, and researching the extraordinary history of this site. The Needles Batteries have such a rich and complex story, and we’re very excited to continue sharing it with people from the Island and further afield.”

Restore The Story CIC will also be repeating its popular Steynewood Battery tours later this year following a very successful programme last season, continuing its work researching and sharing the Isle of Wight’s Victorian military heritage.

Guided tours of the Needles Batteries are now available to book online via the Restore The Story CIC website, where visitors can find further details about the tours and upcoming dates.

Restore The Story CIC would like to thank everyone who has supported the tours over the past two years and looks forward to welcoming both returning visitors and new guests as this next chapter begins.

📷 www.restorecic.org