Few visitors to the scenic Needles Headland realise the area once played a role in Cold War rocket development. During National Cold War Heritage Week, visitors to the New Battery can discover the Isle of Wight’s hidden role in the Cold War space race. On 22 May, expert guides Steve and Jo from Restore the Story CIC will lead a dedicated tour exploring the site’s transformation from military fortification to pioneering rocket and space-age research centre. Across the week, visitors can also watch a specially created short film revealing the little-known story of the technological innovations that took place at the nearby Highdown Rocket Test Site.
22nd May 2026