Steynewood High Angle Battery Tours
Discover one of the Isle of Wight’s most unusual and little-known historic sites with a guided tour of Steynewood High Angle Battery, led by Steve and Jo from Restore The Story CIC.
Hidden within woodland near Bembridge, this remarkable battery was built in the 19th century as part of Britain’s extensive coastal defence programme during a time of fear of invasion from France. Developed under Lord Palmerston’s initiative, these fortifications were designed to protect Portsmouth and the surrounding coastline, forming a vital part of the nation’s military network.
Steynewood is especially significant for its later role in naval innovation. One of its most fascinating features is the Thornycroft test tank, a rare and historically important facility once used to test ship designs and hydrodynamic performance. This unexpected link between the Isle of Wight and cutting-edge maritime engineering makes Steynewood a truly unique site.
Today, the battery remains largely hidden from public view and is located on private land.
Tours of Steynewood High Angle Battery are available exclusively through Restore The Story CIC and operate with the permission of the site’s owners. The battery is not normally open to the public, making these guided visits a rare opportunity to explore this remarkable piece of history.
We are now in our second successful year of guided tours at Steynewood and are delighted to continue sharing its story with visitors who want to experience something truly different from the usual heritage attractions.
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