Hurst Castle

About This Attraction

Combining history, incredible views and family fun, Hurst Castle offers guests an exciting day of discovery. Standing proud on the South Coast, Hurst Castle was built as a coastal fortress by Henry VIII. Visitors will love exploring a variety of atmospheric rooms, nooks and exhibitions as well as enjoying breathtaking views over the Solent. All in all, Hurst Castle is a brilliant choice for your next family day out.

Getting to the castle is part of the adventure, choose either a leisurely ferry ride which children will love (plus, it’s a great chance to spot the abundance of wildlife) or work off some energy with a 2-mile walk with fantastic views.

The Visitor Experience at Hurst Castle

Discover a rich history of over 480 years at Hurst Castle. Built by King Henry VIII in 1544, explore his Tudor castle, learn about the castle’s use as a powerful artillery fortress and unravel centuries of military history, including its use as a historical prison, once home to the famous King Charles I.

Delve into the different rooms, head up onto the roofs and down into the basement, explore the castle and let your imagination roam free.

With spectacular views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight from the top of the Tudor keep, it offers one of the best views in England and fantastic photo opportunities. With plenty of open spaces for children to explore, it’s a great day out for everyone.

Choose to walk the 2-mile coastal shingle spit to the castle or catch one of the regular ferries from nearby Keyhaven and take an adventure across the water for an epic day out. Find Hurst Castle ferry times

Hurst Castle is Dog-friendly

Hurst Castle is a very dog-friendly destination. Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the castle with their owners and are also allowed on the ferry. With dog walks a-plenty, including along the spit and around the lighthouse, your four-legged friend will enjoy the day as much as you.

Events at Hurst Castle

Activities aimed at children and families are run during the school holidays at Easter, May half term, the main summer holidays and October half term. Some of the incredible events hosted at Hurst Castle include kid’s trails, art and craft activities and Tudor events as well as many more family friendly days out. Prebook to experience complimentary educational trips and fully guided tours. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming events.

Café

The café offers hot and cold drinks, cakes and light refreshments. There is a small indoor seating area and plenty of picnic benches offering fantastic views down the Keyhaven River.

Opening times

Castle & Ferry opening times:

28^th March – 23^rd October: 10am-5.30pm

24^th October – 1^st November: 10am-4pm

2^nd November – 25^th March 2027: closed

Ticket prices

Castle Prices
Adult: £9.50
Child (5-17 yrs): £6.50
Family (2A & 3C): £30.00
Under 5s and English Heritage members: FREE

Ferry Prices
Adult Return: £8.50
Child Return: £6.00
Adult Single: £6.00
Child Single: £4.00
Infant (2 & under): FREE

Why should I visit?

The Tudor fort: Step inside the heart of Hurst Castle, which retains much of its 16th-century appearance.
The Tudor keep: Follow the steps to the first floor of the Tudor keep, where it was probably here that King Charles I was kept prisoner in 1648.
Spectacular views: Enjoy the fantastic views from the roof of the Tudor keep across the Needles Passage to the Isle of Wight.
The Basement: Head down and visit the basement of the Tudor keep, used for storage of food, fuel, weapons, and gunpowder.
The Garrison Theatre: Take a visit to the Garrison Theatre, possibly the last theatre remaining constructed by the garrison to survive from the Second World War.
Hurst Castle Lighthouses: Uncover the history of the lighthouses on the spit within the Lighthouse exhibitions.
The Portcullis: Don’t miss the portcullis positioned above the Tudor entrance to the castle.
The Casemates: Discover the two casemates, closest to the Tudor castle, which contain 12.5-inch RML guns of the 1860s.

Kids activities

Plenty of open space for the children to run free.
Climb the stairs of the Tudor Castle to its roof to see the amazing view of the Needles and the Isle of Wight.
Take a visit to the darkness of the Tudor keep basement, which was used for the storage of food, fuel, weapons and gunpowder.
Look out for the collection of guns around the castle, which would have turned this part of the coast into one of the most heavily fortified areas in the world.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's most popular family attractions