With spectacular views, possibly one of the best in England, from the top of the Tudor Keep and plenty of open spaces, nooks, and crannies for children to explore, Hurst Castle is a great day out for the whole family.

Getting to the castle is all part of the adventure.  Catch the ferry from Keyhaven and enjoy a leisurely boat trip to the castle or work off some energy and take the 2-mile walk along the shingle spit to the castle.

The small café located outside of the castle walls has a cosy seating area inside and there are plenty of benches in the picnic area.  Serving hot and cold drinks, cakes and light refreshments enjoy the view back down the Keyhaven River.

Look out for family activities running during the school holidays from Easter-October half term, including Tudor events, children’s trails, arts and crafts and lots more family fun. 

Guided tours, art courses and Tudor events plus free educational trips are available if pre-booked, please visit the website for more information.

Castle highlights

Highlights of a visit to Hurst Castle include:

• The heart of Hurst Castle to its Tudor fort, which retains much of its 16th-century appearance.
• 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.
• Enjoy the spectacular views from the roof of the Tudor keep across the Needles Passage to the Isle of Wight.
• Head down to the basement of the Tudor keep, used for storage of food, fuel, weapons and gunpowder.
• Take a visit to the Garrison Theatre, possibly the last theatre remaining constructed by the garrison to survive from the Second World War.
• Uncover the history of the lighthouses on the spit within the Lighthouse exhibitions.
• Don’t miss the portcullis positioned above the Tudor entrance to the castle.
• Discover the two casemates, closest to the Tudor castle, which contain 12.5-inch RML guns of the 1860s.

Hurst Castle is very dog friendly. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the castle and on the ferry too.

To find out more please visit the Hurst Castle website.