Name: Hurst Castle
Rating: 5.0

Hurst Castle

Milford-on-Sea, New Lane, Milford on Sea, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 0TP, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Hurst Castle provides a remote escape by the sea with plenty of things to see and do. Built by Henry VIII at the seaward end of a coastal spit, it was one of the most advanced artillery fortresses in England. Commanding the narrow entrance to the Solent, it offers stunning panoramic views.

Don’t miss: Climbing the steps to the first floor of the Tudor keep to see where Charles I was probably kept prisoner in 1648, and enjoying the spectacular views from the roof of the Tudor keep across the Needles Passage to the Isle of Wight.

Price starts from £8.50 for Adults, £5.50 for Children(5-17 years) and £25.00 for Family(2 adults, up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Hurst Castle: Hurst Castle was built between 1541 and 1544 by Henry VIII as part of a chain of artillery fortresses protecting key ports and landing places around southern England. The castle guarded the Needles Passage leading to the Solent, the port of Southampton and the growing naval base at Portsmouth. Hurst was also occasionally used as a prison – most famously when Charles I was held captive here in 1648. It was greatly modernised in the 19th century, when it formed a key fortress protecting one of the world's most heavily defended areas. Unusually for a Tudor castle, it remained in military use until 1956, playing an active role through both world wars.
Hurst Spit and the Tudor Castle, 1541–1600: The long shingle spit on which the castle was built was almost certainly uninhabited before construction began in 1541. By then, effective artillery was transforming its strategic importance. A fortress here could control the Needles Passage – only some 1,280 metres wide at this point – that separated the spit from the Isle of Wight.
Hurst in the 17th and 18th Centuries: The castle remained little changed from 1544 until the outbreak of war with Revolutionary France in 1793. Its peacetime garrisons probably numbered about a couple of dozen men, supplemented in wartime by local militia.
The Napoleonic Wars, 1793–1815: The outbreak of war with Revolutionary France in 1793 saw a rapid strengthening of Britain's coastal fortresses. Hurst Castle, now more than 250 years old, was seen as one of the weakest.
Mid-Victorian Modernisation, 1851–74: In the early 1850s, prompted by fear of French military intentions, a number of Britain's most vulnerable coastal fortifications were modernised.
At Hurst the moat was deepened in 1851 and its immediate defences strengthened. Between 1852 and 1854 the bastions and curtain walls were extensively modified so that a second tier of guns could be mounted. Outside the castle two large earthwork batteries were built for 29 heavy weapons.
The 20th Century and Two World Wars: Occasional alterations and modernisation continued to 1945. In 1893 a battery for three of the new 6-pounder QF guns was built outside the end of the east wing. A little later three 12-pounder QF guns were added to the keep and the west wing, together with searchlights.
About the Author: Jonathan Coad has researched and written widely on fortifications and naval bases and for many years worked on the conservation of Hurst Castle. He is the author of the English Heritage Red Guide to the castle.

Facilities

Parking: There is no parking at the site but there are pay-and-display car parks at both Keyhaven (postcode SO41 0TP) and at Milford on Sea seafront (postcode SO41 0PY).
Food And Drink: Hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, sandwiches, and snacks are available from our takeaway unit outside the castle entrance. Please note: Catering is not managed by English Heritage.
Toilets: Male and female toilets are available during opening hours for castle visitors.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Advance online tickets:

Adult: £8.50 Without donation.
Child (5–17 years): £5.50 Without donation.
Concession: £7.50 Without donation.
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £25.00 Without donation.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hurst-castle/prices-and-opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00.

Address: Milford-on-Sea, New Lane, Milford on Sea, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 0TP, UK

Post Code: SO41 0TP

Council: New Forest

County: Hampshire

Road Access: xThere is no road access along Hurst Spit to the castle so either park at Keyhaven (see Parking details) and use the ferry to the castle (see Ferry details below) or walk approximately 2 miles along the shingle spit from Milford on Sea (sturdy footwear required).
Bus Access: More X1 to Milford on Sea to within 2 1⁄2 miles, or 1 mile to ferry.
Train Access: Lymington Town 6 1⁄2 miles. New Milton 4 miles
Bicycle Access: http://www.sustrans.org.uk.
Parking: There is no parking at the site but there are pay-and-display car parks at both Keyhaven (postcode SO41 0TP) and at Milford on Sea seafront (postcode SO41 0PY).