Hurst Castle, Hampshire

Hurst Castle on the south coast of England is one of Henry VIII's Device Forts (also known as a Henrician Castle), built at the end of a long shingle barrier beach to guard the approaches to Portsmouth. The castle was completed in 1544.

Charles I was imprisoned here in 1648 before being taken to London to his trial and execution.

The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870’s when the enormous armoured wings were constructed. Two of the huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1870’s can still be viewed in their casemates.

During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights.

Since the castle has been opened to the public many more exhibits and exhibitions have been installed including the Garrison Theatre, the Trinity House lighthouse exhibition and the Association of Lighthouse Keepers' display room.

There is a small café in the castle grounds for refreshments.

Visitors can get a ferry from here across to the Isle of Wight to visit Osborne House.

Opening Times

April – September, daily, 10.30 am to 5.30 pm.
October daily – 10.30 am to 4.00 pm.
November to March Weekends only 10.30 am to 4.00 pm.

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