Located within the New Forest National Park, Hurst Castle is situated on the seaward end of the shingle spit extending 1.5 miles from Milford on Sea, Hampshire. Built by Henry VIII to protect the Solent in 1544, Charles I was imprisoned here in 1648 before being taken to his trial and execution in London. The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and in the 1870s when the enormous armoured wings were added, making it the largest coastal fort in the world. Two huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1870s can be seen in their casemates together with other weapons developed through 412 years of military use. During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights. Travel to Hurst Castle by ferry from Keyhaven.
Great day out! Lots to see. Could be a more info/description but it's a huge property with minimal staffing. Views from the top are spectacular. Could've spent much longer in the light house Museum which was really interesting. Fun going on the ferry. Ferry prices PS8 return not unreasonable considering 25 min journey.
If you don't mind a half hour walk along a stoney beach then you will get to enjoy this lovely piece of history. Sadly some has been lost to the sea but they are making active efforts to save the rest. Well worth a visit. PS7 to get in and look around. For those who don't want to walk, there is a small boat service from Keyhaven that brings you to the entrance.
Visited here with my grandparents who found exploring the left side of the venue quite challenging with many high steps and different levels to explore. However, the right side of the establishment is mostly flat and more interactive with lots of information on offer, something that I felt the left side was missing! Unfortunately a few areas of the building were under construction and some were not accessible. I would revisit for this reason as I enjoy exploring something for the whole family.
The castle isnt very big so an hour is a good amount of time to walk round, plenty of benches to sit and have lunch. I reasonable price for the amount you see and do, a smaller musem so PS7.50 for an adult is fair. You can access many points on the top of the castle so you cna see beautiful views. There is a cafe outside the castle, the only toilets are available with admission to the castle, so just be aware if you walk and aren't planning on entering the castle there is no toilet. A lovely, yet windy walk, along the coast leads you to the castle. It took about an hour at a leisurely pace from Hurst Road East Car Park. P.S. there was a castle doggo who was very sweet and can be found near the owner, but nearer guests eating lunch.
We parked in the car park (5.00 for 4 hours) and walked, it's 2 miles and very windy on shingle. We went for the walk and to see the fort, if you don't like walking, Hurst castle is best avoided. I enjoyed it, however they need some signs and more information. Be mindful of the tides, we nearly had to get the ferry back, as the water comes in very fast and prevents you from getting back to the shingle bank to walk back.
Great place to visit. So different to wherever have been and just as old as some. Only thing it was busy and there was an hours waiting to get back on the ferry. We didn't factor this in and we were well over time in the car park.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Good for kids
Hello! I'm your AI guide for Hurst Castle. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Discover hotels in Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0TP
Searching for hotels...
Great day out! Lots to see. Could be a more info/description but it's a huge property with minimal staffing. Views from the top are spectacular. Could've spent much longer in the light house Museum which was really interesting. Fun going on the ferry. Ferry prices PS8 return not unreasonable considering 25 min journey.
If you don't mind a half hour walk along a stoney beach then you will get to enjoy this lovely piece of history. Sadly some has been lost to the sea but they are making active efforts to save the rest. Well worth a visit. PS7 to get in and look around. For those who don't want to walk, there is a small boat service from Keyhaven that brings you to the entrance.
Visited here with my grandparents who found exploring the left side of the venue quite challenging with many high steps and different levels to explore. However, the right side of the establishment is mostly flat and more interactive with lots of information on offer, something that I felt the left side was missing! Unfortunately a few areas of the building were under construction and some were not accessible. I would revisit for this reason as I enjoy exploring something for the whole family.
The castle isnt very big so an hour is a good amount of time to walk round, plenty of benches to sit and have lunch. I reasonable price for the amount you see and do, a smaller musem so PS7.50 for an adult is fair. You can access many points on the top of the castle so you cna see beautiful views. There is a cafe outside the castle, the only toilets are available with admission to the castle, so just be aware if you walk and aren't planning on entering the castle there is no toilet. A lovely, yet windy walk, along the coast leads you to the castle. It took about an hour at a leisurely pace from Hurst Road East Car Park. P.S. there was a castle doggo who was very sweet and can be found near the owner, but nearer guests eating lunch.
We parked in the car park (5.00 for 4 hours) and walked, it's 2 miles and very windy on shingle. We went for the walk and to see the fort, if you don't like walking, Hurst castle is best avoided. I enjoyed it, however they need some signs and more information. Be mindful of the tides, we nearly had to get the ferry back, as the water comes in very fast and prevents you from getting back to the shingle bank to walk back.
Great place to visit. So different to wherever have been and just as old as some. Only thing it was busy and there was an hours waiting to get back on the ferry. We didn't factor this in and we were well over time in the car park.
