Hurst Castle
A coastal fort built by Henry VIII at the end of a shingle spit, reached by passenger ferry or a walk along the spit, with close views of the Needles on the Isle of Wight.
Hurst Castle, built in 1544, is one of Henry VIII's coastal artillery forts. It sits at the end of a shingle spit extending about 2 km into the Solent. Massive Victorian gun batteries were added to its wings, and Charles I was once imprisoned here. In summer, a small ferry takes about 10 minutes from Keyhaven, or you can walk along the shingle spit for about 40 minutes (a fairly strenuous trek). The castle is owned by English Heritage and the ferry is run privately, with admission charged separately. From the top of the castle you can see the Needles and the lighthouse on the Isle of Wight.
Opening hours
Approx. Apr–Oct 10:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Lymington
- Brockenhurst
- Hatchet Pond
- Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
- Beaulieu (National Motor Museum, Palace House & Abbey)
- Rhinefield Ornamental Drive & Tall Trees Trail
- Buckler's Hard
- Highcliffe Castle