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Hurst Castle
Hurst Castle
4
Speciality MuseumsHistoric SitesHistorical & Heritage ToursCastlesBoat Tours
Temporarily closedClosed until Mar 29, 2025
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With plenty of open spaces for children to run free and explore a visit to Hurst Castle is a great day out for the whole family. Start your adventure with a leisurely ferry ride from Keyhaven (SO41 0RH) where you'll meander up the Keyhaven River to the castle, or walk the 2-mile walk along Hurst Spit. Hurst Castle is located in the New Forest National Park, at the seaward end of a shingle spit that extends 2 miles from Milford on Sea, Hampshire. Built by Henry VIII as a chain of fortresses in 1544, this is the site where Charles I was imprisoned in 1648 before being taken to his trial and execution in London. The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870s when the enormous armored wings were added, making it the largest coastal fort in the world. Two huge 38-ton guns can be viewed 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 & searchlights.
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4.0
1,437 reviews
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Very good
551
Average
169
Poor
40
Terrible
24
Maps800571
1 contribution
Jul 2020
Having read some recent reviews we were looking forward to our first visit but we ended up being somewhat disappointed. The access to many areas was closed off, possibly because of Covid restrictions but there were no notices to explain why. Some of the displays were quite interesting but there were a number of items that had no information about their purpose. The whole area had a slightly run down feeling about it which is a shame. This could be made into a much more attractive place to visit if it was tidied up and more thought given to highlighting its features and providing better access.
We used the ferry from Keyhaven for a return visit as my wife is not really up to the longish walk across the shingle bank. There was some confusion about the Covid procedures in force on the ferries. We read on the website that masks should be worn on the ferries and came prepared. On the ferry out there were 3 different groups and all wore masks. However on our return from the Castle we noticed a sign at the entrance to the jetty saying that only 2 separate groups were allowed. When the ferry which we were to use for our return journey arrived we could see there were about 10 passengers on board and none of them were wearing masks. It was obvious that there were at least 2 separate groups but no masks were worn. When we boarded the ferry for our return I asked the operator why no masks were worn by the alighting passengers and he said masks were only required if there were 12 passenger on board. My wife and I wore our masks for the return trip but none of the other passengers did and they were not requested to do so! Very confusing and inconsistent.
We used the ferry from Keyhaven for a return visit as my wife is not really up to the longish walk across the shingle bank. There was some confusion about the Covid procedures in force on the ferries. We read on the website that masks should be worn on the ferries and came prepared. On the ferry out there were 3 different groups and all wore masks. However on our return from the Castle we noticed a sign at the entrance to the jetty saying that only 2 separate groups were allowed. When the ferry which we were to use for our return journey arrived we could see there were about 10 passengers on board and none of them were wearing masks. It was obvious that there were at least 2 separate groups but no masks were worn. When we boarded the ferry for our return I asked the operator why no masks were worn by the alighting passengers and he said masks were only required if there were 12 passenger on board. My wife and I wore our masks for the return trip but none of the other passengers did and they were not requested to do so! Very confusing and inconsistent.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. You are right in that we have had to shut off some areas inside the castle due to Covid. This is mainly if you can’t see into a space to check if other visitors are already within, which would prevent social distancing.
The castle is vast and our displays are an on-going job for our volunteers and we are slowly working through rooms as budgets allow.
With regards to our ferries, yes on our website we do advise passengers to wear face masks - but it is not mandatory as our vessels are not enclosed.
We are currently only running our 12-seater vessels, our ticket seller at both Keyhaven and at the castle will assess each group going on. Where possible, when we take two family groups, they have enough room onboard to socially distance, meaning unless required, face masks are not necessary. If the12-passengers are made up of lots of individuals or smaller groups we request face masks are worn - but again we cannot enforce this.
Our ferries are cleaned after each run down the river after passengers disembark and before new passengers board. We have introduced these measures in line with Government advice to reduce the risk associated with the virus.
Written 6 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bruce180852
Cornwall, UK1,155 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Great way to combine a good 2 mile each way walk, with a great piece of history.
Hurst castle dates back to the Tudor times, and since it’s inception, it’s been added to by successive generations.
It’s really interesting for an hour or so to wander about the casemates and ramparts.
It’s got a small but adequate cafe, entrance is £5 to the castle, and there’s some spectacular views of the Isle of Wight and the racing seas of the Solent.
If you can’t manage the walk along the spit from Milford on sea, there’s a lovely ferry out of keyhaven, takes about 10 minutes, and is £6 return.
Hurst castle is well worth a visit.
Hurst castle dates back to the Tudor times, and since it’s inception, it’s been added to by successive generations.
It’s really interesting for an hour or so to wander about the casemates and ramparts.
It’s got a small but adequate cafe, entrance is £5 to the castle, and there’s some spectacular views of the Isle of Wight and the racing seas of the Solent.
If you can’t manage the walk along the spit from Milford on sea, there’s a lovely ferry out of keyhaven, takes about 10 minutes, and is £6 return.
Hurst castle is well worth a visit.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I love your title 'History with exercise'! And thanks for your recommendation to other visitors.
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lindaadd
Suffolk, UK861 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We visited after walking from Milford on Sea on a very windy day. It is cheap enough to get in and there is a small cafe selling drinks; cakes and snacks. I would suggest you choose the snacks as the cakes were dry and crumbly. There are very few boards to explain the history of the castle so I left not knowing much more than when I arrived.
We took the ferry back to keyhaven. A well run and very reasonably priced experience
We took the ferry back to keyhaven. A well run and very reasonably priced experience
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting us and your review.
Sorry you didn't enjoy our cakes, they are normally popular with our visitors. I will pass your comments to our chef.
We are working on improving our interpretation around the castle as budget and time allows. The guide book available for sale at the Ticket Office is highly recommended for visitors.
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tony S
Dunstable, UK3 contributions
Oct 2021
We walked to and from the castle along the spit. At approx. 2 miles each way it is not not for the unfit and there are no seating places or benches on the spit.
It was interesting to visit, but a lot of the displays and most of the fort was closed due to subsidence caused by the sea. We didn't know about this before we went and probably wouldn't have gone if we had known. The entry price had been reduced because of the closure which made it good value for money. What was open was interesting but very restricted. There is a mobile cafe outside the main castle (which was a bit pricey), but the main cafe and the gift shop were closed.
It was interesting to visit, but a lot of the displays and most of the fort was closed due to subsidence caused by the sea. We didn't know about this before we went and probably wouldn't have gone if we had known. The entry price had been reduced because of the closure which made it good value for money. What was open was interesting but very restricted. There is a mobile cafe outside the main castle (which was a bit pricey), but the main cafe and the gift shop were closed.
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting Hurst Castle and leaving a review, sorry you were disappointed with your visit.
Written 3 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mollymoles
kent16 contributions
Sept 2020
Given the current circumstances it was well set out with a one way system. Lots of interesting areas to looks at ( would be helpful if some of the artefacts were detailed as to where they had been found etc. and what they were). Cafe very basic, could provide more of a choice, missing the chance to make a few pennies for the restoration fund!) we took the small ferry boat which cost £14 for two return, Runs fairly frequently. All in all a good few hours spent with great views all around.
Written 26 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting us and your review. Glad you enjoyed your time at the castle.
Written 29 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
942jennifer32
Southampton, UK4 contributions
Jul 2020
The walk from Milford on sea beach car park to Hurst castle is stunning .
Gorgeous views of the isle of Wight , traces of history all around .
A lovely dog friendly walk .
There is a ferry if you wish . The walk is approx 4 miles in total (2 there 2 back)
You can pay entrance to this militAry fort , but you can have a great experience without going in .
In summer months I would recommend going for the eve and then watching the sun set .
Gorgeous views of the isle of Wight , traces of history all around .
A lovely dog friendly walk .
There is a ferry if you wish . The walk is approx 4 miles in total (2 there 2 back)
You can pay entrance to this militAry fort , but you can have a great experience without going in .
In summer months I would recommend going for the eve and then watching the sun set .
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review – glad you enjoyed the walk and dogs are very welcome.
Written 6 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glynne F
London, UK46 contributions
Jul 2021
We took the ferry from Keyhaven to reach the castle, which was fun in itself. We knew parts of the castle were closed while sea samage isrepaired, but the entry fee was heavily discounted as compensation. We enjoyed the history and the views across to the Needles and inland across the saltmarshes. You need to be sure-footed negotiating worn steps and spiral staircases, but I felt safe. There is a lot of informative material on display boards inside the keep, but lack of any artificial lighting made some of the hard to read. The takeaway cafe outside the castle did good coffee and tasty cakes.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for visiting us and taking the time to leave a review. I'm glad you felt safe and enjoyed your visit.
Written 13 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
soniavbuk
Walton-On-Thames, UK476 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Visited on Saturday afternoon. Got a bit lost finding the car park and then took the ferry to the castle. Note the cost of the return ferry is more than the entrance fee to the castle.
Taking the ferry is much easier than the long walk and gives you a great experience as you approach the castle entrance.
The castle is really a fort. Don’t expect turrets and ramparts. It is in a Great location with sweeping views to the Isle of Wight and across the Solent. Very exposed location. Perfect on a sunny day. We didn’t walk the sand spit to get here. If you want a long walk you can walk around the grounds outside the castle without paying to go inside. The last ferry back to the car park is at 5pm. The castle closes at 5.30pm why the 2 aren’t co ordinated I have no idea.
Inside the fort it’s quite run down. There are a few rooms with exhibitions and you can climb up on the castle roof in a couple of places for the views, but you get the feeling more could be done with the space.
The toilets are very primitive and the cafe was very underwhelming in the way it presents the food and drinks and could be so much better.
Great location but a little run down and needs a bit of an overhaul to improve it as a family attraction and somewhere you want to spend time and your money.
Taking the ferry is much easier than the long walk and gives you a great experience as you approach the castle entrance.
The castle is really a fort. Don’t expect turrets and ramparts. It is in a Great location with sweeping views to the Isle of Wight and across the Solent. Very exposed location. Perfect on a sunny day. We didn’t walk the sand spit to get here. If you want a long walk you can walk around the grounds outside the castle without paying to go inside. The last ferry back to the car park is at 5pm. The castle closes at 5.30pm why the 2 aren’t co ordinated I have no idea.
Inside the fort it’s quite run down. There are a few rooms with exhibitions and you can climb up on the castle roof in a couple of places for the views, but you get the feeling more could be done with the space.
The toilets are very primitive and the cafe was very underwhelming in the way it presents the food and drinks and could be so much better.
Great location but a little run down and needs a bit of an overhaul to improve it as a family attraction and somewhere you want to spend time and your money.
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting us on Saturday. You are correct in saying that the castle, until the end of September, does close at 5.30pm however our ferries run until this time and the demand has been met. The spit is not sand but a shingle spit - and approximately 2 miles long.
As the management company of Hurst Castle we are constantly looking for grants to help us improve the interpretation and visitor experience at the castle. We work closely with English Heritage, who have invested heavily in the structure of the castle in the constant battle against the sea and coastal erosion. We also work alongside New Forest National Park who are incredibly supportive where budget allows.
Our volunteers work weekly in all weathers to maintain as much as they can.
Our long term aim is to create informative, interesting and thought provoking displays which hopefully will 'bring the castle to life'.
Unfortunately, at this time, the cafe can only offer take away food. The toilets were originally the soldiers facilities but have been modernised are fully operational and cleaned every hour. Bearing in mind the castle has no running water or services, everything needed to open the castle has to be transported over.
Bear with us, we all have a huge passion for Hurst Castle and want to preserve its heritage for years to come.
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie G
Southampton, UK44 contributions
Sept 2021
I had been waiting to visit Hurst Castle for ages and as the weather forecast was good decided to go for it. I took the ferry from Newhaven, which was great and really good service. On arrival at the Castle I was given a small "booklet" which to be honest didn't really give much information.
A lot of the Castle was closed as there are major restoration works going on and of course you could not go on to the beach in front of the Castle as there was a major collapse last year, so this was shut off for safety reasons. Entry prices have been reduced while this work is ongoing.
Once the Castle is fully re-opened I would say it would be well worth a visit and I will definitely go back for a guided tour.
I walked back after my visit, which was further than I thought but as it was a beautiful day, it was lovely but it was quite hard going on the shingle in places.
A lot of the Castle was closed as there are major restoration works going on and of course you could not go on to the beach in front of the Castle as there was a major collapse last year, so this was shut off for safety reasons. Entry prices have been reduced while this work is ongoing.
Once the Castle is fully re-opened I would say it would be well worth a visit and I will definitely go back for a guided tour.
I walked back after my visit, which was further than I thought but as it was a beautiful day, it was lovely but it was quite hard going on the shingle in places.
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting Hurst Castle .
Written 14 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
places2seeplaces2go
England, UK6,504 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Have done the walk along Hurst Spit to the castle & back many times. Thus however was our first venture inside.
We knew before going in that some of the castle (due to storm damage) was not accessible. Presumably this is why it’s priced at £4.50pp
It is a long shingle walk to reach the castle so probably not suitable for everyone.
The castle itself is fascinating & dates back to Henry Vlll. You get some fabulous views of The Solent/Hants & Dorset coast & stunning views of The Needles & Isle Of Wight.
I notice a few previous reviews have commented on the need to bring it to life & I wholeheartedly agree with this. It is a fabulous building & stunning location but so much of the info is tired & worn. English Heritage could do better.
We knew before going in that some of the castle (due to storm damage) was not accessible. Presumably this is why it’s priced at £4.50pp
It is a long shingle walk to reach the castle so probably not suitable for everyone.
The castle itself is fascinating & dates back to Henry Vlll. You get some fabulous views of The Solent/Hants & Dorset coast & stunning views of The Needles & Isle Of Wight.
I notice a few previous reviews have commented on the need to bring it to life & I wholeheartedly agree with this. It is a fabulous building & stunning location but so much of the info is tired & worn. English Heritage could do better.
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting Hurst Castle and leaving a review, I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. You are correct in stating that the admission price has been reduced as unfortunately some areas are currently closed off to the public.
We are currently working with a local volunteer group on uncovering more of the history of Hurst Castle and the land it sits on, we are hoping to update the exhibitions in due course.
Written 20 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are there handrails for all steps? How many steps to top of tower
Written 19 September 2022
Some steps had no grips to hang on to; I didn't count the steps to the tower, but there were quite a lot!
Written 20 September 2022
Tammy N
Poole, United Kingdom
Hi how long does the ferry take to get to the castle...Thanks
Written 18 August 2020
Hurst Castle
Milford on Sea, United Kingdom
Hi.
The ferry takes around 15 minutes from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle but please allow extra time for queuing.
Written 18 August 2020
How long would you recommend we spend there? Would around 1h30 be enough?
Written 21 July 2020
I would have thought so. It's quite a walk from the car park in Milford or there's a ferry from Keyhaven. You might need to queue for the ferry because of social distancing. It's quite small.
Written 22 July 2020
Hurst Castle
Milford on Sea, United Kingdom
Yes it's £5.50 for adults, £5 for concessions, £3.50 chid and family (2A &3C) is £17.
Written 4 August 2019
The castle entry will be around £5.50 each adult.
But you can buy a English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass which allows you to visit over 100 places with the pass including Stonehenge for free. So if you planning to visit more than a few its worth it.
You can choose between 9 or 16 day pass aroud 40 pounds for a adult for 16 days.
Written 4 August 2019
Where's the nearest place to park to hurst spit?
Written 10 August 2018
The nearest car park to Hurst Castle requires a round trip walk of 6.5 km (approx 4 miles) on a shingle bank. You won't be able to push a pushchair or ride a bike on the shingle. There is also a ferry which goes straight to the castle from Keyhaven, where there is a car park. The ferry round trip is 6.50. The castle is 5 pounds to get in.
Written 11 August 2018
Do they sell the Hurst Castle guidebook, which has a red spine, at the castle itself?
Written 14 July 2018
Not sure, but I think they probably do. Although it's an English heritage property, it's run by the people who do the ferry service to and from the castle....To be honest it should be called Hurst Fort, rather than Castle.
Written 17 July 2018
Is there a cafe near the start of the spit where we could enjoy a breakfast before walking to the castle?
Written 17 May 2018
Yes either at the Needles Eye cafe on Hurst Road or at Raft Rocks at the Marine.
Written 24 May 2018
Is this location ok for buggies and young kids?
Written 1 May 2018
You can get the ferry with your buggy, just need to collapse it and the skipper will help you. We don't advise you to walk as it's a shingle spit and the buggy won't move easily along it.
Once inside the castle, you can use the buggy but there are stairs etc that you won't be able to access with the buggy. Best to leave buggy outside and carry child.
Hope this helps.
Written 1 May 2018
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