Hurst Castle is situated at the seaward end of the shingle spit which extends 1½ miles from Milford-on-Sea. The end of the spit, only ¾ mile from the Isle of Wight, was the perfect location to defend the western approach to the Solent. The castle was built by Henry VIII as one of a chain of coastal fortresses and 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 1860'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.



Calshot Castle and Hurst Castle a critical element in the improvement of the defences of the south coast by Henry VIII was the protection of the Solent, for this stretch of water gave access to the important ports of Portsmouth and Southampton. Calshot Castle and Hurst Castle were both strategically situated to provide their protection.



Hurst Castle opening times:
Daily from April – September, 10.30am to 5.30 pm.
October: Daily – 10.30 am to 4.00 pm.
Entry - Adult £3.00: Child £1.80: Senior £2.70

Weekends only during winter months, weather permitting, 10.30am - 4.00pm.
The Castle will not be open for Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
Hurst Castle telephone: 01590 642344

Ferry Times:
The ferry operates daily from April to the end of October. Ferries depart Keyhaven on the hour from 10.00am and return from Hurst Castle on the half-hour until 5.30pm.
Return fares, Adults: £4.20 Children: £2.50
During winter months and weather permitting a ferry will run at weekends only.

Day trip to Yarmouth:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4th. July until 24th. August.
Return fares, Adults: £9.00 Children: £4.50 on all Yarmouth trips.
Leaves Keyhaven at 10.30 and returns from Yarmouth at 4.00pm

Ferry timetables may vary due to extreme weather, tide and other conditions.
Sailings are shown on the boards at Keyhaven Quay towpath & at Hurst Castle.
Party discounts for groups 30

Party Bookings:
Arrange an outing aboard our boats or at Hurst Castle. Events tailor made for groups of all types at competitive prices.

Pictures copyright: Carnyx Films/Hurst Castle