The List

English Heritage: Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle stands at the end of a long shingle spit that connects it to the Hampshire coast. On either side of the fort Tudor are the massive wing batteries built in the 1860s to house the huge new guns then coming into service. There are also two decommisioned lighthouses, The Low Light of the 1860s and the metal light of 1911. The High Light of 1867, sited beyond the end of the east wing, still functions. There is no parking at the site but there is parking at Milford seafront or Keyhaven where a charge is payable. The castle is best approached by ferry from Keyhaven. Daily service from 25 Mar to the end of Oct. Every 20 minutes from Keyhaven, first ferry departs Keyhaven at 10am and the last boat from Hurst Castle is at 5.30pm.

What's On @ English Heritage: Hurst Castle

Round the Island Race 2026

Round the Island Race 2026

11 Jul 2026 - 11 Jul 2026

On Saturday 11th July, join us to watch the iconic Round the Island Race, attracting over 1,400 boats and one of the most exciting sailing events of the year! The 2026 Round the Island Race is an event like no other, and Hurst Castle offers the ultimate front-row seat. From this historic vantage point, you’ll be able to watch the world’s best sailors navigate the stunning waters around the Isle of Wight, with the race action unfolding right before your eyes. Hurst Castle, with its breathtaking views of the Solent, is perfectly positioned to see the fleet at full speed, rounding the island and battling the elements. Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable day out, there’s no better place to experience the thrill of the race. Bring your friends and family to this iconic location for an exciting day of sailing, history, and stunning coastal scenery. No pre-booking required, refreshments available from outside the castle, simply catch the ferry from Keyhaven.
Tudor-tastic Weekend at Hurst Castle
Step into the world of the Tudors at Hurst Castle’s Tudor-tastic Weekend on 4th & 5th July. Originally built by Henry VIII in the 1540s as part of his coastal defence programme, Hurst Castle has stood watch over the Solent for centuries, protecting the coastline and playing a key role in England’s history. Make a day of it and start your visit with the short ferry ride to the castle, a fun experience for all ages with wonderful coastal views along the way. Once there, families can enjoy hands-on children’s activities, games, and the chance to discover the Tudor way of life while exploring an original Tudor castle. The castle will be open from 10am to 5:30pm, giving you plenty of time to explore its historic walls, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a memorable family day out by the sea.

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