Book Your Carisbrooke Castle Tickets For A Brilliant Family Day Out

Located in the village of Carisbrooke on the Isle of Wight, Carisbrooke Castle was the place where King Charles I was imprisoned months before his trial. Full of stories that will intrigue all castle visitors, it is of great historical importance, having been the home of the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria and defending the Isle of Wight for nine centuries. It also features the bowling green of King Charles I.

You can enjoy the Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden, walk around the battle areas, soak in the view from the castle walls, dive into the tranquillity of the castle chapel, visit the museum, and meet the historic donkeys at Carisbrooke Castle.

Book your Carisbrooke Castle tickets now!

Facts About Carisbrooke Castle

When was Carisbrooke Castle built?

The site of the royal summer residence was first thought to be occupied in pre-Roman times. A ruined wall shows that there was some sort of a building there in the post-Roman time. The cousin of King Cynric of Wessex, Wihtgar, who died in 544 AD, was thought to be buried on the grounds. It is said that, by the late seventh century, the Jutes took over the fort behind the walls. It was then occupied by an Anglo-Saxon stronghold in the eighth century. Then, around the year 1000, a wall was built to protect the site from Viking raids.

The castle has been a place of residence and a fortress on the Isle of Wight for over 1,000 years now. Although it was remodelled in the middle ages and by Elizabeth I, it was a Saxon fortress and a summer residence during the Norman conquest. Due to the brilliant position of the castle hill, Carisbrooke Castle has always been the most important artillery stronghold on the Isle of Wight. The positioning of the castle on the island also helped it to gain this reputation.

In 1100, a motte-and-bailey castle was built by the Normans by replacing a temporary one built after the conquest of 1066. By 1136, the castle was fortified by artillery on the island.

The main entrance to the castle was made in the late 13th century, and the cylindrical drum towers were later made in 1335-1336 when France came to raid it.

Who lives in Carisbrooke Castle?

From the year 1100, the castle was the possession of the family of Richard de Redvers, and they enhanced the castle with towers, stone walls, and a keep over the next two centuries. The last of the Redvers living on the island, Countess Isabella de Fortibus, sold the castle in 1293 to Edward I. The French raided the Isle of Wight five times from 1336-1370. William de Montacute, the lord of the island between 1386 and 1397, renovated the castle's great hall of history.

In 1583, Elizabeth I appointed George Carey as the captain of the island. He was the cousin of Elizabeth I, who rebuilt the buildings of the castle. The well-house and treadwheel were built by Sir George in the inner courtyard of the castle in 1587. Both these structures remained in use after that. The donkeys of the castle are known to work the wheels.

After the civil war, the castle became a centre of residence for the governors of the island. It was also eventually home to Princess Beatrice. The princess was the daughter of Queen Victoria. A war memorial for the Isle of Wight was made in the castle's chapel.

During Princess Beatrice's tenure, the kitchen garden became the private garden of the princess, which inspired the Princess Beatrice garden, made in 2009 by Chris Beardshaw.

Who was imprisoned in Carisbrooke Castle?

During the civil war in England, with help from Parliament and Charles I, the castle was used as a prison for all important royalists. The English Civil War, from 1642-1651, was the reason behind this, and even King Charles I was imprisoned in this prison (1647-48). The king's execution was carried out in Whitehall on January 30, 1649.

Due to the location of the royal castle, it was in a better location for defence than any other castle in England. It was always meant to be an artillery fortress.

What are the key features of the castle?

The king's prison and the royal residence will welcome you into the history kept behind the castle walls. You can enjoy the breathtaking view from the castle keep. You can even see the history of the castle brought to life with a dramatic film that is on show there. Plan a visit to Carisbrooke on your family holiday and watch the donkeys working on the 16th-century treadwheel. Roam around the Princess Beatrice garden made by world-famous garden designer Chris Beardshaw. You can even dress up as a soldier. You can also visit the calm castle chapel. The museum and hall in the castle are other areas to visit, and you can even see the bowling green of King Charles I!

Is Carisbrooke Castle English Heritage?

Yes, the castle is now under the control of English Heritage.

What is the castle used for today?

The historical castle is now used to welcome visitors who can enjoy a beautiful view in the fresh air.

Is there a museum at the castle?

Yes, there is a museum called the Carisbrooke Castle Museum in the castle itself. The castle, which is under the care of English Heritage, houses the Carisbrooke Castle Museum, which is an accredited history museum. The museum is run by an independent charitable trust.

Directions, Venue Info, And Attendee FAQs

Where is Carisbrooke Castle?

The address of Carisbrooke Castle is Castle Hill, PO30 1XY, Newport, United Kingdom.

How do I get to Carisbrooke Castle?

There are many ways to visit the castle in Newport. If you are travelling by car, take the A3 to Newport and then the castle. Be aware that this route also includes a ferry ride.

You can also choose to travel via the M3 to visit Carisbrooke Castle in Newport.

Alternatively, take the South Western Railway from Waterloo Station in London to Brockenhurst. From the Brockenhurst Station, take the next train to Lymington Pier. From the pier, take a Wightlink Ferry to Yarmouth IOW Terminal. From Yarmouth, take the number 7 bus to the High Street. It is just an eight-minute walk to the castle from the bus stop.

How much is parking at Carisbrooke Castle?

This must-see tourist attraction in Newport has a lot of facilities for members of English Heritage. There are parking charges for non-members; however, it is free for members. There is a parking site 0.06 mi (100 m) from the castle site. Parking costs £2 per car for a non-member.

There are other parking sites available in Carisbrooke town.

Where are the toilets at the castle?

Separate toilets for males and females are located in a toilet block in the courtyard. A disabled toilet is also available.

Is Carisbrooke Castle accessible?

Yes, the castle is accessible for all, as it has handrails to assist in walking and is also wheelchair accessible. The museum's ground floor and well-house are easily accessible for wheelchair users. However, lift access is not available.

Is there a gift shop at the castle?

A shop with local products and gifts is available in the castle and sells some Charles I memorabilia.

What are Carisbrook Castle's opening times?

Carisbrooke Castle in Newport opens daily from 10 am-5 pm.

Where can I eat nearby?

There are many family-friendly restaurants near the castle. You can try ADA Meze Kitchen, The Eight Bells, Valentino's, Waverly Inn, and The Blacksmiths, which are located within a mile from the venue.

How long do you need at Carisbrooke Castle?

You need at least two hours to visit this place.

What's the best time to visit?

The castle is a great place to visit all year round.

What age is Carisbrooke Castle suitable for?

There is no age restriction for this attraction.