InfoBritain

Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight was originally a Norman castle built on the site of an old Saxon fort. The Norman castle survives, along with features that came later, such as massive earthworks designed to defend against possible attacks by Spain in the 1590s. There is a museum at Carisbrooke, occupying the rooms where the deposed king, Charles the First was held prisoner for over a year between 1647 and 1648. Many of the exhibits relate to Charles. There are also sections on the general history of the Isle of Wight.

Opening Times: The castle is open every day from 1st April to 30th September 10am to 5pm, and from 1st October to 20th March 10am to 4pm. The castle is closed 24-26th December and 1st January. The tearoom is open from April to October.

Directions: The castle is near Newport in the centre of the Isle of Wight. Once in Newport look for signs to the castle. Click here an interactive road and satellite map centred over Carisbrooke Castle.

Access: the car park is 50m from the entrance and there is a steep hill to negotiate. Disabled visitors can park or be set down in the castle courtyard. Chapel, courtyard, well house, coach house exhibition, and lower floor of museum are accessible to wheelchairs. A model showing the castle in 1600 may be touched and has been designed to allow close access for people in wheelchairs.

Contact: 01983 522107 or e-mail customers@english-heritage.org.uk

 

Photography on this page by Jackie Lewis