Hurst Castle
The story of Hurst Castle is as dramatic as its setting. It stands at the seaward end of a one and a half mile long shingle beach that stretches out from Milford-on-Sea in the New Forest to within touching distance of the Isle of White.
Built by Henry VIII as a coastal fortress in 1544, Hurst Castle has a long and renowned history. Today, it’s a fascinating place to explore, but now its armies of families and school children who are taking tours, watching exciting events, seeing a lighthouse at work and enjoying the spectacular views.
History of Hurst Castle
Henry VIII wasn’t slow to recognise the strategic importance of the location of Hurst Castle, standing guard over the western approaches to the Solent. Later King Charles I was imprisoned here in 1684. It was from Hurst castle he was taken to be tried in London, and finally executed. The castle was refortified during the Napoleonic Wars, and in the 1870s the two enormous armoured wings were added. Huge 28 Ton guns were installed, and you can still see two of these Goliaths in their original casemates. In World War Two coastal gun batteries and searchlights were installed
School visits
Hurst Castle is popular with school groups and a visit will open up a range of subjects including geography, geology, history and wildlife studies. And having thirsted after knowledge, there’s a tuck shop too.
Admission is free for school groups when booked in advance. Discounts on the ferry can be pre-booked too. Although many groups prefer to take the ferry one way and walk back along the shingle bank.
Events at Hurst Castle
Hurst Castle has an exciting programme of events for clubs and groups. Take the 6.00pm ferry from Keyhaven. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle, and a supper with glass of wine in the World War II Gunners Theatre. It costs £15 per head including the ferry, and you'll arrive back at Keyhaven around 9.15.
You mentioned to include this with caution – would you like us to remove some of this or reword perhaps? Please advise.
Corporate & Social Events
Corporate events at Hurst Castle include team building exercises and water based activities. They must be good because the Royal Marines come here for their training. On a more peaceful note, weddings are also popular and all manner of entertainment events can be arranged too.
Lighthouse Exhibition
Hurst Castle shares its stunning location with the Hurst Point Lighthouse, another attraction that’s very popular with families. Visit the Trinity House Lighthouse Exhibition in the west wing of the castle and see all the tools of the lighthouse trade: optics, fog horns and light bouys. You'll no longer remain in the dark about lighthouses.