Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
A Henrician fort at the tip of a mile-and-a-half shingle spit, reachable either by ferry from Keyhaven or on foot along the spit itself — reviewers treat the approach as part of the experience, with views across to the Isle of Wight the whole way. Dogs are welcome throughout, including on the ferry.
Worth the trip
The walk or ferry ride out along the spit itself, with the Isle of Wight and a working lighthouse for company before you even reach the fort.
Before you go
The Keyhaven car park is sizeable but can get crowded on busy days; budget three to four hours if you're doing the full walk out and back plus the castle and fort inside.
Reviewers consistently highlight the journey itself — either the short ferry from Keyhaven or the roughly two-mile walk along the shingle spit — as part of the experience, alongside strong views of the Isle of Wight and the nearby lighthouse. The site's long history from Henry VIII through to WWII is well received, and several mention it's dog-friendly, though the exposed walk back along the spit can be very windy.
Reached by ferry or shingle spit walk
“Hurst Castle is a wonderful place to visit, full of interesting displays of how the fort has been used throughout the years. It's a great place to explore with great views across to The Isle Of Wight. Whenever I visit,…”— Chris Warren, visitor review
Further reading
UGears - Hogwarts Castle mechanical wooden model (340pc)
Currently-sold mechanical wooden 3D model kit, 340 parts.
Find it on Amazon
