Visit Hurst Castle, perfect for Eerie adventures

Come and discover this artillery fortress built by Henry VIII at the seaward end of a coastal spit, it offers one of the best views of England and plenty of open spaces for the children to explore.

A once formidable fortress, Hurst Castle is a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists. This coastal citadel is shrouded in mystery and is reportedly haunted. Its stunning location, sitting at the end of a shingle bank sprouting from the mainland, offers breathtaking views. It can be easily visited for all of our campsites in the New Forest.

Getting to Hurst Castle involves a ferry ride from Keyhaven or a trek along the 1.5 mile sea road, Hurst Spit. Either way, you can bask in the beauty of your surroundings and capture stunning views on your camera.

As soon as you step into Hurst Castle’s keep, behold the three towering bastions - once equipped with 26 guns. The castle grounds are home to the iconic Hurst Point Lighthouse, towering 26 metres above the ground.

Ascend the winding staircase to the summit for stunning views that stretch to the horizon. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the Isle of Wight.

Hurst Castle, Keyhaven, SO41 0TP
Tel: 01590 642500

Activities at Hurst Castle

• The Paddle Board Castle Tour – Cruise along the glistening Keyhaven River on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak on this amazing instructor-led tour. Approach the towering Tudor fortress that is Hurst Castle from the water and appreciate the scale of this dramatic stronghold.
  Ticket prices include a two-hour, instructor led paddleboard or kayak experience, access to Hurst Castle, lunch or afternoon tea and a return ferry trip.
• Hurst Castle at Night Guided Tour – Experience the haunting Hurst Castle as darkness descends during an eerie guided tour. Enjoy supper and a glass of wine in the WWII gunners’ theatre – the only remaining garrison theatre in the world. Step back in time to hear historic tales of tragedy that unfolded within the castle walls.
• Birdwatching – Bring your binoculars and witness birds in flight against a backdrop of breathtaking views. Brent Geese, Shelducks, Wigeons, Egrets, Pintails and many more have made the waters around Hurst Castle their home.
• The Association of Lighthouse Keepers (ALK) Museum Rooms – Hurst Castle is a hub for artefacts belonging to ALK. Two rooms in the West Wing of the citadel are dedicated to the ALK’s vast collection of memorabilia. The award-winning Museum Rooms have been a huge success with visitors.
• The Association of Lighthouse Keepers (ALK) Museum Rooms – Hurst Castle is a hub for artefacts belonging to ALK. Two rooms in the West Wing of the citadel are dedicated to the ALK’s vast collection of memorabilia. The award-winning Museum Rooms have been a huge success with visitors.
  The pièce de résistance of the exhibition is the Egypt Point optic, which has been fully restored and now takes pride of place at the entrance to the display rooms.

Hurst Castle is captivating and mysterious, characterised by wide open spaces and spectacular views. The venue is child and dog-friendly, making it a fun experience for the entire family to enjoy. It’s a must-see attraction. Our campsites near Hurst Castle  are Setthorns and Holmsley.