Service StatusCarisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle
Discover the grandeur, treachery, intrigue and power of the Island's only medieval castle. It is said that 'he who held Carisbrooke held the Isle of Wight'. King Charles I was even imprisoned here before being taken to Whitehall for his trial and execution. Set on a sweeping ridge, Carisbrooke commands a perfect military location with majestic views over the surrounding countryside.
Visit Countess Isabella's beautiful chapel and the 800 year old Great Hall with its fascinating museum and the well house with its famous donkeys at work drawing the water from the well - in 2008, 'Jigsaw', a pretty brown & white donkey joined Jimbob, Joffee, Jack and Jill working the 17th-century waterwheel. Children will also enjoy the Tudor Trail and the Medieval Knights Trail.
Children will love the hands-on weapons, interactive exhibits, and virtual tour which help to bring the fascinating story of the castle to life. See the castle evolve from its Saxon origins through to its role as residence to Queen Victoria's youngest daughter Princess Beatrice.
Opening Times & PricesFacilities
- Refreshments: Tea room accessed via Donkey Centre. Picnics welcome in grounds - benches and picnic tables available.
- Shopping - a new shop opens in April 2008
- Parking - 50 metres from entrance.
- Toilets - available inside the castle grounds
- Disabled facilities - Disabled drivers may park within castle courtyard and disabled passengers can alight here. Access to castle buildings: Chapel, courtyard (loose gravel), well house and ground floor of museum are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Two flights of stairs to upper floor of museum with banister. Seats provided in museum and courtyard. Model showing the castle in 1600 may be touched and was designed to allow close access for wheelchairs. Wheelchair access to coach house exhibition. Grounds: Accessed via gravel paths and tarmac. NB Ramparts lack handrails and safety rails in places; it is recommended that visually impaired visitors are accompanied.
- Dogs - allowed but must be kept on a lead.
You can now buy admission tickets to this attraction when making a ferry booking for a foot passenger or vehicle. Now that's something to shout about!
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How to find...
Address: Carisbrooke, Nr Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1XY. Location: 1½ miles SW of Newport
- 20 minutes in a vehicle from East Cowes
- From West Cowes: take a taxi or bus service 1 to Newport & service 6, 7 or 11 from Newport to Carisbrooke
