Southsea Castle under a blue sky

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About

Built in 1544, Southsea Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by King Henry VIII around England's coasts to protect the country from invaders.

Barely had the work been completed when Henry VIII stood inside only to watch his flagship, the Mary Rose, tragically sink at the Battle of the Solent against the French in July 1545.

During the English Civil War, nearly a century later, the castle was captured for the only time in its history by parliamentarian forces.

Over the centuries, Southsea Castle's defences were strengthened so that it could continue to protect Portsmouth. In the 19th century a tunnel was built to defend the castle moat. Visitors can still enter the tunnel and see how the castle would have been defended against invaders. Artillery, gun platforms and panoramic views from the top of the keep overlook the Isle of Wight and the Solent.

The castle is open March to October and entry is free of charge. There is a fabulous cafe offer, a great Waterfront Gifts shop and a micro-brewery. The cafe also offers a champagne bar every Friday evening (in season).

Please note that on the occasion of a wedding at Southsea Castle, certain parts may be inaccessible to members of the public. To check if there is an event or wedding taking place in the castle, please use the contact details provided.

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Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free admissionFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Audio visual display available
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors - Available in nearby D-Day museum car park

Catering

  • Cafe
  • On-Site cafe/restaurant
  • Picnic Site - on communal parkland

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities
  • Event Venue
  • Groups welcome
  • Toilets

Group Travel

  • Out of Hours Visits

Parking & Transport

  • Coach parking - Adjacent at the D-Day Museum
  • On site parking - Adjacent at the D-Day Museum
  • On site parking close by
  • Railway station within 5 miles

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre

Specialist Features

  • Educational Groups
  • Family Fun

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted - Most suitable for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. 'Tudor Experience' sessions available.

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Southsea Castle

Type:Castle / Fort

Southsea Castle, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 3PA
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Call direct on:

Tel+44 023 9284 1625

Opening Times

Winter Closing - November to March (4 Nov 2023 - 29 Mar 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - SundayClosed*
Summer Opening (30 Mar 2024 - 3 Nov 2024)
DayTimes
MondayClosed
Tuesday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00
Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

What's Nearby

  1. Discover Portsmouth's US connections, with the story of D-Day and the Allied soldiers who…

    0.1 miles away
  2. The D-Day Story is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Allied Invasion in June…

    0.14 miles away
  3. From beginners to improvers and competitive players, Southsea Tennis Club offers…

    0.18 miles away
  1. One of Portsmouth’s largest health and wellbeing centres, located just off Southsea Beach.

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  2. Explore a world of fun at Exploria - the bounce and play park that's full of wonder.

    0.18 miles away
  3. Take the ultimate undersea adventure at Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth.

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  4. Head to the splash pool at Southsea for safe fun in the water along the seafront.

    0.2 miles away
  5. Welcome to the premier Skatepark on the south coast.

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  6. Southsea Common is a vast open space that was purchased from the War Department in 1922.…

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  7. Very attractive, sheltered gardens close to the seafront with a wide variety of…

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  8. Southsea Rowing Club is committed to providing a healthy, fun, competitive environment…

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  9. Planning on visiting Southsea?...Click here to get latest information on Attractions,…

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  10. Southsea Sangha is an open access, peer-led Buddhist meditation group built on a desire…

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  11. Multi-facility centre.

    0.55 miles away
  12. South Parade Pier stands proudly in the centre of Southsea’s stunning 4 mile coastline…

    0.58 miles away
  13. See great films, meet like-minded film fans and chat about the latest releases.

    0.58 miles away
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