Many castles have a whiff of romance about them but in Victorian times Carisbrooke was held up as the very ideal of a romantic stronghold.
Where is Carisbrooke Castle?
Carisbrooke Castle is located near the town of Newport, in the central part of the Isle of Wight, which is an island off the south coast of England.
When was Carisbrooke Castle built?
The fortress here was built by the Saxons, improved by the Normans, completely revamped several times in the Middle Ages, and adapted twice to repulse French invasions that never materialised.
As a Roundhead castle, it was not slighted after the Civil War but rather went into a gradual decline until its reinvention as a destination for idealistic Victorian tourists.
Charles I probably had other feelings about it, since this is where he was held prisoner (albeit with a four-poster bed and his own household staff) prior to his execution, and from where he made two rather pitiful escape attempts.
But it’s probably best not to think about all that and concentrate instead on the fascinating collection of buildings inside Carisbrooke’s walls that give it the feel of a quaint little village.
The castle sports many styles of architecture from its different eras. Its owners even went to the pains of having its chapel demolished simply to create a picturesque ruin to add to the effect.
Useful information
Visit English Heritage for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets to visit Carisbrooke Castle.
Getting to the Isle of Wight
- Ferry: Possibly the easiest way to reach the Isle of Wight is by taking a ferry. Ferries depart from several locations on the south coast of England, such as Portsmouth, Southampton, and Lymington. Companies like Wightlink and Red Funnel offer transport options from these coastal towns as well as options if you are travelling from London.
- Hovercraft: There's also a Hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde in the Isle of Wight.
Where to stay near Carisbrooke Castle
Stay at Newport’s One Holyrood. It's a charming little hotel whose early 1600s Grade II-listed buildings have been a blacksmiths, bakery, gentleman’s outfitters, picture gallery and antiques shop; and whose beds mostly date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Check availability and book now on Booking.com
Looking for more inspirational Days Out?
Browse our expert guides and features about the Isle of Wight, including best walks on the Isle of Wight, and English Heritage's Osborne House.
