Hurst Castle, Lymington

Name: Hurst Castle
Address: off New Ln, Lymington, SO41 0TP, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1590 642344

#1 among attractions in Lymington

Top attraction, Forts and castles, Lighthouse, Museum, More...

Gallery (9)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Lewis Clarke / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Rudolphous / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Lewis Clarke / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Rudolphous / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Rudolphous / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / DavepapeBot / URL

Facts and practical information

Hurst Castle, a commanding coastal fortress, stands sentinel at the narrow entrance to the Solent, near the village of Milford on Sea, within the picturesque district of Lymington, United Kingdom. This historic castle, with its impressive structure, dates back to the reign of Henry VIII and was constructed between 1541 and 1544 as part of the king's chain of coastal defenses.

The castle's strategic location has played a significant role through centuries of British history, notably during the English Civil War and World War II, when it was fortified further. Today, Hurst Castle is an intriguing tourist destination, offering a fascinating glimpse into England's military past.

Visitors to Hurst Castle can explore the Tudor keep, wander through the expansive gun batteries, and delve into the network of rooms that once housed soldiers and stored munitions. The castle provides stunning panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and the surrounding waters, making it a photographer's delight and a perfect spot for those who appreciate both history and natural beauty.

One of the unique features of Hurst Castle is the Hurst Point Lighthouse, which has guided vessels safely through the treacherous waters of the Solent since 1867. The lighthouse is still operational today, although it is now fully automated.

To reach Hurst Castle, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the shingle spit that connects the castle to the mainland. During the summer months, a ferry service also operates, providing a quick and enjoyable trip across the water.

Alternative names: Built: 1541 (483 years ago)Coordinates: 50°42'24"N, 1°33'7"W

Address

off New LnLymington SO41 0TP United Kingdom

Contact

+44 1590 642344

Website

Social media

Facebook Instagram Twitter

Lymington

Day trips

Hurst Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Hurst Point Lighthouse, Hurst Spit, Fort Albert, Cliff End Battery.

~610 ftNE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Hurst Point Lighthouse, Milford on Sea
3 min walk • Hurst Point Lighthouse is located at Hurst Point in the English county of Hampshire, and guides vessels through the western approaches to the Solent.
~200 ftSE
Beach
Hurst Spit, Milford on Sea
1 min walk • Hurst Spit is a one-mile-long shingle bank near the village of Keyhaven, at the western end of the Solent, on the south coast of England. The spit shelters an area of saltmarsh and mudflats known as Keyhaven and Pennington marshes.
1 miSE
Forts and castles
Fort Albert, Isle of Wight
26 min walk • Fort Albert is a tower fort nestling under the cliffs south-west of Fort Victoria on the Isle of Wight, England. It was also known as Cliff End Fort, named after the Northern extremity of Colwell Bay.
1.1 miSE
Forts and castles
Cliff End Battery, Isle of Wight
28 min walk • Cliff End Battery is a battery on the west coast of the Isle of Wight overlooking Fort Albert. It is one of the many Palmerston Forts built on the island to protect it in response to a perceived French invasion.