Carisbrooke Castle is an English Heritage site in the Isle of Wight. It is where King Charles I was imprisoned following the English Civil War. Carisbrooke has survived more than 800 years of service, resisting a French siege and seeing off the Spanish Armada.
As an English Heritage member we visited Carisbrooke Castle sitting high and proud at the heart of the Isle of Wight. The castle has been an artillery fortress, king's prison and a royal summer residence. Today it’s the quintessential romantic castle, with lots to see and enjoy in the fresh open air. Experience far reaching panoramic views from high castle walls, or wander the moat to discover King Charles I’s bowling green. Enjoy the tranquil Princess Beatrice Garden, before meeting the famous Carisbrooke donkeys.
Top Info
• English Heritage Site
• Great Castle walls walk
• Cafe
• Picnic area
• Princess Beatrice Garden
• Meet the Donkeys
• King Charles I Museum
• Seasonal events and activities
• Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY
We visited as a family and spent a good 2 -3 hours exploring the castle, museum and garden. The girls enjoyed walking around the walls with the great views and slightly scary path way. There are steep steps up the massive castle mound where you can enjoy unrivalled birds-eye views from the ancient castle keep.
You can walk right around the castle on the battlements and see across the island in all directions. We sat and ate our picnic in the castle grounds and got a drink and cake from the cafe.
Princess Beatrice Garden
This pretty Edwardian-style garden is based on the original garden retreat of Queen Victoria's daughter. The plants were chosen to echo Princess Beatrice's blue, red and gold heraldic crest, and the layout reflects architectural detail on the adjoining Chapel of St Nicholas. This was lovely to walk around as a lot of English Heritage sites don't have gardens with in the castles.
Carisbrooke Castle Museum
Queen Victoria's youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice, opened a memorial museum to her husband in the gatehouse. Beatrice became governor of the island and took up residence in the castle in 1913.
Carisbrooke Castle Museum is full of Charles I memorabilia and host regularly changing exhibitions.
Carrisbrook Castle Donkeys
You can also meet the castle’s resident donkeys who have been drawing up water in the well-house for hundreds of years.
Food and Drink
There is a cafe within the grounds with a small inside seated area. The cafe serves a selection of locally produced snacks, treats and light lunches, along with a range of sandwiches, cakes, ice creams and hot and cold drinks. A children's menu is available. There is also plenty of picnic areas.
Extra Events
We visited during Easter so there was an extra Easter trail on which my girls enjoyed which involved answering questions about the history of Easter and looking for Easter Eggs dotted around the grounds
Visit April 2024
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