Kids on the ferry to Hurst Castle

Keyhaven to Hurst Castle Ferry Ride

Hurst Castle and the ferry service is now closed for the 2023 season. Please see our Opening Times and Prices

Here you can spot a large number of waders, wildfowl and other birds as the Keyhaven marshes is home to a wide range of habitat, including grassland, scrub, saltmarsh, shingle, fresh and saltwater and reed beds.

Important fauna includes breeding colonies of Terns (often on shingle islands on the face of saltmarshes), Ringed Plover, Black Headed, Mediterranean Gull and nationally rare invertebrates.

The saltmarshes also supports an internationally significant feeding population of dark-bellied Brent Geese.

The spectacular views continue once at the castle, it has been documented that the view from the top of the Tudor Keep is one of the best in England. From here you can see the Isle of Wight, which lies across the Needles Passage. On the island’s shore diagonally opposite Hurst to the south-east, our two 19th century defences: Fort Albert and on the cliff top above, the remains of Cliff End Battery.

Please note ferry tickets cannot be purchased in advance. Ferry tickets can only be purchased on board the ferry on the day of your visit or at the kiosk at the castle entrance. For further details, Click here.

Dogs on Hurst Marine ferry
Hurst Castle Dog on ferry looking at seals
Ferry with Hurst Castle behind
Swan near Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle
Hampshire, SO41 0TP
Tel: 01590 642500
Get Directions Here

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