Guided Tours
Check out our What’s On page for when guided tours are taking place – these can be pre-booked or if available on the day, you can upgrade your ticket. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides provide guided tours of the castle, it’s history and how the castle has evolved since it was first built by King Henry VIII.
Find out about the early days of the Castle built between 1541 and 1544 as one of a chain of artillery defences, and how, unusually for a Tudor castle remained in military use until after World War Two.
Located in the New Forest and a short distance from both Bournemouth and Southampton, it is easy to organise a guided tour visit to Hurst Castle. With centuries of military heritage to discover, amazing views and much more, Hurst Castle is a well-established visitor attraction.
We can also offer specialised tours depending on your interest, details of the type of tours are below. These tours need to be pre-booked – please contact info@hurstcastle.co.uk for more information.
Tours Available
We offer several options, please see details below, each with different lengths and prices. All tours will need to be pre-booked so please email to find out more or to book info@hurstcastle.co.uk
Castle Tour
On this tour you can learn about the castle’s long history from its Tudor beginnings through to playing a role through both world wars. Enjoy detailed facts about the structure and buildings of the castle, its guns and stories.
Tours must be pre-booked. Visitors will be divided into groups of no more than 15 with one guide per group. Tours last approximately 1 hour and are given in English only.
Please be aware that there are uneven surfaces and flights of stairs to climb.
Tudor Experience
Focus on the Tudor period and why Hurst Castle was built by King Henry VIII during this experience spent in the heart of Hurst Castle its Tudor keep and this period in history. Delve into Tudor history, the people and the wider story with our costumed guide.
Tours must be pre-booked. Visitors will be divided up into groups of no more than 15 with one guide per group. Tours last approximately 1 hour and are given in English only.
Please be aware that there are uneven surfaces and flights of stairs to climb.
Hurst Castle the Victorian Fort
Step back in time and discover the Victorian fort that once defended England’s coast at Hurst Castle. This coastal fortress played a key role in safeguarding the nation from the reign of King Henry VIII through to just after World War Two.
During this two hour tour discover the Victorian element of the fort.
Enjoy detailed information on the guns here at the castle and a fascinating glimpse into the powerful weaponry that once stood ready for battle.
Tours must be pre-booked. Visitors will be divided up into groups of no more than 15 with one guide per group. Tours last approximately 2 hours and are given in English only.
Please be aware that there are uneven surfaces and flights of stairs to climb.
World War One, Two and Local History
Focus on the story of Hurst Castle throughout both world wars, as it remained a vital stronghold, guarding the western entrance to the Solent. Discover the modifications the castle went through, its stories of the garrison and the local community. Also find out about the berthing plans for the vessels lining up in the Needles Passage en route to D-Day.
Tours must be pre-booked. Visitors will be divided up into groups of no more than 15 with one guide per group. Tours last approximately 1 hour and are given in English only.
Please be aware that there are uneven surfaces and flights of stairs to climb.
Lighthouse Tour
Lighthouse tours of the metal Low Light of 1911 and information of all the other lights that were and are on Hurst Spit are available.
Discover the history of the lighthouses and the acetylene room here at Hurst Castle.
Tours are available on a Monday only, volunteer numbers and weather allowing. Visitors will be divided into a group of no more than 6 with two guides per group. Tours last approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour, dependent on different factors and are given in English only.
Please be aware that there are uneven surfaces and flights of stairs to climb, backwards on the descent. Suitable footwear must be worn, open toed or flip flops are not acceptable due to the steps to climb. Children who are less than 1m tall are not permitted to climb the lighthouse and are not permitted to be carried up or down the stairs.
To make an enquiry or booking for a group visit, please call 01590 642500 or email info@hurstcastle.co.uk
