Carisbrooke Castle
Isle of Wight, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Shanklin, 6.9 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY
Telephone 01983 522107
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
The Isle of Wight's principal castle, a Norman stronghold later used to imprison Charles I before his execution, run by English Heritage with a shop, cafe, and museum built into the grounds. The wall walk is the main event, climbing steep steps to panoramic views, and there's a Tudor treadwheel in the well house, historically turned by donkeys to draw water.
Who to know
Charles I · imprisoned here before his execution
Worth the trip
The wall walk and keep climb - steep steps, but reviewers say the panoramic views from the top are worth it.
Before you go
Staff get consistent praise for supporting disabled access, so it's worth calling ahead if mobility is a concern; parking fills up, so aim for an early start on busy days.
Reviewers enjoy Carisbrooke for its wall walk views, the historic donkey wheel and stables, and helpful staff supporting disabled access. The museum gets a more mixed reception, with one reviewer finding it a bit of a mismatched collection compared to other elements of the visit, and access to the keep involves a steep climb worth being prepared for.
Bowling Green Apartment holiday let on site
“Lovely afternoon here. Staff really helpful with disabled access and a companion. Wonderful views all around and a fascinating museum. Highly recommended.”- Matt Wyatt, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “It was easy to find and plenty of parking (on a Friday).” - Flutterbyfairy
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Very enjoyable visit, the Chapel of St Nicholas is splendid, Braved the climb up the steps to the keep and completed the wall walk, lovely panoramic views.” - Kathryn Horrell
- Facilities
- “We went to the donkey stables too on the way to the (small) tea room.” - Flutterbyfairy
Common questions about Carisbrooke Castle
Where is Carisbrooke Castle?
Carisbrooke Castle is in Isle of Wight, England, at Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Carisbrooke Castle?
Yes - Carisbrooke Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Carisbrooke Castle?
Yes - Carisbrooke Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Carisbrooke Castle?
The wall walk and keep climb - steep steps, but reviewers say the panoramic views from the top are worth it.
Is Carisbrooke Castle a ruin or still intact?
Carisbrooke Castle is largely intact - Bowling Green Apartment holiday let on site.
