Fodor's Expert Review Carisbrooke Castle

Cowes Castle/Palace

Built more than a thousand years ago, this Norman castle was remodeled extensively during the Middle Ages and surrounded by a mile of artillery fortifications in 1600 to defend against the threat of the Spanish Armada. During the English Civil War, Carisbrooke served as a prison for Royalists, most notably King Charles I, who tried (unsuccessfully) to escape through a still-visible tiny window in the north curtain wall. (The small museum has memorabilia relating to the imprisoned king.) The castle was restored during Victoria's reign and served as the residence of her daughter, Princess Beatrice, memorialized in a namesake Edwardian-style garden here. There are excellent views from the top of the Norman keep and battlements. Children love meeting the donkeys who still pull the wheel that draws water from the castle well along with the medieval joust recreations in August. The castle is about a mile southwest of the Isle of Wight's capital, Newport. From Cowes, take Bus 1 or 52 (1 from... READ MORE

Built more than a thousand years ago, this Norman castle was remodeled extensively during the Middle Ages and surrounded by a mile of artillery fortifications in 1600 to defend against the threat of the Spanish Armada. During the English Civil War, Carisbrooke served as a prison for Royalists, most notably King Charles I, who tried (unsuccessfully) to escape through a still-visible tiny window in the north curtain wall. (The small museum has memorabilia relating to the imprisoned king.) The castle was restored during Victoria's reign and served as the residence of her daughter, Princess Beatrice, memorialized in a namesake Edwardian-style garden here. There are excellent views from the top of the Norman keep and battlements. Children love meeting the donkeys who still pull the wheel that draws water from the castle well along with the medieval joust recreations in August. The castle is about a mile southwest of the Isle of Wight's capital, Newport. From Cowes, take Bus 1 or 52 (1 from West Cowes, near Holmwood Hotel; 5 from East Cowes, near Osborne House) to Newport, from where it's a 30-minute walk or a short ride on Bus 6, 7, 12, or 38 to The Mall in Carisbrooke, ¼ mile away.

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Castle/Palace Historical

Quick Facts

Castle Hill
Newport, Isle of Wight  PO30 1XY, England

01983-522107

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: £11.60, Closed weekdays Nov.–mid-Feb. and Mon. and Tues. late Feb.–Mar.

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