Take the Ferry to Hurst Castle, Lymington, New Forest
Hurst Castle is an artillery fort that was built in the 16th century by Henry VIII to protect the Solent, Southampton and Portsmouth. It is one of the best preserved of Henry VIII’s castles and had an active military role until the mid-20th century.
Hurst Castle
The castle is strategically placed at the end of Hurst Spit, halfway between the mainland and the Isle of Wight. It can only be reached by a little ferry or on foot.
It is a coastal fort so it does not look like a traditional castle. It is low to the ground to make the smallest possible target for enemy ships,
and has thick walls to withstand bombardment.
Inside the walls is a labyrinth of passageways, stairs
and some enormous guns on display.
There are also some beautiful views from the ramparts.
The Ferry – Sailing to Hurst Castle
Our favourite part of the trip was the beautiful twenty minute ferry ride on a boat that takes you past salt marshes, mud flats and moored boats.
The ferries were running every 20 to 30 minutes when we visited.
Hurst Spit – Walking to Hurst Castle
You can walk to the castle along Hurst Spit, which is about a two mile walk along the sea. This walk is part of the Solent Way.
Hurst Spit is a shingle bank that juts into The Solent, linking Keyhaven and Hurst Castle. It separates the sea from the Lymington River Estuary.
As this walk takes you over shingle, sturdy footwear is recommended. It is hard going with a buggy.
Swimming or using inflatables in the sea here is not recommended as the currents are very strong.
You can pick up the path to Hurst Spit and Hurst Castle from Keyhaven Car Park – just head for the Hurst Castle Ferry and then keep walking.
Visit the Hurst Castle website
Visit the Hurst Castle Ferry website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Lymington, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO41 0TP
Opens: There are various opening times depending on the time of year. Please see the websites for details.
Adult Cost Range: Various costs for the ferry and for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Child Cost Range: Various costs for the ferry and for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Free if: Under 3 years for the ferry. Under 5 years for the castle.
Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: There are toilets and accessible toilets inside Hurt Castle. There are no toilets available for people not visiting the castle. There is a cafe outside the castle that is available to all visitors.
How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Not buggy friendly but you could bring a buggy if you were prepared to leave it somewhere as you explore the castle, which has lots of steps. I wouldn’t take a buggy onto Hurst Spit as it would be too hard to push.
Parking: Pay and display car park at Keyhaven.
Cost of Parking: From £3 for two hours.
Wildlife You Might See: Fish, crabs, seabirds and sea creatures.
Information Written: June 2020
Information Checked: July 2022
Ratings
Our visit to Hurst Castle and the Hurst Castle Ferry, near Milford on Sea in the New Forest, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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