Walk to Hurst Castle along Hurst Spit, Lymington, New Forest
Hurst Spit is a shingle bank that juts into the Solent, linking Keyhaven and Hurst Castle. It has beautiful views out towards the Isle of Wight and along the Hampshire coast.
Hurst Spit
Hurst Spit separates the sea and the Lymington River Estuary.
To one side it has mudflats and salt marshes.
To the other it has the sea and views to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.
Swimming or using inflatables in the sea here is not recommended as the currents are very strong.
Walking to Hurst Castle
The walk to the castle is about two miles and is part of the Solent Way. It is not the easiest of walks. Sturdy footwear is recommended and it is hard going with a buggy.
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.
Sailing to Hurst Castle
If you would like to visit Hurst Castle but don’t fancy the walk or have little ones with you, then consider the Hurst Castle ferry.
It is a beautiful 20 minute ferry ride through salt marshes, mud flats and moored boats.
Hurst Castle
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.
Visit the Hurst Castle website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Lymington, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO41 0TP takes you to Keyhaven Car Park and if you keep driving, Hurst Spit.
Opens: Daily
Adult Cost Range: Hurst Spit is free but there are various costs for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Child Cost Range: Hurst Spit is free but there are various costs for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Free if: Hurst Spit is free. Children under 5 years enter the castle for free.
Where to Eat: Eat at the Hurst Castle 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.
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: January 2023
Ratings
Our visit to Hurst Spit and Hurst Castle 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.
-
Fun
-
Condition
-
Value
-
Would We Go Back
You May Also Like
Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.
