Discover Carisbrooke Castle
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Port
Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, UK
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$175
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Set off from the vibrant seafront town of Cowes and enjoy a scenic journey into the heart of the Isle of Wight.
Amazing Carisbrooke Castle, of Saxon origin, was built as a fortified camp intended to defend England against the Vikings.
The Normans, in turn, came along looking for a spot on which to establish their own stronghold. They found that the stone-faced Saxon fortifications provided them with an excellent, ready-made defense system — the kind that is handy when one is conquering.
For more than 800 years, the living heart of the castle was enclosed within the Norman curtain walls (the keep) with a gatehouse. Explore the castle's beautifully preserved walls and walk the ancient battlements that once defended the island.
Learn about the castle's connection to King Charles I, who was imprisoned here, and meet the famous Carisbrooke donkeys, whose work once powered the castle's deep well.
Wander through tranquil Edwardian-style gardens and discover centuries-old artifacts in the museum, whispering stories of battles, royalty, and island life.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Only the well house and the ground floor of the museum are accessible to guests using a wheelchair. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones/flagstones, inclines, gravel, grass, steep stairs on the wall walk and two flights of stairs (with handrails) to reach the upper floor of the museum (no elevator available). Stone and grassy areas and the wall walk may be slippery.