Southsea Castle
Southsea Castle is open as a historical attraction free of charge between March and October each year.
About the Castle
Built in 1544, the Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII around England's coasts to protect the country from invaders. Barely was the work completed when Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, tragically sank in front of the Castle. During the English Civil War, nearly a century later, the Castle was captured for the only time in its history, by Parliamentarian forces.
Over the centuries, Southsea Castle's defences were strengthened so that it could continue to protect Portsmouth. In the 19th Century a tunnel was built to defend the Castle moat. Visitors can still enter the tunnel and see how the Castle would have been defended against invaders.
Visitors can explore the keep, enjoy amazing views across the Solent from the castle ramparts, enjoy a bite to eat in the Courtyard Café (open all year) and purchase a gift from the Waterfront Gift shop or some beer to take home from the on-site micro brewery. The Castle's event programme includes family activities and trails, plus for adults the popular Friday night Champagne Bar from May to September.
~Attractions and Places to Visit in Portsmouth~
- Spinnaker TowerSoaring 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower..
Spinnaker Tower - Portsmouth Historic DockyardPortsmouth Historic Dockyard is the only place in the world to see the Royal Navy past, present and future
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - Portsmouth City MuseumPortsmouth's leading Museum.Come along and enjoy a brilliant day out.
Portsmouth City Museum - The Miniport at Gunwharf QuaysThe Miniport at Gunwharf Quays is your chance to captain your own motorised ship.
The Miniport at Gunwharf Quays - Blue Reef AquariumWelcome to Blue Reef Aquarium in Southsea, Portsmouth, voted Customer Attraction of the 12 months by Tourism South East
Blue Reef Aquarium - Clarence Pier Amusement ParkClarence Pier Southsea is one of the largest amusement parks on the south coast and boasts all manner of amusements.
Clarence Pier Amusement Park - D-Day MuseumPortsmouth’s D-Day Museum is Britain’s only museum dedicated solely to covering all aspects of the D-Day landings in Normandy
D-Day Museum - Royal Armouries - Fort NelsonDiscover the national collection of artillery at Fort Nelson. Explore 19 acres of ramparts, outer fortifications, secret underground tunnels
Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson - The Mary Rose MuseumThe Mary Rose is a Tudor ship, built in 1510. In service for 34 years.
The Mary Rose Museum - Southsea CastleBuilt in 1544, the Southsea Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII around England's coastsSouthsea Castle
- The Pyramids CentreThe Pyramids is one of Portsmouth’s largest entertainment, leisure and event complex’s located along Southsea Beach
The Pyramids Centre - World War 1 Remembrance CentreThe new centre has been set up to display artefacts, reproduction exhibits and memorabilia from World War One
World War 1 Remembrance Centre
Shopping
Cycling
Restaurants
Spa & Massages
Skydiving
Bungee jumps
Golf
Karting