Name: Calshot Castle
Rating: 5.0

Calshot Castle

Jack Maynard Road, Calshot, Southampton, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Calshot Castle was built by Henry VIII as an artillery fort in 1539, as part of his chain of defences along the English south coast. As Henry VIII began closing Catholic monasteries across the country, England’s relationship with the Catholic countries of Europe worsened, with invasions feared from France and Spain.

Explore the cylindrical central castle keep. Climb to the top of the castle for the vast views of the Solent and across to the Isle of Wight. View the display on Calshot during WWII and its link to the Sunderland Flying Boat. Children's activity pack - free with paid admission

Price starts from £5.90 for Adults, £4.00 for Children(under 16) and £15.00 for Family (2 adults & 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Calshot Castle was built by Henry VIII as an artillery fort in 1539, as part of his chain of defences along the English south coast. As Henry VIII began closing Catholic monasteries across the country, England’s relationship with the Catholic countries of Europe worsened, with invasions feared from France and Spain.
As one of 30 coastal forts erected to defend England, the Castle was built using stone and lead from the recently closed monasteries of Beaulieu and Netley. The Castle was completed in 1540 and has seen various uses in its time – an artillery fort, a base to combat smugglers and even an RAF air base during WW1 (as a base for seaplanes) hosting the Schneider Trophy air races.
With the outbreak of WW2, the Castle was re-armed in the face of possible German invasion. The station continued in use after WW2 but was closed in 1961 as military seaplanes became obsolete.
After a short period of use by the Coastguard, the castle was opened in 1980 as a “well-preserved example” of King Henry’s Device Forts. Today, Calshot Castle is owned by English Heritage and managed by Calshot Activities Centre.
Explore the cylindrical central castle keep. Climb to the top of the castle for the vast views of the Solent and across to the Isle of Wight. View the display on Calshot during WWII and its link to the Sunderland Flying Boat. Children's activity pack - free with paid admission

Facilities

Parking: Ample parking close by (not managed by English Heritage). Local parking charges apply for all castle visitors including Members.
Food And Drink: The Café Bar at Calshot Activities Centre (not managed by English Heritage) is located in the Sunderland Hangar. It serves drinks, snacks and meals, and has a fantastic seaward view. For opening hours and further information - please visit Hampshire County Council's website for more details.
Toilets: Located in Castle and inside the neighbouring Calshot Activities Centre (Sunderland Hangar).
Dogs: Assistance dogs only are welcome.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £5.90
Under 16: £4.00
Family (2 adults & 2 children): £15.00
Under 5s: Free
Concessions: £5.30
Free: English Heritage members (valid membership card required)

Pricing URL: https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/calshot/visit/calshot-castle

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open on selected dates 28 May - 2 Nov.

Address: Jack Maynard Road, Calshot, Southampton, UK

Post Code: SO45 1BR

Council: New Forest

County: Hampshire

Road Access: On spit, 2 miles south-east of Fawley, off B3053.
Bus Access: Solent Blue Line Bluestar 8 passes within 1 mile.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: Ample parking close by (not managed by English Heritage). Local parking charges apply for all castle visitors including Members.