Southsea Castle

Built in 1544, Southsea 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.

The Castle has had many other uses besides defence. For a while it was a military prison. A lighthouse was built in the 1820s, and is still in use by shipping today. In 1960 the Castle left military service. It was acquired by Portsmouth City Council, which restored the Castle to its 19th Century appearance.

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Venue Details

Address

Clarence Esplanade Southsea
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO5 3PA
England

Links

Telephone

  • 023 9284 1625

Entry Charges

Free admission.

Discounts Offered

 
  • Opening Hours

    Open Tuesday – Sunday, and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10.00am – 5.00pm, April – October.
    Closed on Mondays (except for Bank Holidays).
    Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
    Please note: Some areas of Southsea Castle may be closed or inaccessible for operational purposes.

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  • Venue Services
    • Academic publications and resources available
    • Activities for pre-school children
    • Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
    • Events and resources for children and families
    • Events/teaching/resources for people with disabilities
    • Large print information and/or interpretation
    • Loan service
    • Member of staff available with responsibility for education
    • Pre-booking service for groups
    • Primary school education service available
    • Printed/audio-visual information available for schools
    • Secondary school education service available
    • Specialist publications on collections available
  • Venue Facilities
    • Baby changing facilities
    • Education facilities available
    • Facilities for private functions and events
    • Parking for coaches
    • Parking for disabled available
    • Picnic area
    • Reception and lunch facilities for educational groups
    • Shop
    • Wheelchair access to some public areas
    • Wheelchairs available for loan
    • Cafeteria

At a glance

Clarence Esplanade Southsea
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO5 3PA
England

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