Hurst Castle Opens Village Shop

click image to enlarge

Situated proudly at the end of Hurst Spit, Hurst Castle is an important historical site and the main tourist attraction for Milford on Sea. The team now have a new village shop (previously Ellis Hairdressers), which now provides information and tickets for Hurst Castle and the range of enjoyable boat trips they are able to offer to Yarmouth and around The Solent. 

Hurst Castle is owned by English Heritage, however, the day to day operation has been managed by Hurst Ferries for decades. Hurst Ferries is a company run by a born & bred Milford on Sea family led by Sean, Mary and Jason. (Some may know that Sean is currently unwell, and the family thanks everyone who have sent their good wishes.) 

Whilst most people will know about Hurst Castle, fewer will know about the other seafaring services the team can offer. Such as, the ferry from Keyhaven to the Isle of Wight every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, scenic charter boat tours, and even regular ‘Rib Rides’ for individuals, private groups and children’s parties. The castle can also host weddings and private celebration parties.

The Hurst Castle Shop can now provide information and tickets for the castle and all the available boat trips. there is also a colourful display of local art, all done by village artists and available for people to buy. 

Hurst Castle itself has so much to explore for adults and children alike. Originally built by Henry VIII as a fortress to commands the narrow entrance to the Solent, it has also been the prison of Charles I, and served as a military garrison during WW1 & WW2 with many wartime guns and artefacts to discover. The castle also has what may be the only remaining NAAFI Garrison Theatre, which continues to host shows right up to today. Indeed, their next musical hall show ‘Lest We Forget Show’ is being performed on Saturday 6th September.

The ferry trip to the castle is a charming and gentle ride through Keyhaven Harbour and when you reach the castle you are blessed with great views of the Isle of Wight. It is no surprise that Hurst Castle has won a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2014. The 4.5 Star rating shows that the castle is proving as popular as ever, with new people and families still discovering the interesting contents and unique location, after enjoying the 1.5 mile walk along Hurst Spit, or the more relaxing ferry ride to get there. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome both on the ferry and in the castle.

Once at the castle the tea shop provides welcome refreshments and the Hurst Lighthouse adds another attraction and excellent photo opportunity.

Hurst Castle Opening Times 

Now to September: 10.30am to 5.30pm

Entry: Adult £4.50 : Child £2.60 : Senior £4.20 (season tickets available)

Ferries from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle

10am from Keyhaven and last boat 5.30pm from Hurst Castle. (Run approx. every 20 minutes.)

Returns: Adults £5.50 : Child £3

Singles: Adult £3.50 : Child £2

Ferries to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Depart Keyhaven Quay: 10.30am or 1pm 

Depart Yarmouth: 1.45pm or 4pm 

Return Fares: Adult £12 : Child £6

Adventure Rib Rides

Please pop in to discover the range of rides available.

Hurst Castle

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

Shop: 01590 642500 | Castle: 01590 642344