Hurst Castle is at the seaward end of the shingle spit that extends 1.5 miles from Milford-On-Sea. The end of the spit is only three-quarters of a mile from the Isle of Wight.

The cast;e was an ideal location to defend the western approach to the Solent. The castle was built by Henry VIII as one of a chain of coastal fortresses and was completed in 1544.

Charles I was imprisoned here in 1648 before being taken to London to his trial and execution.

The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870’s when the enormous armoured wings were constructed. Two of the huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1870’s can be viewed in their casemates.

During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights.

Keyhaven

Keyhaven harbour

Panoramic view from Hurst Castle towards The Needles and the entrance to the Solent

The Needles viewed from Hurst Castle Spit

Keyhaven yacht club looking towards the Isle of Wight and Hurst Castle