Carisbrooke Castle
Step back in time at England's most romantic castle. Discover royal history, meet the famous donkeys, and walk the ancient walls where a king was once imprisoned.
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Visit Carisbrooke Castle, explore its battlements, see where Charles I tried to escape, and meet the famous Carisbrooke Donkeys.
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Carisbrooke Castle is the quintessential romantic English castle, steeped in a thousand years of history. As you cross the bridge over the dry moat and pass through the magnificent gatehouse, you're entering a world of knights, princesses, and even a captive king. Famous as the prison of King Charles I before his execution, the castle's story is one of intrigue and power. Climb the steep steps to the Norman keep for breathtaking panoramic views across the Isle of Wight, walk the complete circuit of the high castle walls, and meet the castle's most beloved residents: the Carisbrooke donkeys, who have been drawing up water from the well-house for centuries. With its fascinating museum, tranquil chapel, and the beautiful Princess Beatrice Garden, a visit to Carisbrooke offers a captivating day out for history buffs, families, and anyone seeking a connection to England's dramatic past.
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The best time to visit is during the late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, the gardens are beautiful, and the crowds are smaller than in the peak summer months of July and August. However, a summer visit offers the best chance of a clear day for spectacular views.
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential as you will be on your feet for several hours and navigating uneven stone surfaces and steps|Dress in layers, as the English weather can be unpredictable. A waterproof jacket is always a wise addition, even on a sunny day|It can be windy on top of the castle walls, so a windbreaker or extra layer is recommended.
The site of Carisbrooke Castle has been fortified since pre-Roman times. A Saxon fort existed here to defend against Viking raids. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, a motte-and-bailey castle was constructed. It was significantly rebuilt in stone in the 12th century and continually updated over the centuries to resist new forms of attack. Its most famous period came in 1647-48 when it served as the prison for King Charles I, making it a pivotal location in the English Civil War. Later, it became the home of Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria's youngest daughter.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the ticket or tour provider you book with through our platform. Many of our partners, like GetYourGuide, offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity. Please check the specific policy for the option you select before completing your purchase.
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Real experiences from real travelers
What a fantastic castle! We spent nearly four hours here and could have stayed longer. The history is palpable, especially the connection to Charles I. The highlight for my kids was, of course, seeing the donkeys work the well. The views from the top are worth every single step. Booking online was easy and meant we walked straight in.
A very well-preserved castle with so much to explore. The wall walk is fantastic and gives you a real sense of the castle's defenses. The museum is small but very informative. My only small critique is that the café was very busy, but we found a lovely spot for a picnic on the grounds. A great piece of English history.
As an American tourist, this was exactly the kind of history I came to England to see. The story of King Charles I's imprisonment here is fascinating, and the castle does a great job of telling it. The grounds are beautiful, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend getting the audio guide to get the most out of your visit.
A wonderful experience. Carisbrooke feels less like a ruin and more like a complete castle. Walking the ramparts was my favorite part, the views are superb. And the donkeys... they are just as charming as everyone says! A perfect afternoon. We booked our family ticket online through a partner site and it saved us time and a little money.
Took the family here while on holiday. It's a great place to let the kids run around and absorb some history without even realizing it. They loved the bowling green where King Charles played and were fascinated by the donkeys. It's an old castle, so be prepared for lots of walking and steps. A solid day out.
This castle is a true gem. The preservation is incredible. I loved the tranquil atmosphere of the Princess Beatrice Garden and the little chapel. It felt like stepping into a storybook. The panoramic view from the keep is something I will not forget. Easy to book, easy to visit, and full of history.
I was impressed by how much there was to do. It's not just walls and a keep. The museum is excellent, the gardens are lovely, and the donkey demonstrations add a unique touch. We spent half a day here and it was the highlight of our trip to the Isle of Wight. Don't miss it!
A very picturesque castle with a rich history. A great place for photography. The walk around the walls provides many different angles of the castle and the surrounding countryside. It can get crowded, so I recommend going early in the day as we did. Booking in advance is a good idea.
Everything you need to know for your journey
We recommend allowing at least 2 to 3 hours for a thorough visit. This gives you enough time to walk the castle walls, climb the keep, visit the museum, see the donkeys, and explore the gardens without rushing.
Yes, the donkeys are residents of the castle! Demonstrations of them working the 16th-century treadwheel to raise water from the well usually happen daily, but it's always a good idea to check the schedule on the English Heritage website for the specific day of your visit.
Carisbrooke Castle is famously known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned from 1647 to 1648 before his trial and execution. You can visit the rooms where he was held and see the bowling green created for his exercise, making it a key site in English Civil War history.
Absolutely! The castle is very family-friendly. Children love the open spaces to run around, the excitement of the castle walls, and especially meeting the famous donkeys. It's a living history lesson that's fun and engaging for all ages.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink. There are many beautiful spots on the castle green to enjoy a picnic. There is also an on-site café that serves a range of hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks.
Yes, there is a large pay-and-display car park located just outside the castle entrance. Be aware that this can get busy during peak season, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
Due to the nature of the historic site, accessibility is limited in some areas. The grounds, museum, and chapel are largely accessible. However, the wall walk and the keep involve steep, uneven steps and are not accessible for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility issues. Accessible toilets are available on site.
While you can often buy tickets at the gate, we highly recommend booking in advance online through one of our partners. This guarantees your entry, especially during busy holiday periods, and often allows you to bypass the main ticket queue, saving you valuable time.
Carisbrooke Castle is fantastic year-round. Summer offers the best chance for good weather to enjoy the grounds and views. Spring and Autumn provide a less crowded experience with beautiful seasonal colours. Even a misty winter day can add to the castle's atmospheric charm, but be sure to check for seasonal opening hours.
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