Portchester Castle
Last Updated on February 21, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
Things to do at Portchester Castle review
Portchester Castle is a medieval fortress located in Portchester, near Fareham in Hampshire. The site is maintained by English Heritage and the keep was built around the late 11th century. The monarchy controlled the castle for several centuries. The castle has a commanding position at the head of Portsmouth harbour.
The castle is one of the most impressive and best-preserved of Saxon shore forts. Today you can explore the keep and enjoy some breath-taking views across the Solent. Plus there is an exhibition that tells the stories of the prisoners that once lived here in a prisoner of war camp. It housed up to 8.000 prisoners during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.
There is a cute mock-up theatre that you can use. There was once a theatre on-site that was run by the prisoners of war between 1810 and 1814. The site has no formal gardens but there are 9 acres of grass in the outer Bailey which is ideal for picnicking. There is an outer walk that circles the castle and enjoys views of the harbour ad coastline. You can download an audio guide to your phone.
FAQ and Further Information Portchester Castle
Is there food and drink available?
A small selection of snacks, hot and cold drinks are sold on-site. There is also a tearoom at the nearby church. You are welcome to bring a picnic.
What are the main things to do?
Largely ruined castle with a keep you can climb and explore, plus an exhibition and a mock-up theatre. There are no toilets. The closest toilets are located in the car park outside the castle walls.
What are the ticket prices?
*free, or mid-rangeu003cbru003e*Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online. *free, for members of English Heritage or mid-range for nonmembers. An adult ticket costs £7.90 without donation, children 5-17 £4.70. Other pricing options including family tickets are available.
Is there parking?
There is a free, car park.
When are they open?
Portchester Castle is open for most of the year with some closure mid-week during autumn and winter. For up to date opening times and dates u003ca href=u0022https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/portchester-castle/prices-and-opening-times/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eplease visit their websiteu003c/au003e.
Dog friendly?
Dogs on leads are welcome in some of the grounds but not everywhere.
Are they accessible?
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