Top 4 Castles around Portsmouth
Castles around Portsmouth offer a glimpse into centuries of history, situated in a city known for its naval heritage and coastal location. Portsmouth, a port city and naval base, is located primarily on Portsea Island, with its historic dockyard and fortifications reflecting its strategic importance. The surrounding area features a mix of urban and natural landscapes, including the Solent strait and nearby countryside.
Best castles around Portsmouth
- The most popular castles is Southsea Castle, a viewpoint that was built in 1544 by King Henry VIII to protect against invasion. It features a cafe, restaurant, and museum, with free entry to the castle.
- Another must-see spot is Southsea Castle and the Normandy Memorial Wall, a man-made monument. This artillery fort, also constructed by Henry VIII, offers an exhibition on Portsmouth's fortifications and Henry VIII's time.
- Visitors also love Fort Southwick and Lord Nelson Monument, a castle that played an important role in D-Day planning. While the fort is now used for offices, it serves as a waypoint for routes along Portsdown Hill.
- Portsmouth is known for its historical fortifications, Tudor-era castles, and artillery forts. Visitors can explore sites ranging from ancient defensive structures to those with modern historical significance.
- The castles around Portsmouth are appreciated by the komoot community, with 15 upvotes and 2 photos shared by users.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
The Square Tower
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Southsea Castle
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Southsea Castle and the Normandy Memorial Wall
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View of Portchester Castle and Harbour
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The Square Tower is one of the oldest surviving parts of Portsmouth's fortifications, built to defend the city and harbour. Though it has gone through a number of usage changes, the tower still maintains a number of its original Tudor features.Built in 1494, during the reign of Henry VII, it was originally a fortified residence for the governor of Portsmouth. It has subsequently been used to first store gunpowder and then meat for the Royal Navy.The Square Tower in Old Portsmouth, Hampshire, has always been an amazing venue for all celebrations, but now it is even better. The Square Tower hides two truly exceptional halls, within its Tardis like construction, which you can hire for your event. There is even a stage area, should you need it and tower's vaulted roofs help create fantastic acoustics and atmosphere.The Square Tower offers the perfect historic setting for weddings, corporate events, drama and music events.They are fully licenced to host weddings, civil ceremonies, plays, films, live music and to serve alcoholic drinks from 9am to 10pm, seven days a week.The Square Tower is not open to the general public on a daily basis, but please check our 'Whats On' section for details of regular events.
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On the southern tip of the island of Portsea is a castle built in 1544-1545 under Henry VIII. It was part of the fortifications that were supposed to protect the ports on the south and east coasts. The main tower surrounded by a dry moat is essentially Tudor style. The castle features an exhibition on Portsmouth's fortifications, Henry VIII's time and the Civil War.
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The artillery fort at Southsea Castle was originally constructed by Henry VIII in 1544. Open April-October with free entry but the courtyard is open and interesting to visit at any time of year.
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The path is away from the road, but it can be a bit narrow for walkers and bikes together. There is often a good wind coming in from the sea. There are several seats along the path and it's worth stopping to take in the view.
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A nice cafe/restaurant and museum within the castle. Free entry to the castle and worth climbing the battlements for great views.
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Southsea Castle was built in 1544 as part of a series of fortifications constructed by King Henry VIII to protect against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire. Soon after the fort was completed, Henry stood inside and watched his flagship, the Mary Rose, sink at the Battle of the Solent against the French in July 1545. These days, the fort is a popular tourist attraction. For more information, visit: https://southseacastle.co.uk.
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avoid the traffic on the A27 and use the national cycle way here!
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nice place to chill, ice cream van too ;)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far are the castles from the center of Portsmouth?
The castles mentioned are generally located within or very close to Portsmouth itself. For example, Southsea Castle and The Square Tower are situated directly in Portsmouth, making them easily accessible within the city.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Portsmouth?
Yes, several castles are great for families. Southsea Castle is a popular choice, offering a museum and free entry. Southsea Castle and the Normandy Memorial Wall is also considered family-friendly, with its courtyard open year-round. You can also get great views of Portchester Castle, which is family-friendly, from the viewpoint of View of Portchester Castle and the Boat Dry Stack.
Which castles near Portsmouth are wheelchair accessible?
Southsea Castle and the Normandy Memorial Wall is noted as being wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to explore the historical site. For specific accessibility details at other locations, it's always best to check their individual websites.
Can I find cafes or restaurants at castles near Portsmouth?
Yes, Southsea Castle features both a cafe and a restaurant, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy refreshments during their visit. It also has a museum.
Are there any historical castle ruins or ancient fortifications to explore near Portsmouth?
While not strictly ruins, Portsmouth is rich in historical fortifications. The Square Tower, built in 1494, is one of the oldest surviving parts of Portsmouth's defenses, offering a glimpse into Tudor-era architecture. Southsea Castle and Fort Southwick are also significant historical sites, with the latter playing a key role in D-Day planning.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Portsmouth's castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, mountain biking routes, and cycling paths. For example, Fort Southwick serves as a waypoint for routes along Portsdown Hill, offering scenic views and opportunities for walks and rides.
What is the best time of year to visit castles near Portsmouth?
The period from April to October is generally ideal for visiting, as many attractions, including the exhibition at Southsea Castle and the Normandy Memorial Wall, are fully open. However, the courtyards and exteriors of many castles, like Southsea Castle, are accessible year-round, offering historical insights even in the off-season.
Are any castles near Portsmouth open during winter?
While some indoor exhibitions might have seasonal closures, the courtyards and exteriors of castles like Southsea Castle and the Normandy Memorial Wall are typically open and interesting to visit at any time of year. The Square Tower is primarily an event venue, so public access depends on scheduled events, which can occur year-round.
Are there less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles to visit near Portsmouth?
While Southsea Castle is popular, exploring the lesser-known aspects of sites like The Square Tower, with its rich history as a fortified residence, can offer a unique experience. Although Fort Southwick is now used for offices, its historical significance in D-Day planning makes it an interesting, perhaps less crowded, waypoint for those exploring Portsdown Hill.
What is the historical significance of the castles in the Portsmouth area?
The castles around Portsmouth are deeply rooted in England's naval and defensive history. Many, like Southsea Castle, were built by Henry VIII in the 16th century to protect against invasion. The Square Tower dates back to Henry VII's reign, serving as an early fortification. Later, sites like Fort Southwick played crucial roles in 20th-century events, such as the D-Day planning, highlighting the continuous strategic importance of the area.
Can I visit castles near Portsmouth using public transport?
Portsmouth has a comprehensive public transport network, including buses, which can take you to areas close to the castles. Southsea Castle and The Square Tower are located within Portsmouth itself, making them relatively accessible by local bus services. For specific routes and schedules, it's best to check local transport provider websites.
Are there dog-friendly castles near Portsmouth?
While specific indoor areas of castles may have restrictions, many outdoor areas and surrounding grounds are often dog-friendly. For instance, the exterior grounds around Southsea Castle and the coastal paths nearby are popular for dog walking. Always check individual castle policies before visiting with your dog.
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