Top 3 Castles around Sway

Highcliffe Castle has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture, which flourished at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Its significance is recognised nationally by its Grade 1 status on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural and Historical Interest. The Castle was built between 1831 and 1836 and is the realisation of one man’s fantasy. That man was Lord Stuart de Rothesay. When he built it he was following in the footsteps of his grandfather the 3rd Earl of Bute, who had built an earlier mansion on the site during the 1770s. A keen botanist, Lord Bute created a scaled-down version of Kew. Perched on the edge of the cliff, on heathland with magnificent views out to sea, this house stood for only 38 years before land springs and sea erosion destabilised it. today the Castle is again a beautiful building – now for all to enjoy. Owned by the Council since 1977 and benefitting from English Heritage funding and two National Lottery grants (in the 1990s and 2010s), the Castle now hosts joyous weddings, stages a variety of productions, and hosts fairs, exhibitions and events throughout the year. It is a valued asset at the heart of the community and a popular tourist attraction. We welcomed BBC’s The Antiques Roadshow in 2012 and made an appearance more recently in Mr Selfridge on ITV.

As a Welshmen it is customary to flick the v's at an english castle. Don't ask me why, it just is.

This castle from 1547 at the mouth of the river yar protects the western part of the island. It was part of Henry VIII's coastal defenses. The square shape with points was one of the newest forms of fortress. On the first floor there is an exhibition about life in the harbor at the beginning of the 20 th century and about the different architectural styles of English castles from the Romanesque period.

Once you have paid the entrance fee to the Motor Museum, you can and should visit many other beautiful things, including this mansion. Well worth it! Ladies in Victorian costumes offered helpful tips

This spot offers a sneak peek into Rhinefield House which is a beautiful hotel/hospitality venue in the New Forest

Hurst Castle is an artillery fort established by Henry VIII between 1541 and 1544 to protect against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire. At the time, it was one of the most advanced artillery fortresses in England. Commanding the narrow entrance to the Solent, you are afforded stunning panoramic views from the fort. The site is now managed by English Heritage. For more information, visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hurst-castle.

Palace House is a fine country house nestled in idyllic countryside overlooking the Beaulieu River millpond. It was originally built in the 13th century as the gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey. In the 1800s, the house was extended and remodelled significantly and is now a good example of a Victorian manor. Palace House is Grade I-listed. For information, visit: https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/plan-your-visit.

It is an impressive and well-preserved facility. With a good view, the look is great to isle of white, especially to "The Needles Old Battery & New Battery"