Southsea Castle

31/05/2026

🏰 Join us for a fascinating guided tour of Southsea Castle!

Step back in time and discover the rich history of this iconic coastal fortress, built by Henry VIII to defend England's shores. Explore the castle's stories, architecture, and stunning views across the Solent.

📅 Sunday 7th June⏰ 1:00 PM📍 Southsea Castle

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about one of Portsmouth's most famous landmarks, we'd love to see you there.

25/05/2026

Exciting news for our youngest visitors! 🎉

Tomorrow we officially open our brand-new Games Room at the castle — a fun-filled space created especially for children and families to enjoy together.

From games and challenges to arts and crafts, there’s plenty to spark imagination, creativity, and adventure during your visit. Whether you’re building, colouring, creating, or playing, we can’t wait to welcome you in. 🏰✨

Make sure to stop by on your next visit and discover our newest family-friendly space!

21/05/2026

We are very excited to have King Henry VIII visit us next week.

You can meet and have a picture with him in the morning. In the afternoon he will give a series of talks on Henry’s relationship with France, Gross Tudor facts and the life of young Henry.

05/05/2026

Makers Markets are coming to Southsea Castle 🏰

🗓 Selected Sundays
⏰ 11am – 3:30pm

Free entry!

Calling all artists, designers & creative small business owners — we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch to be part of it: [email protected]

29/03/2026

Southsea Castle is reopening for the season from 1st April! ☀️🏰

Built by Henry VIII to defend the Solent, the castle famously witnessed the sinking of the Mary Rose in 1545 — a powerful moment in English history.

Explore the museum spaces, enjoy stunning coastal views, visit the castle shop, and make a day of it with lunch at the courtyard restaurant — perfect for families and little ones. 🌊✨

Castle shop, museum & ramparts open Tuesday - Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
The courtyard restaurant open daily

Who’s ready for sunny days by the sea?

20/03/2026

We get lots of visitors to Southsea Castle but this might be a first.

18/03/2026

Exciting news - thrilled to hear Portsmouth has made it in the UK City of Culture longlist!

We are Southsea Castle and we're backing Portsmouth's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Portsmouth Creates
We Are Pompey 2029
Portsmouth City Council
Department for Culture, Media and Sport

28/02/2026

Southsea Castle is hosting a rare opportunity to experience a soundbath on top of the castle overlooking the Solent.

The session will provide the unique chance to combine a sound meditation with this important historic building and the surrounding natural environment, creating a powerful dialogue and synergy between mind, body, stone and nature.

For details on tickets and to book visit the link below.

https://portsmouthmuseums.co.uk/events/soundbath-at-southsea-castle/

26/02/2026

Southsea Castle’s iconic lighthouse has been lit up for the first time since being taken out of use in 2017 thanks to the addition of a new contemporary artwork by Turner Prize nominee Nathan Coley.

In this video we take a look at the history of the castle and find out more about the artwork.

The project was supported by funding from Arts Council England

Filmed created by Port of Call Media and commissioned by Portsmouth City Council

Southsea Castle’s iconic lighthouse has been lit up for the first time since being taken out of use in 2017 thanks to the addition of a new contemporary artw...

20/02/2026

📣VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY📣

We are looking for volunteers to join our team and enhance the experience of visitors to Southsea Castle by interpreting the galleries, directing visitors around the site and supporting the day to day running of the castle.

Do you want to volunteer at the Castle where King Henry VIII saw the Mary Rose sink? If the answer is yes, details on how to apply are below....

https://southseacastle.co.uk/get-involved/volunteer/