VISIT PORTCHESTER CASTLE WITH ENGLISH HERITAGE MEMBERSHIP
- Up to 6 Kids go free
- Free Parking at English Heritage
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TICKETS & PRICES
Adults: £8.60
Children 5-17 Years: £5.00
Families (2 adults, up to 3 Children): £22.20
Families (1 adult, up to 3 Children): £13.60
Quick Navigation
- Visiting Portchester Castle
- History of Portchester Castle
- Portchester Castle Images
- Portchester Castle Occupants
- Portchester Castle Q&A & Facts
- Portchester Castle Location / Directions
- Places too Stay
- Portchester Castle Events
- Portchester Castle Architecture
- What to do and see at Portchester Castle
- Other Places to Visit near Portchester Castle
Visiting Portchester Castle
Portchester Castle served as a Roman fort during the 3rd century as a defence from Saxon pirates and was later used as a prison. Located in Portchester, the Roman walls still stand, and the site is open to visitors. Tickets are available here to explore this incredible historic landmark operated by English Heritage.
Parking
There are approximately 100 parking spaces available just outside of the castle walls, within 200 metres (656 feet) from the front entrance of the fortress. Additional parking is available less than 1.6 kilometres from the castle on Castle Street at PO16 9UZ. Keep in mind, this parking accommodation is a ten minute walk from the castle grounds.
Price
Admission fees for Portchester Castle vary depending on the season. As such, visitors should use the calendar on the English Heritage website to determine exact ticket prices.
Tickets are available for purchase online or on-site. When purchasing tickets for Portchester Castle online, they may be purchased up to 8:45 a.m. on the day of admission. Online purchases qualify for a 10 percent advanced booking discount. On-site purchases are not eligible for this discount. Tickets purchased on-site are subject to availability.
For reference, the table below includes prices for May (including the advanced booking discount) during non-peak times. Peak periods may lead to an increase in ticket prices.
|
Ticket Type |
With Donation |
Without Donation |
|
English Heritage Members |
Free |
Free |
|
Adult |
£9.50 ($11.83) |
£8.60 ($10.71) |
|
Child (5-17 Years) |
£5.50 ($6.85) |
£5.00 ($6.23) |
|
Students (with Valid Student ID) |
£8.50 ($10.58) |
£7.70 ($9.59) |
|
Family (2 Adults, Up to 3 Children) |
£24.50 ($30.51) |
£22.20 ($27.65) |
|
Family (1 Adult, Up to 3 Children) |
£15.00 ($18.68) |
£13.60 ($16.94) |
|
Senior (65+ Years) |
£8.50 ($10.58) |
£7.70 ($9.59) |
Overseas visitors may purchase an Overseas Visitors Pass to save on admission to Portchester Castle and various other English Heritage sites. Prices vary depending on the package. See the Overseas Visitors Pass page for more information.
Opening
Portchester Castle is open year-round from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The site does occasionally close during weekdays, particularly during the late fall, winter, and early spring months. To ensure you’re visiting on a date when the castle is open to the public, visit the English Heritage website to view the Porchester Castle calendar. The calendar is updated on a weekly basis.
Location and Access
The exact address of Portchester Castle is Church Road, Portchester, Hampshire, PO16 9QW. To access this area via satellite navigation, you can use the following coordinates:
- Latitude: 50.837415
- Longitude: -1.114906
Visitors on the southside of Portchester looking to access the castle via car may do so from A27 using Junction 11 on M27.
Public bus access is also available using First Service 3, which brings visitors within .4 kilometres (¼ mi) of the castle grounds.
The nearest train station is Portchester Train Station, about 1.44 kilometres (.9 mi) from Portchester Castle. It’s a three minute drive or a twenty minute walk from Portchester Train Station to the castle.
While some parts of the castle grounds are handicap accessible, this is a historic, ruinous site. As such, there are various uneven surfaces, low walls, narrow pathways, steep staircases, and slippery stones. Visitors must be vigilant and careful when exploring the grounds.
The grounds of Portchester Castle may be used for kite flying, all playing, hiking, or walks around the path that encircles the fortress. The coastline offers breathtaking views of the natural harbour.
Know Before You Go
- Bank holidays are the busiest days for visiting Portchester Castle. The least busy times are non-holiday weekdays before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m.
- Seating is provided in the form of benches throughout the grounds. Visitors can also bring their own food and drink to host a scenic picnic. Picnic blankets may be placed throughout any of the nine acres of grass in the castle's Inner Bailey. Barbecue grills and tents are not permitted.
- There are no on-site toilet facilities. However, visitors will find handicap accessible toilet facilities in the parking area just outside of the castle entrance.
- Braille guides are available on the castle grounds. There are also large-print boards. However, there are many areas with low-lighting.
- Dogs, including assistance dogs, are allowed at Portchester Castle. They must be kept on a lead at all times. Located on the grounds are two water taps and dog bowls throughout the site.
Portchester Castle Events
From time to time, Portchester Castle hosts events on the castle grounds. These events vary, but in the past have included movie screenings based on the history of the fortress, comedy shows, and live performances. Occasionally, there are ghost walks. These events are regularly shared on the Portchester Castle events page on the English Heritage website.
Places To Stay Nearby
Portsmouth Port Solent
3.38 km (2.1 mi) northeast
This Premier Inn lodging facility offers double, twin, family, and accessible units, as well as an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tea and coffee amenities, a vanity area, hairdryer, shower, and complimentary WiFi are provided.
Travelodge Portsmouth
8.36 km (5.2 mi) southeast
Visitors planning to travel to Portchester Castle by car can arrive within 10 minutes from Travelodge Portsmouth. This cosy accommodation provides standard, family, and double twin accessible rooms including a shower, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, charging ports, and 30 minutes of free WiFi or 24 hours for £3 ($3.74).
Red Lion Hotel
4.99 km (3.1 mi) northwest
This historic quaint hotel hails from the 18th century and provides guests with a place to sleep, a pub to enjoy, and a restaurant to indulge in before exploring the nearby attractions. Guests will enjoy complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee facilities, a hairdryer, and a clothes iron. The restaurant and bar offer delicious ales, snacks, and small meals.
History of Portchester Castle
Portchester Castle has a rich history dating back to 285 AD. The grounds were the site of a Roman fort, Saxon settlement, and later, a Norman castle. The castle was in the hands of the monarchy from 1154 to 1632 before being used by the government as a prisoner-of-war camp.
Time Line
- 3rd Century AD (Roman Fort)
The Romans were the first to build on the modern day site of Portchester Castle. Here, they constructed a fort to protect themselves from Saxon pirates. Based on the dating of coins excavated on the castle grounds, it’s believed the fort was established around 285 AD at the command of Emperor Diocletian.
- 5th Century AD (Saxon Settlement)
Excavation indicates signs of a Saxon settlement beginning in the 5th century.
- 904 AD (Burh)
The Anglo-Saxons continued occupying the fort. Around 904 AD, the fort passed into the hands of the King of the Anglo-Saxons, Edward the Elder. From there, the fort became a “burh,” or a settlement made to protect against Viking invasions.
- 1086 AD (Three Manors)
During the early part of the 11th century, three manors were established on the grounds. Around this time, the site was given to William Maudi, a Norman. Maudit added a protective palisade around the Inner Bailey and began construction on the Keep.
- 1100 AD (Rebuilding of the Keep)
During the early to mid-12th century, the castle Keep was rebuilt in stone and its height increased.
- 1128 AD (Establishment of Priory)
Pont de I’Arche established an Augustinian monastery within the castle walls.
- 1150 AD (Priory Vacates)
The Augustinian priory community left the castle and transitioned to nearby Southwick. As such, the residential buildings that housed the monastery were demolished. However, the original church still stands today as St. Mary’s Parish.
- 1153 AD (First Documentation)
Portchester Castle was officially documented. Henry of Anjou (who later became Henry II) gave the castle to Henry Maudit. However, Henry II would take the castle back only a year later.
- 1320 (Remodelling and War Preparation)
Growing tensions caused Edward II to prepare the castle for war to protect against a French invasion. He ordered the remodelling of the main gates and fortified the Keep. Other structures within the castle were remodelled and the gatehouses were lengthened.
- 1335 (Damaged By Sea)
Despite Edward II’s remodelling and war preparation, the castle was in poor condition by 1335. The south end of the castle had considerable damage from the ocean.
- 1350-1360s (Castle Repaired)
It took nearly twenty years for the damage to the castle to be repaired. During this time, the rotting floors, crumbling buildings, and damaged walls were restored.
- 1396-1399 (Royal Apartments Constructed)
Richard II was quite fond of the castle, but wanted more lavish accommodations. As such, the castle was remodelled during this time, with various luxurious apartments constructed within the Inner Bailey.
- 1415 (Invasion of France Launched)
Henry V had quite the time during his stay at Portchester Castle. It was here that he officially declared war against France by beginning an invasion. He would go on to achieve victory in October at Agincourt. It was also at Portchester Castle where he found out about secret plans to have him murdered. He confronted the men who set out to kill him. They were tried, found guilty, and subsequently executed.
- 1603 (Elizabeth II Holds Court)
Elizabeth I found the castle in disrepair, but decided it was worthy of being fixed. By 1603, the castle had been repaired enough for her to hold court within its walls. The Inner Bailey was again remodelled, with the addition of four rooms.
- 1632 (Loss of Royal Control)
After spending hundreds of years under control of the monarchy, the castle was later sold to Sir William Uvedale. The transaction was made by Charles I.
- 1665 (Establishment as a Prisoner-of-War Camp)
Although the castle was in the hands of a private owner, the government paid the owners for its use. During this time, it was used to house enemy soldiers as England battled the Netherlands. Prisoners were held within the confines of the church, which was heavily damaged after inmates set it ablaze.
- 1740-1748 (War of Austrian Succession)
Portchester Castle remained a prison for over a hundred years. During the War of Austrian Succession, it housed an additional 2,000+ prisoners.
- 1793-1815 (French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars)
The French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars marked the peak height of Portchester Castle’s run as a prison. During these years, it held nearly 8,000 inmates. It was one of the most commonly used war prisons in Britain during this period.
- 1796 (Prisoners Brought from Caribbean)
Continuing its streak as a prison, Portchester Castle served as the jail for thousands of Caribbean inmates in 1796.
- 1814 (Last Prisoners Leave Portchester)
The last of Portchester Castle’s prisoners left the prison.
- 1819 (Army Abandons Castle)
As tensions died down, the government and army no longer had any use for the castle. As such, it was abandoned and returned to the owners. The Thistlethwayte family owned it during this time, descendants of Sir William Uvedale.
- 19th Century (Tourist Attraction)
At the turn of the 19th century, Portchester Castle became a popular tourist destination for people living in and around Portsmouth. People travelled to the area to enjoy entertainment, including live theatre performances.
- 1926 (Restoration)
The castle was recognized as an ancient monument under the Ministry of Works. They cleaned up the site, restored the walls, and dug out the original moats.
- 1984 to Present (English Heritage Site)
Portchester Castle came under the care of English Heritage, where it remains a popular English Heritage site.
Portchester Castle Occupants
- 904 AD: King Edward the Elder, King of the Anglo-Saxons, used the original Roman fort to protect against Viking assaults.
- Late 11th Century: After the Norman Conquest, the castle was passed to William Maudit who erected the first buildings on the site, as well as the beginning of the Keep. After his death, Robert Maudit passed the castle on to his child, Robert Maudit.
- 1120: William Pont de I’Arche married Robert Maudit’s daughter. As such, when Robert Maudit passed away, Pont de I’Arche inherited the castle (by marriage) a few years after his death.
- 1154: King Henry II granted the castle to Henry Maudit, a descendant of William Maudit, before becoming King. However, he would rescind possession of the castle only a year later when he took the throne, along with multiple other castles. Though King Henry II did not occupy the castle, he spent a great deal of time on its grounds.
- 1204: King John greatly enjoyed the site of Portchester Castle. He regularly stayed at the castle, using it as a lodging facility whenever he would hunt in the area.
- 1307: King Edward II occupied the castle for some time, though he didn’t frequently stay there. He spent thousands on repairing the castle over a span of six years in anticipation of a French attack, also assembling over 15,000 troops before leaving for France to fight the Battle of Crécy.
- 1396: The royal apartments were built for Richard II.
- 1415: As he prepared to head out for war in France, King Henry V occupied Portchester Castle. It was within the castle walls that he discovered a plot to have him murdered. He called out the three men who wished him dead, and they were executed a month later.
- 1535: Queen Anne Boleyn occupied the castle in 1535. Henry VII made a trip to visit Queen Anne Boleyn during this time. This marked the first time in over 100 years that a monarch on the throne visited Portchester Castle.
- 1603: Elizabeth I occupied the castle during this time and held court on the grounds. It was remodelled beforehand, with multiple rooms added. There is official documentation referencing the changes to the castle during this time.
- 1632-1814: Sir William Uvedale came into possession of the castle in 1632. Though he did not occupy the castle, it would go on to house thousands of prisoners over the next few centuries.
Portchester Castle Architecture
General Layout
Portchester Castle is a mediaeval fortress that began as a Roman fort. There are imposing walls, towers, and ditches surrounding the grounds. The Great Tower is the focal point of the site, as it towers high above the courtyard.
Original Layout
Outer Bailey
When the Romans first occupied the area, the space was used as a fort. The Romans erected symmetrical walls made of flint, limestone, and brick. Between each Roman wall stood a gate. Along the outer perimeter of the walls, there were originally 20 evenly spaced towers. The Roman walls were the main defence for the Outer Bailey.
Inner Ward
The Inner Ward was originally defended by a wooden fence and moat. During the time that the Romans used the fort, there were wooden houses, workshops, and animal pens inside the walls, as discovered during excavation.
Keep
The Norman Keep was erected during the 12th century, along with latrines and a well. The keep was designed primarily for fortification, though comfortable royal apartments were added later on.
Church
By 1128, the Augustinian monastery was established inside the castle, though it was later moved to Southwick and the remaining buildings demolished, except for what is today known as St. Mary’s Church.
Inner Bailey
The grounds of the Inner Bailey once housed apartments in the 1300s. There was a constable’s quarters, a Great Hall (where people gathered to eat and celebrate) and several kitchens. Lamps lined the walls of the Great Hall for lighting.
The Great Tower
Perhaps the most striking part of the castle is the Great Tower. Built in 1130, stood high above the castle grounds and held some of Portchester Castle’s most prominent rooms, including the royal apartments. It featured a magnificent spiral staircase that provided access to all floors of the tower.
Modern Layout
Today, the original Roman walls stand approximately 6.1 metres (20 feet), although the tops of the towers date later than the Roman era. The gates between the walls were reconstructed around the 14th century. There are no longer any remnants of the timber buildings used during the 5th century.
St. Mary’s Parish, the only building remaining from the priory, is an architectural sight to behold. Though it is a simple nave (the central church building where people congregate), it is elaborate in its design. Visitors will observe traditional Norman archways, ornate windows (including a Victorian window), and an Elizabethan roof. There are also various old memorials hanging throughout the church.
In the Inner Bailey, guests can observe the ruins of the 1300s apartments and Great Hall. Lamp brackets still line the walls of this area.
The Great Tower stands 30 metres (98.4 feet) high. From 1799 to 1815, the tower was heavily altered to make room for prisoners.
Images of Portchester Castle
Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package
What Can I See During Visit to Portchester Castle?
- Guests can view a historic exhibition. On the ground floor of the Keep, guests can view excavated artefacts from the castle and learn more about its rich history. These artefacts hail from various periods dating back to the 3rd century BC. The exhibit is wheelchair accessible via a ramp and grass.
- The Portchester Castle gift shop offers snacks and hot and cold beverages for sale. There are also various souvenirs available for purchase.
- The St. Mary’s Parish church provides a tea room. This gorgeous church is the only remaining building from the original priory.
- Audio tours are available. Visitors hoping to indulge in Portchester Castle’s audio tours must bring a set of plug-and-play headphones. The tours are available in English and French.
- Informational boards are dotted throughout the site. Large-print informational boards detailing important historic information about the castle can be found along the castle grounds.
Portchester Castle Facts
- Portchester Castle is rumoured to have several ghostly spirits. Visitors exploring the ruins have reported the spirit of a woman dressed in black from head to toe, seemingly in mourning. She stays near one specific gravestone. There’s also the ghost of a monk who wanders around, fading as guests come near. Finally, there are reports of an English Civil War era ghost who trots through the castle grounds on horseback.
- The Black prisoners at Portchester were subjected to harsh conditions. Over 2,500 prisoners of war were brought to Portchester from the Caribbean, including women and children. Most of them were Black or mixed-race. The initial voyage caused many of them to become gravely ill. Upon arrival, they fared no better when exposed to the damp, wet conditions of Portchester. Some suffered from frostbite and even lost toes.
- French prisoners created a theatre. During the 1800s, French prisoners became bored and decided to keep themselves entertained by converting a room within the castle Keep into a makeshift theatre. As it turned out, this worked in their favour, with people actually coming out to watch the prisoners perform.
- It is one of the most well-preserved Roman forts in Northern Europe. The outlying defensive walls surrounding the grounds still stand today, hardly altered from when they were first erected in the 3rd century.
Portchester Castle Q&A
What is Portchester Castle Famous For?
Portchester Castle is famed for its intact Roman fort. The fort is one of the best preserved in the area, with its defensive walls little changed from when they were first erected. Additionally, the site is known for its function as a prison that housed thousands of prisoners from 1665 to 1814.
Is It Free to Visit Portchester Castle?
For English Heritage members, it is free to visit Portchester Castle. Non-members must pay a fee. Tickets start around £4.30 ($5.32) for a self-guided tour and cost varies depending on the type of ticket purchased (i.e., adult, child, student, family, etc.). Get a 10% discount by booking in advance.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Portchester Castle?
It takes at least two hours to explore all of the grounds of Portchester Castle. Some guests choose to stay an hour or two longer, especially if they plan on hosting a picnic on the site. Guests can expect a longer visit on Peak Days or Bank Holidays, as these days tend to be busiest.
What Happened to Portchester Castle?
Portchester Castle was abandoned by the government in 1819, as it was no longer needed as a prison. It passed back into the control of its owners and, eventually, was placed into the care of the Ministry of Works where it was restored. Today, the castle is under the care of English Heritage.
What Is Portchester Castle Used for Today?
Today, Portchester Castle is a popular tourist destination. The grounds are regularly used for picnicking, playing ball, taking scenic walks, and enjoying time outdoors. There is an operational church on-site as well. The site is also home to many events, including live shows and ghost walks.
Can You Take Pictures at Portchester Castle?
Visitors are permitted to take photographs at Portchester Castle. Those visiting for the sole purpose of filming or photography, however, should check with English Heritage in advance to familiarise themselves with restricted areas for photographs or video.
Drone flying is not permitted except for English Heritage partners and contractors (after prior authorization and the meeting of additional criteria).
For more information on photography and filming, check out the Filming Locations page.
Location of Portchester Castle
Portchester is a relatively small village, home to less than 20,000 inhabitants. It’s located in Hampshire, England, and is situated approximately 6.4 kilometres (4 mi) northwest of Portsmouth. The Castle Street suburb features many architecturally significant homes and buildings.
The area is well-known for watersports and other water-based activities, as it sits near Port Solent, one of the United Kingdom’s largest marinas.
Other Places To Visit Near Portchester Castle
Fort Brockhurst
Located less than 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Portchester Castle, Fort Brockhurst is a mid-1800s fort. It was originally built as a means of protection from a French invasion for the city of Portsmouth. Today, much of the grounds are still intact, including gun ramps, a keep, moat, and armoury.
Southwick Priory
The original Augustinian priory was established on the grounds of Portchester Castle, but eventually moved to nearby Southwick, about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) away. Visitors can view the ruins of the priory walls and earthworks.
King James’s Gate and Landport Gate
In Portsmouth, visitors can view King James’s Gate, a large stonework gate that once controlled access to the town. The original gate was moved and has since lost much of its original stonework, though the sight is still rather breathtaking to see.
Landport Gate, however, was built in 1760, and replaced the main access gates. It is still in its original position and maintains much of its original architecture.
Sources
- English Heritage: Portchester Castle - Directions
- English Heritage: Portchester Castle - Prices and Opening Times
- Visit Portsmouth: Portchester Castle
- Facebook: Portchester Castle Events - The Ancestors | First Look
- ENTS24: Ghastly Ghost Walk with Celebrity Psychic Marcus Starr
- Facebook: Portchester Castle Events: The Recruiting Officer