Southsea Castle is a coastal artillery fort built by Henry VIII to protect England’s southern coast. Today, it is a historical attraction offering insights into its military past and coastal defence history.
Henry VIII ordered the construction of Southsea Castle in 1544 as part of a chain of coastal defences. It was designed to protect against potential French and Spanish invasions. The castle was in use during several conflicts, including the English Civil War and the Napoleonic Wars. Over time, it was modified to accommodate advances in artillery, but it eventually became obsolete as a military fortification. The site was later used as a military prison and a signalling station before being restored and opened to the public.
The castle is linked to the sinking of the Mary Rose. Henry VIII watched his flagship sink from the battlements in 1545 during a battle against the French navy. Today, the castle is part of Portsmouth’s maritime heritage, offering a historical perspective on the city’s coastal defences.
![Southsea Castle in Portsmouth was built by Henry VIII to protect England against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire. (Photo: Geni [CC BY-SA 4.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/southsea-castle-portsmouth.jpg)
What to see at Southsea Castle
Visitors can explore the castle’s fortifications, including the ramparts and underground tunnels. The keep offers panoramic views of the Solent and the surrounding coastline. Inside, exhibitions cover the history of the castle, its role in national defence, and its connection to the Mary Rose.
The castle museum displays historical artefacts, weaponry, and information about the development of coastal defences. Interactive exhibits provide details about life in the castle and its strategic importance over the centuries. The tunnel system, once used for defensive purposes, is accessible to visitors.
![Southsea Castle in Portsmouth, Hampshire (Photo: Matty Ring [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/southsea-castle.jpg)
Visiting Southsea Castle
Southsea Castle is on Clarence Esplanade, overlooking the Solent. It is within walking distance of Southsea’s seafront attractions, including the D-Day Story, the Blue Reef Aquarium and Southsea Common.
Southsea Castle is open Tuesday to Sunday between April and October. It is only possible to visit the courtyard during winter.
Admission is free of charge.
Visitor facilities include a cafe in the courtyard, which is open all year round.
A visit shouldn’t take much longer than an hour.
We may earn a small commission if you book after clicking the links below.
There are no comments yet.