Southsea Castle |
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Southsea Castle was built by Henry VIII between 1544 and 1545 to protect Portsmouth against possible French invasion. Its revolutionary design provided for the most efficient use of guns in attack or defence now that artillery dominated warfare.
In the early 19th century, the castle was substantially altered to accommodate extra guns and a larger garrison of 200 men. The most significant addition of this period was an underground tunnel around the moat, which you can still enter. The castle was only withdrawn from active service in 1960.
In our amazing Time Tunnel the Ghost of the Castle's first master gunner guides you through the most dramatic scenes from the castle's eventful history: experience the wrath of King Henry VIII in 1544, share the drunken civil war captain's horror when he learns the enemy are at the Castle gates and feel the damp and cold of the Victorian prison cells.
Wheelchair access to courtyard and ground floor galleries only.
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Opening Times
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(2007 times)
April to September Mon - Sun 10.00am - 5.30pm. October 10.00am - 5.00pm.
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Admission Charges
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(2007 prices)
Adult £3.50; Senior Citizen £3.00; Child / Student £2.50.Family ticket £9.50. |
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Directions
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By Road: M27/M275 into Portsmouth, follow Seafront symbol then Southsea Castle on Brown signposts. Or A3(M), A27, A2030 follow Seafront symbol then Southsea Castle on Brown signposts. By Rail: Portsmouth Harbour Station. Number 6 bus to Palmerston Road (shopping area) then 7 minute walk. |
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Southsea Castle Postcode for SatNav: PO5 3PA |
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Nearby Attractions
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Portsmouth City Museum & Records Office
(1 Mile)*
The City Museum's main display is The Story of Portsmouth. Starting in the first gallery, the story is introduced by an audio visual history of the city. |
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Mary Rose Exhibition
(2 Miles)*
During action in 1545, Henry VIII's favourite warship, the Mary Rose, sank in the Solent with over 400 men on board. 437 years later, the world held its breath as she was finally recovered. |
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Royal Marines Museum
(2 Miles)*
The Royal Marines Museum, winner of Tourism South East's 2008 "Best Small Visitor Attraction of the Year" award, is in what was one of the most stately Officers' Messes in England. |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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