Things to see and do at Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle is a fascinating, varied place to visit. Use this page to find out more about the different attractions on offer, including the castle itself, its animal residents, the gorgeous garden, the on-site museum and the all-important tearoom.
Conquer the castle
Come and play bowls on the green used by a defeated king. Carisbrooke Castle is where King Charles I was imprisoned following the English Civil War. Can you find the rooms from which he attempted to escape?
Revel in history as you explore this well-preserved castle and grounds. Carisbrooke has survived more than 800 years of service, resisting a French siege and seeing off the Spanish Armada.
Children will love dressing up as Norman soldiers or Civil War troopers in the gatehouse.
Meet the donkeys
Meet Carisbrooke Castle’s resident donkeys who have been drawing up water in the well-house for hundreds of years. Watch their daily demonstrations working the 16th-century tread wheel to raise a bucket (49 metres or 161 feet) from the bottom of the castle well.
You can hear more about their story in a film hosted by Jupiter the cartoon donkey, voiced by locally raised comedian Phil Jupitus.
Explore Royal Connections
Learn more about when Carisbrooke Castle served as a prison for the deposed Charles I. The king was held here for 14 months before his execution in 1649. At first, he was held in the comfortable Constable's Lodgings. But his attempts to escape meant he had to be moved to more secure quarters. Humiliatingly, his first escape attempt failed when he became wedged in the bars of his window.
Carisbrooke’s royal connections continued with Queen Victoria's youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice. Beatrice became governor of the Isle of Wight and took up residence in Carisbrooke Castle’s Constable’s Lodgings in 1913.
Walk the walls
Climb the steep steps up the massive castle mound to enjoy unrivalled birds-eye views from the ancient castle keep. The earthworks and keep were begun around 1100, when the whole Isle of Wight was granted to the de Redvers family.
You can walk right around the castle on the battlements and see across the island in all directions. Imagine life as a medieval soldier, try on armour and have a go at firing a mini-cannon in the gatehouse.
Take in the Princess Beatrice Garden
Designed by Chris Beardshaw, this pretty Edwardian-style garden is based on the original garden retreat of Queen Victoria's daughter. The plants were chosen to echo Princess Beatrice's blue, red and gold heraldic crest, and the layout reflects architectural detail on the adjoining Chapel of St Nicholas.
Come and enjoy the charming period planting, water features and orchard, from the ground level and from the battlement walk.
Uncover the Exhibition and Castle Museum
Start your visit to the castle by exploring the exhibition in the 16th-century guardhouse. Learn about Carisbrooke Castle’s long and often tumultuous history through a fascinating film and virtual tour.
You can also visit the Carisbrooke Castle Museum (managed by the Carisbrooke Museum Trust) full of Charles I memorabilia. The museum is housed in the castle’s Great Hall, St Peter's Chapel and Constables’ Lodging.
Pause in the Chapel
Experience the beauty and tranquility of St Nicholas' chapel, built in 1904 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Charles I's execution. Princess Beatrice commissioned the altar painting following the death of her youngest son, Maurice, at Ypres.
The chapel became a war memorial for the whole island after the First World War.
Enjoy a treat in the Castle Tearoom
Treat yourself to a delicious light meal or snack in Carisbrooke Castle’s delightful tearoom.
You’ll find the tearoom above the castle's former carriage room. It serves a delicious selection of locally produced snacks, treats and light lunches, along with a range of sandwiches, cakes, ice creams and hot and cold drinks. A children's menu is available. We always have vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options available. Thank you! Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps the charity look after England’s heritage.
You can find allergen and nutritional information here.