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Portchester Castle

Portchester Castle
View across the site and Porchester harbour from the top of the keep (c) English Heritage
Portchester Castle - View across the site and Porchester harbour from the top of the keep (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c)

Portchester Castle's commanding location has made it a major factor in the Solent's defences for hundreds of years.

The most impressive and bestpreserved of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Portchester was originally built in the late 3rd century. It is the only Roman stronghold in northern Europe whose walls still mainly stand to their full height. Subsequently housing a Saxon settlement, the huge waterside fortress became a Norman castle in the 12th century, when a formidable tower-keep was built in one corner.

Portchester was in the front line throughout the Hundred Years War, serving as a stagingpost for expeditions to France and repelling cross-Channel raids. Richard II transformed part of the castle into a palace in 1396 and Henry V used it as a departure point for the Agincourt campaign in 1415. Thereafter it saw little action, but was used to house troops in the Civil War, and prisoners of war during the Dutch and Napoleonic Wars.

An exhibition in the keep interprets the history of the castle and Portchester village, and displays finds excavated on site. The inclusive audio tour explains life in the castle over the centuries, from the point of view of some of the people who worked or were incarcerated there.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan    

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.20
Children:
£2.10
Concession:
£3.40
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £10.50

How do I get there?

Address:
Hampshire - PO16 9QW
Road Access:
On the S side of Portchester off A27; Junction 11 on M27
Train Access:
Portchester 1 mile
Bus Access:
First 1/A, 5 Fareham - Southsea to within 1/4 mile
Map Location:
Telephone:
02392 378291

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Education Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Picnic area Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: In car park, suitable for wheelchair users. RADAR key available (please ask).
Shop: Accessed via heavy door.
Refreshments: Snacks in shop.
Access:
Access to castle and inner bailey: Via drawbridge and level smooth grass. Ground floor of keep, and exhibition within, reached via ramp. Stone steps to upper floor of keep are worn and wooden stairs above are very steep. Two benches and picnic table provided in inner bailey.
Grounds: Compacted gravel paths lead to the outer bailey and Roman walls.
Parking:
200m from entrance; 2 spaces reserved for disabled drivers, who may also use the roadway inside the castle.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop and script available. NB Steps in keep and moat may be hazardous.

Further Info

Disabled access (grounds and lower levels only).
Dogs on leads (restricted areas only).
Toilets (facilities are in the car park, operated by Fareham District Council).
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