Yarmouth Castle

Yarmouth Castle on the Isle of Wight, England, is an important stop on any British sightseeing trip. Tourists enjoy this old artillery fort and the picturesque seaside town in which it is located. Visit Yarmouth Castle plus over 580 other UK heritage attractions free with the Great British Heritage Pass.

Although Yarmouth Castle is not one of England's most picturesque castles, its unique design of a main rectangular block and no central tower makes it interesting. The single ‘arrow-head’ bastion on the south-east corner was the first of its kind in Britain.

It is set on the Isle of Wight and has some of the island’s best views of sailing in the Solent.

Yarmouth Castle has an interesting and fascinating history. When Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church, he ordered there to be a series of artillery forts built all along the coast to protect Britain from the possible threat of Catholic France and Spain. Building forts at Deal Castle, Hurst Castle and Pendennis Castle, Henry VIII did not originally deem it necessary to build a fort at Yarmouth.

In 1545 however, Henry VIII changed his mind after French forces sailed into the Solent and landed on the Isle of Wight. Although the French forces were easily defeated by local militia, the invasions exposed a weakness in Britain’s defenses.

Yarmouth Castle was immediately ordered to be built and was completed two years later in 1547. The area was never invaded again however, and Yarmouth Castle never actually saw any action, but was garrisoned until 1885.

Today you can explore Yarmouth Castle and all of the changes that have taken place with it in the last 450 years. Just a few decades after completion, the northern half of the courtyard was filled in with earth and several domestic buildings were constructed in the southern half.

This left a very narrow passage between the two. Late in the 17th century, the moat was filled in and a house was constructed on the east side (now the George Hotel). The main entrance, which was on the east side, was relocated to the south.

Yarmouth Castle is an important piece of British heritage, and with exquisite views of the Solent, is a perfect place to visit and picnic.

Planning your visit to Yarmouth Castle

Yarmouth Castle is open from April 1st to September 30th from 11.00 - 16.00.