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Hurst Castle Ferry

Keyhaven, Hampshire, SO41 0TP

Tel: 01590 642500
Visit Milford on Sea Hurst Castle ferry

About

If you fancy getting out on the water, then join us for the leisurely ferry ride from Keyhaven to Hurst Spit.The views from the ferry ride are a highlight for many of our passengers as you meander down the Keyhaven River, home to much wildlife.Here you can spot many waders, wildfowl and other birds as the Keyhaven marshes is home to a wide range of habitat, including grassland, scrub, saltmarsh, shingle, fresh and saltwater and reed beds. Important fauna includes breeding colonies of Terns (often on shingle islands on the face of saltmarshes), Ringed Plover, Black Headed, Mediterranean Gull and nationally rare invertebrates.The saltmarshes also support an internationally significant feeding population of dark-bellied Brent Geese.When you arrive at Hurst spit the choice is yours, you can choose to:

  • Visit Hurst Castle – a military fortress by the sea, built by Henry VIII in 1544 (open Apr-Oct)
  • Savour a refreshment from Hurst Mess, located outside the castle walls (open Apr-Oct), serving hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, snacks, and sandwiches
  • Enjoy the walk back to Milford via Hurst Spit, please note this is a 2-mile walk along the shingle spit or just take in the uniqueness of the spit and then catch a return ferry back to Keyhaven

If you wish to explore Hurst Castle you won’t be disappointed as the spectacular views continue inside, it has been documented that the view from the top of the Tudor Keep is one of the best in England. From here you can see the Isle of Wight, which lies across the Needles Passage. The castle has plenty of open spaces for children to explore and it’s a great day out for the whole family. Dogs on leads are very welcome too. For more information on visiting please Hurst CastleFerry tickets can only be purchased on board the ferry on the day of your visit or at the castle entrance, they cannot be purchased in advance. Ferries depart daily from Keyhaven to Hurst spit from 1st April at 10am, then approximately every 20 minutes. The last ferry from Hurst spit to Keyhaven is at 5.30pm. Parking is available at Keyhaven Pay & Display car park (sat nav: SO41 0TP). Please note, ferry timetables may vary due to weather and tide conditions.

Opening Times

27th March – 31st October
10.00am-5.30pm (daily)

1st November – 3rd November
10.00am-4.00pm

4th November – 31st March 2025
Closed

check website for details

Prices

Adult: £8.00 return or £5.50 single
Child: £6.00 return or £4.00 single
Children under 3: FREE

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