Hurst Castle sits on a spit thrusting out into the Solent and formed part of Henry VIII’s coastal defence chain. The original Henrician Castle remains, but is now surrounded to the east and west by massive gun battery casemates, built in Victorian times when, once again, the French were considered to be the major threat. To access Hurst Castle you can either park up at Milford on Sea and walk down the spit or take the easy option and catch the ferry from Keyhaven.

In 2021 a major storm resulted in significant damage to one of the Victorian wings, so at present access to this part of the castle is not permitted.

From Lymington you can also do a day trip to the Isle of Wight or take a pleasure boat trip out to the Needles – which returns you via the sea vista of Hurst Castle.