Portchester Castle Castles
Portchester can be considered a complete history of England in one place.
First used by the Romans as a base from which they could clear the sea of barbarian raiders, it became a Saxon settlement from the middle of the 5th century until the end of the 9th century. A castle was first built here in the early 12th century. It became a useful stronghold and its proximity to the harbour made it ideal for channel crossings. Henry I used it often and it became both a secure lodging and a safe depository for treasury bullion.
The castle was captured by the French in 1215 during the barons' rebellion against King John and its demolition was ordered by his successor, Henry III. It was retained, however, and used to store munitions for wars against France. Throughout the following Hundred Years War, the castle was on the front line and repelled raids from across the channel. When Richard II made peace with France in 1396, he rebuilt much of the castle, transforming part of it into a palace.
Henry V used Portchester as a departure point for Agincourt in 1415, but thereafter it was superseded by Portsmouth and saw little action. It was used to house troops in the Civil War and prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars; graffiti from the late 18th and early 19th centuries can still be seen.
An exhibition in the castle reveals a wide range of archaeological artefacts and an interactive audio tour adds to the wonderful experience of a visit to Portchester Castle.
Attraction Details
For enquiries about Portchester Castle, please contact the attraction using the details below.
AddressCastle Street, Portchester, Hampshire, PO16 9QW
Opening times10am-6pm
Entry costs
Attraction typeCastles
Hotels near Portchester Castle
Staying overnight in Portchester?
Wondering where to stay that's close to Portchester Castle? We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs near Portchester in Portchester.
Town or Country -
Cadgwith House is a self-catering three bedroom house located in Port Solent Marina, Portsmouth. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property. Featuring a shower, the bathroom also comes with a bath and a hairdryer.
Portsmouth Marriott Hotel
With a leisure centre and stylish restaurant, Portsmouth Marriott Hotel features a Starbucks coffee shop and ample parking. The hotel is situated just off the M27 motorway, 4 miles from Portsmouth..
Ellerslie House Hotel
Situated on the slopes of Portsdown Hill, Ellerslie House is a detached Victorian property in private grounds and 10 minutes drive from Portsmouth centre..
Ferry House Lodge
A 7-minute drive from Portsmouth Harbour Train Station, Ferry House Lodge offers high-quality accommodation and a fulsome breakfast menu..
Bridgemary Manor Hotel
The Manor Hotel is located 2 miles from Gosport, on the South Coast. It offers a restaurant serving homemade traditional British meals, free parking and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi..
The Roundabout Hotel
Situated 10 minutes drive from Portsmouth town centre and South Downs National Park, The Roundabout Hotel offers an on-site 70-seater restaurant and rooms with free Wi-Fi..
View all hotels in Portchester
Ratings
Have you been to Portchester Castle? Please rate this attraction to assist others.