English Heritage

Set in a pretty seaside town, Yarmouth Castle was designed to protect the strategic Yarmouth harbour and to defend the western end of the Solent against invasion fleets.

Unlike Henry’s earlier circular forts, Yarmouth is a square blockhouse, with the first new-style ‘arrowhead’ bastion ever built in England. It was garrisoned right up until 1885.

Inside, you can discover atmospheric recreations of how rooms were used in the 16th century. Look out for the exhibition about the many wrecks in ‘Yarmouth Roads’, the treacherous stretch of sea which the castle overlooks.

Yarmouth Castle is also a magnificent picnic spot – one of the best on the island – with great views over the Solent. Don’t forget to take photos!