Carisbrooke Castle, just outside Newport, is a genuine medieval castle managed by English Heritage — best known as the place King Charles I was imprisoned before his execution. Here's what a visit costs.
Admission Tickets
Carisbrooke Castle is an English Heritage site, and admission pricing follows their standard structure, varying by adult/child/family ticket type and any current membership discounts. For the exact current 2026 rates, check English Heritage's official prices and opening times page directly, since ticket prices are updated periodically and not fixed at one figure year-round.
Parking
The car park charges £3 per day, with free parking for English Heritage members displaying a valid membership sticker. There's parking for around 100 cars, including accessible spaces closer to the castle entrance.
Is English Heritage Membership Worth It?
If you're visiting Carisbrooke Castle as part of a wider trip that includes other English Heritage sites (elsewhere on the island or on the mainland before/after your ferry crossing), an annual membership can pay for itself quickly given it covers both admission and parking at every site, not just this one. For a single, one-off visit to Carisbrooke alone, a standard day ticket will usually be more cost-effective.
Family Tickets
English Heritage typically offers family ticket options that work out cheaper than buying individual adult and child tickets separately — check the current family ticket pricing on the official site when booking, since group discounts and family bundles can change.
Getting There
Carisbrooke Castle sits just outside Newport, making it one of the more centrally-located major attractions on the island — a short drive from Fishbourne or East Cowes if you're arriving by car ferry.
For a fuller assessment of whether it's worth the visit, see our is Carisbrooke Castle worth visiting guide, or our Carisbrooke Castle with kids guide for family-specific tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to park at Carisbrooke Castle?
£3 per day, with free parking for English Heritage members displaying a valid membership sticker. There's parking for around 100 cars.
Is Carisbrooke Castle free with English Heritage membership?
Yes, English Heritage members get free admission and free parking at Carisbrooke Castle, as with other English Heritage sites.
How far is Carisbrooke Castle from Newport?
It sits just outside Newport, making it one of the more centrally located major attractions on the island — a short drive from either Fishbourne or East Cowes ferry terminals.
Related: Is Carisbrooke Castle worth visiting? · Carisbrooke Castle with kids · Best ferry to Newport
