Carisbrooke Castle Museum

Museum of Isle of Wight history --- Founded by HRH Princess Beatrice

"It is my earnest hope and desire that with the help and co-operation of others I may be able to form a full collection of objects of historical interest connected with the Island"

HRH Princess Beatrice

Visit our Museum

Admission to the Museum is included with the English Heritage entrance fee to Carisbrooke Castle. The English Heritage Website gives further details of current prices.

Please note: Carisbrooke Castle is managed by English Heritage, separately from Carisbrooke Castle Museum, which is managed by an independent Charitable Trust. Visit the English Heritage Carisbrooke Castle webpage for Castle contact details, opening times and admission information.

Further information

Carisbrooke Castle Museum is the oldest Museum on the Isle of Wight and was established in 1898 by HRH Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter. Founded as a ‘treasury of objects illustrating the history of the island’, the Museum now cares for over 37,000 items connected with Isle of Wight history.

Carisbrooke Castle Museum is an independent charity and relies heavily on donations.
Please Support Us!

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

Learn about the Museum’s origins and early years.

Attend Exciting Events

From exclusive talks to local creators shows, we offer a variety of events that everyone can enjoy.

Support Our Mission

Please support us by making a donation to help the Museum collect, care for and display the Isle of Wight’s past.

TALKS AND TOURS

Discover the rich history of the Isle of Wight through our engaging talks and guided tours. .

Become a Supporter

Support Carisbrooke Castle Museum and enjoy exclusive benefits for just £36 per year. Your membership helps preserve history while giving you access to special events, discounts, and exclusive benefits.

Our Upcoming Event

Supporters Talk: Georgian Architecture with Ben Cracknell

We’re excited to welcome back Ben Cracknell (MRTPI) to Carisbrooke Castle Museum following his hugely popular talk on Victorian architecture!

This time, Ben will explore the elegant world of Georgian architecture, introducing its key ideas, distinctive styles, and showcasing some stunning Isle of Wight examples.

🗓️ Date & Time: Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Carisbrooke Castle Museum
🎟️ Tickets: £7.50 – Book now

Please note: Gates open from 6:45 PM to 6:55 PM, with the talk starting promptly at 7:00 PM.
All proceeds support the work of Carisbrooke Castle Museum.

✨ Free for Supporters!
If you’re part of our Supporters Scheme, this talk is completely free – just one of the many perks of being part of our museum community.

Not a supporter yet? Join us today and enjoy free entry to exclusive events like this one:

Explore the Museum

Discover the historical beauty of Carisbrooke Castle Museum

Lower Gallery

Occupying the former medieval hall at the heart of the Governor’s House, this gallery tells the story of Carisbrooke Castle through six of it’s most famous inhabitants.

Upper Gallery

Occupying the upper floor of the Governor’s House, these galleries display objects from the museum’s collection which tell the stories of the people, places and ways of living from the Isle of Wight’s past.

King Charles Bedroom

During Charles’s imprisonment at Carisbrooke, this room was used as his bedroom. He was moved to another, more secure, room after his first, failed, escape attempt.

On sale at the Museum

100 Treasures and Curiosities from the Collection of Carisbrooke Castle Museum
The Lady of the Wight 
The life of Isabella de Fortibus
Roman Vectis 
Archaeology & Identity in the Isle of Wight
ResinArt By Holly
Locally made work, which utilises colours inspired by the natural beauty of our planet and beyond.
Isle of Wight Beach Treasures
Handmade seaglass pictures and jewellery made on the Isle of Wight
Available Light Gallery & Gifts
The home of Isle of Wight pictures, featuring landscape photos, seascapes and night time images

Support Our Museum

Help Us Preserve History

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