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.
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!
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. .
Our upcoming event
A Painter and his Paintbox – the story of Buncombe of Newport
A paintbox in the museum’s collection gives clues to the identity and life of an elusive local artist. Discover the story of John Buncombe, an Isle of Wight artist, in demand for his silhouette portraits during the period of the Napoleonic Wars. Based in Newport, Buncombe specialised in portraits of military men with their uniforms depicted in vibrant colours and minute attention to detail. Learn more of his tragic life and see examples of his work from Carisbrooke Castle Museum’s collection.
Wednesday November 20th 2024 7PM
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.
We are looking for a new Trustee with a focus on the Museum finances. The closing date for applications is 26th September.
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
