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. .
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.
The Battle of the Solent and the sinking of the Mary Rose
Dr Dominic Fontana is a retired academic. He formerly taught postgraduate and undergraduate Geographical Information Systems, Human and Historical Geography in the Department of Geography, University of Portsmouth. Dominic is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. He has over 40 years involvement in the Mary Rose maritime archaeological project including five years working as part of the archaeological team. He is a member of the “Conseil scientifique internationale des Plages du Débarquement” seeking UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy, France.
He is an active broadcaster and has been involved in several television documentaries on the Mary Rose, the Battle of Hastings, a Time Team excavation for Channel 4 searching for the remains of a medieval hospice and has advised David Dimbleby for his series of films “Britain and the Sea” for BBC One. More recently he has appeared in Professor Alice Roberts’ series on Channel 4 “Fortress Britain”. He lives on the Isle of Wight and is a trustee of the Classic Boat Museum in Cowes.
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 30, 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:
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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
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