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.

Carisbrooke Castle Museum Presents

Zulu! by Tim Wander

An invitation to join Island Historian and Author Tim Wander
Tim is just back from South Africa and researching the battles.
The evening will tell the story of the five-month war:
• The Reasons for War.
• The Disaster at Isandlwana – and the battlefield today.
• A Thin Red line – The Defence of Rorkes Drift – then and now – where 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded as 139 men stood against some 4,000 Zulu warriors – the most ever received for a single action by one regiment.
• The Weapons of the War – Tim will describe the weapons of the battle – examples of the 1853 and 1858 Pattern Enfield Rifles and the iconic Martini Henry and Snider Enfield rifles will be at the lecture-
• Ulundi and the Aftermath of War.
The evening will include footage from the film ‘Zulu’ starring Michael Caine and Stanley Baker – just voted one of the greatest war films ever made – and the classic but often overlooked ‘Zulu Dawn.’
Tim is also joined by re-enactor and Island historian Ed Nash from Time Jump Histories – who will be in full 24th regiment uniform and will demonstrate drill and the collection of historic weapons on show – one of which fought in South Africa!
🗓️ Date & Time: Tuesday November 17th 2026 at 6 PM
📍 Location: Carisbrooke Cast
Join our Supporters Scheme to gain free access to this talk and many more.

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.

Interested in becoming a Trustee?

Carisbrooke Castle Museum is looking to recruit a number of new Trustees to our Board. We are keen to find people with the following skills

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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