Carisbrooke Castle’s four-legged ‘famous five’ – donkeys, Jack, Jill, Jimbob, Joseph and Jigsaw – are eagerly waiting to welcoming Easter Visitors to their home. Families can visit them in their stables to find out a bit about their pampered life and also in the castle’s equally famous well-house, where for just few minutes a day, they love to demonstrate how the waterwheel once worked to supply the castle with its water.
With mighty battlements to march and a keep to climb, Carisbrooke truly is a storybook castle, just perfect for a day out with children. An introductory film narrated by comedian Phill Jupitus, brings the castle characters to life and explains the history of the site in a fun, informative way.
Youngsters can dress up as soldiers, enjoy interactive displays, and even fire a medieval cannon or crossbow. Families can pick up a set of bowls and play on the Bowling Green as castle resident King Charles I did to relieve the boredom during his imprisonment.
The castle’s museum houses a fascinating exhibition packed with memorabilia and information about the Isle of Wight and the new light and airy shop is brimming with themed souvenirs and gifts to take home.
Carisbrooke Castle is open from 10am to 5pm daily. Admission is £7.00 for adults; £6.00 for concessions and £3.50 for children, family ticket £17.50. Free for English Heritage members. Carisbrooke Castle (PO30 1XY) is 1½ miles SW of Newport.
