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.
Carisbrooke Castle Museum Presents
Quarr Abbey – Almost 900 Years by Dr Dominic Fontana FRGS FSA
Dr Dominic Fontana FGRS FSA is Chair of the Friends of Quarr and conducts tours of the Abbey and the Abbey Ruins. He has been involved with the creation of a series of exhibitions examining the history and archaeology of the Abbey. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and the Royal Geographical Society. Before retiring he taught undergraduate and postgraduate students in Geography at University of Portsmouth. He has appeared in many television documentary films discussing the Mary Rose, heritage railways and the Battle of Hastings.
This well illustrated talk will consider almost 900 years of the two abbeys at Quarr – the medieval abbey founded in 1132, dissolved in 1536 and the modern Benedictine abbey built by exiled monks from France between 1907 and 1914.
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 7 PM
Location: Carisbrooke Castle Museum
Tickets: £7.50 – Book now
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
Support Our Museum
Help Us Preserve History
