Portchester Castle

Portchester Castle sits within the walls of a Roman fort on the shore of Portsmouth Harbour, so a visit covers two very different periods in one place. Families can climb the Norman keep for wide views across the Solent and the harbour, and walk the Roman defensive walls that still largely survive. Displays in the keep tell the stories of prisoners held here during the Napoleonic wars, and an installation looks at African-Caribbean soldiers held at the castle after fighting on St Lucia. The site suits children who enjoy castles, climbing stairs and imagining who once lived and worked behind the walls, and there is a trail and other activities for younger visitors. Allow a couple of hours to see the keep and the grounds at a relaxed pace.