Coastal Connections hosts free admission at Hurst Castle to mark World Monuments Watch Day

VISITORS can enjoy historical re-enactments, family activities and heritage trails at Hurst Castle tomorrow (Saturday) as the attraction opens with free admission to mark World Monuments Watch Day.

Organised at Hurst Castle by the Coastal Connections initiative – a joint venture between English Heritage and World Monuments Fund (WMF) – Watch Day is one of many public events held at heritage sites worldwide to highlight the importance of vibrant community engagement and local stewardship in the sustainable preservation of heritage sites.

The Tudor fortress, located at the end of a shingle spit around a mile and half from Milford, was named on the 2022 World Monuments Watch. During the Watch Day visitors can experience displays, re-enactments, informative talks and musket-firing demonstrations.

Highlights of the day with include a series of talks in the Garrison Theatre covering the history of Hurst Castle, by Milford Historical Society; conserving Hurst Castle, by English Heritage); managing the local environment, by the Environment Agency; and Wildlife on Hurst Spit, by the national park authority).

Meanwhile, historical re-enactments will bring the monument to life as the Cumberland Guard present a 19th century display including musket-firing demonstrations, and ‘Henry VIII’ wanders around the castle chatting to visitors. Families can also join heritage trails and enjoy face painting. Various local organisations including the RSPB, English Heritage and New Forest District Council will be bringing along pop-up information displays.

Elsewhere at Hurst, the castle’s interpretation has received a complete refresh with new information panels around the site which tell the story of the castle’s history – from its Tudor beginnings to its 19th and 20th century strengthening – as well as covering the castle’s challenging geography.

World Monuments Fund spokesperson Alex Kent, said: “World Monuments Fund is thrilled to be joining Hurst Castle’s Watch Day festivities.

“Hurst was nominated to our Watch programme to call attention to how coastal heritage sites are being impacted by climate change. We’re looking forward to marking Watch Day with a host of activities showcasing what makes Hurst Castle so unique and celebrating local communities.”

For more information visit:www.english-heritage.org.uk/Hurst