osborne house

English Heritage close Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House in light of Coronavirus outbreak

In light of the latest government Coronavirus (Covid-19/C19) recommendations, English Heritage have taken the decision to close all their staffed historic sites from the end of Wednesday 18th March until 1st May.

They say,

“We will be reviewing this and will keep you updated. Some sites may be opened earlier and we will let you know if this is the case. We also need to cancel our public events during this period.

Free-to-enter sites (Appuldurcombe House and St Catherine’s Oratory) will remain open to visitors. These sites have large open spaces in which visitors can maintain social distancing and they are often located in quieter spots away from crowds.

“Our first priority is the health and wellbeing of all our Members, visitors, volunteers and staff, and we hope you can understand why we have taken this unprecedented step.”

Castle Museum
Carisbrooke Castle Museum – the independently-run Museum that is independent to English Heritage, but sits within the walls of the Castle – will also be closed to the public for the duration.


Government Covid-19 guidance: Stay alert and stay safe
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently (video tips).

Social distancing
It is recommended that you maintain at least a two metre gap (about 6.5ft) from people who are not from your household.

Seeking advice
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.

Image: peter-trimming under CC BY 2.0