Things to do around Herstmonceux

Herstmonceux Castle wasn't built as a defensive structure but as a palatial family residence for Sir Roger Fiennes, treasurer to King Henry VI. Construction began in 1441 and the grand building remained in the Fiennes family until the 18th century, when it was partly demolished by its new owners. It was restored in the 20th century and is now owned by Queen's University Canada and used as a study centre.

Tours are available of the castle at pre-booked times, but the tea rooms, visitor centre and surrounding parkland and gardens are open year-round, including walled, rose and herb gardens, woodland trails and lily covered lakes.

The nearby Observatory Science Centre is set in the buildings once home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory, its spectacular copper domes home to giant restored telescopes. With its interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments and outdoor discovery playground, it’s a perfect day out for kids, who can explore force, gravity and time through the medium of fun!

Find out more about the history of Herstmonceux, its castle and its observatory.

A little further afield you'll find the fully restored Stone Cross Windmill (open Sundays and bank holidays from April to September), and Michelham Priory, home to England's longest medieval water-filled moat. A trip to nearby Pevensey is a must, to see the spot where the Normans landed in 1066 and visit the castle and courthouse. There are lots of great walks around this area.

If you're visiting as a family, don't miss a trip to the Knockhatch and Drusillas adventure parks, packed with wildlife, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, rides and activities.

For more food and drink near Herstmonceux, try the 17th century Ash Tree Inn.

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516 reviews
Herstmonceux Castle Estate

Address

Herstmonceux, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

Telephone
+44(0)1323 833816

c_harber@bisc.queensu.ac.uk

Herstmonceux, Hailsham

The majestic, moated castle is the centrepiece of this beautiful 300-acre estate.

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516 reviews
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Pevensey Court House & Gaol

Address

High Street, Pevensey, BN24 5LG

Telephone
07935 608560

pevenseycourthouse@gmail.com

Pevensey

16th century court room housing local museum with prison cells below. Site of Norman Invasion in 1066. Free entry. Descriptive leaflets are available in Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

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388 reviews
Michelham Priory

Address

Upper Dicker, Nr Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3QS

Telephone
+44(0)1323 844224

adminmich@sussexpast.co.uk

Nr Hailsham

Explore England’s longest medieval water-filled moat, the magnificent Tudor mansion, impressive 14th-century gatehouse, working watermill and forge, as well as play areas and café.

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388 reviews
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2262 reviews
Drusillas Park

Address

Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5QS

Telephone
+44(0)1323 874100

info@drusillas.co.uk

Alfriston

Widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe, the award-winning Drusillas Park in East Sussex offers a fun finding-out day out for all the family.

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2262 reviews
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962 reviews
Bateman's

Address

Burwash, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7DS

Telephone
+44 01435 882302

batemans@nationaltrust.org.uk

Burwash, Etchingham

This 17th century Sussex Ironmaster's house, built in a Wealden valley, was the home of writer Rudyard Kipling from 1902 to 1936.

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962 reviews
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Fuller's Follies

Address

Brightling, ROBERTSBRIDGE, East Sussex, TN32 5HH

ROBERTSBRIDGE

Set in the Sussex in countryside in a village called Brightling, these bizarre structures are testaments to the eccentricity of John 'Mad Jack' Fuller, a Victorian Squire who was prone to outlandish wagers and daring endeavours.

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533 reviews
The Observatory Science Centre

Address

Wartling Road, Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN

Telephone
+44 01323 832731

info@the-observatory.org

Hailsham

Enjoy spectacular science amongst domes and telescopes in the former home of the Royal Observatory.

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533 reviews
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Pevensey Bay

Address

Pevensey, East Sussex, BN24 5LE

Telephone
+44 09067 112212

Pevensey

Pevensey, a village that boasts an impressive historical background also has a lot to shout about when it comes to its beach. The shingle shore is a pleasant rural beach which has been a fisherman's paradise for centuries.

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1018 reviews
Knockhatch Adventure Park

Address

Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3PR

Telephone
+44(0)1323 442051

info@knockhatch.com

Hailsham

Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham, features a Petting Farm, Owl Sanctuary Centre, Meerkat Experiences, Dragon's Castle, Wallaby Walk Through, Wave Rider, Froggies Soft Play, The Lost World Play Barn, Froggie's Soft Play, The Cannon Arena, Chestnut…

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1018 reviews
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Stone Cross Windmill

Address

Beggars Lane, off Windmill Green, Stone Cross, BN24 5EA

Telephone
+44(0)1323 483470

scmt2012@yahoo.co.uk

Stone Cross

A fully restored windmill in the Sussex countryside.

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486 reviews
Pevensey Castle

Address

High Street, Pevensey, East Sussex, BN24 5LE

Telephone
+44 01323 762604

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Pevensey

Walk the massive outer walls and gatehouse of one of the Romans' Saxon shore forts, within which the Normans built another oval-shaped castle, now ruined. Parts of the towers, keep and chapel remain and Elizabethan catapult balls and cannon can also…

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486 reviews
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How to get here
Despite the feeling of seclusion, it's easy to get here by rail, sea or road.
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