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Things to do around Herstmonceux

What is there to do in 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.

Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre:

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.

The outskirts of Herstmonceux:

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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Number of results: 11

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Knockhatch Adventure Park

Address

Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3PR

Telephone
+44(0)1323 442051

info@knockhatch.com

Hailsham

The fun goes on and on and at Knockhatch Adventure Park whatever the weather. Explore the zoo, enjoy the family rides and discover the amazing indoor and outdoor play areas! Come rain or shine, kids will love every minute at Knockhatch Adventure…

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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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Pevensey Court House & Gaol Museum

Address

High Street, Pevensey, BN24 5LG

Telephone
07740828215

pevenseycourthouse@gmail.com

Pevensey

Head down to the prison cells in this fascinating local history museum.

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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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Michelham Priory

Address

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

Telephone
+44(0)1323 844224

adminmich@sussexpast.co.uk

Nr Hailsham

Discover the enchanting Michelham Priory, the perfect family day out, featuring England’s longest medieval moat and a rich history spanning over eight hundred years.

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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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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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Fuller's Follies

Address

Brightling, ROBERTSBRIDGE, East Sussex, TN32 5HH

ROBERTSBRIDGE

You might spot several follies as you walk through the Brightling countryside.

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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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Stone Cross Windmill

Address

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

Telephone
07909987843

scmt2012@yahoo.co.uk

Stone Cross

A fully restored windmill in the Sussex countryside.

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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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How to travel to and around 1066 Country
Despite the feeling of seclusion, it's easy to get here by rail, sea or road and there are plenty of transport options for getting around.
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