Within the beautiful 300-acre estate, you can explore formal gardens, woodland trails, meadows, and lakes, all set around a majestic 15th century moated castle. There is even a folly in the style of a Georgian house complete with its own walled cottage garden. As a result of careful management, the estate is a haven for a rich variety of flora and fauna. We welcome well behaved dogs but kept on a lead at all times please.
For younger visitors, there is an outdoor play area and giant tree swing plus the family challenge of the Marlow Rope Maze.
The castle was built in the mid-fifteenth century as a luxurious private dwelling to reflect the wealth and status of its owner, Sir Roger Fiennes. After World War II, it became the home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory for more than forty years. In 1993, the estate was gifted to Queen’s University in Canada by a wealthy and grateful former student, Dr Alfred Bader and now functions as Bader College, their UK campus as well as being a popular visitor attraction. As a working university, the castle is not freely open to the public.
The Castle Gift Shop offers a selection of gifts and souvenirs as well as showcasing the work of a group of local artists
Chestnuts Tea Room offers light lunches and afternoon teas, together with daily specials, delicious homemade cakes and a children’s menu.
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Adult ticket | £8.00 per ticket |
Child (4-17 years) | £3.50 per ticket |
Children under 4 / Carers | Free |
Senior / Disabled / Students | £7.00 per ticket |
Group Rates & Season tickets are available. Please see website or call 01323 834457.
Signposted from A272 Road at Herstmonceux two miles east of village on Boreham Street to Pevensey road. Look for sign to Herstmonceux Castle on A271 or A27.
Due to Herstmonceux's rural location, it is not easily accessible by public transport. The Cuckmere Community Bus does operate a seasonal service (49) to the estate from Eastbourne each Wednesday. More info at www.cuckmerebuses.org.uk/ The nearest mainline railway station is Polegate which then requires a taxi journey to Hestmonceux Castle Estate.
Apr - Sept (last admission 5pm) (1 Apr 2023 - 30 Sept 2023) | ||
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Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
Oct & Nov (last admission 3pm) (1 Oct 2023 - 30 Nov 2023) | ||
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Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 15:00 |
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