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Herstmonceux Castle Estate

Herstmonceux, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 515 reviews515 reviews
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aerial view of Herstmonceux Castle and formal grounds

About


PLEASE NOTE: Herstmonceux Castle Estate is closed until further notice. We will update this page when we have further information.

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.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult ticket£8.00 per ticket
Child (4-17 years)£3.50 per ticket
Children under 4 / CarersFree
Senior / Disabled / Students£7.00 per ticket

Group Rates & Season tickets are available. Please see website or call 01323 834457.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      278
    • Very Good
      154
    • Average
      46
    • Poor
      19
    • Terrible
      18

    Recent Reviews:

    • Pecks1981
      Fareham, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Amazing Castle
      4 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 12th July 2023
      What an amazing looking castle. Its a shame you can't go inside. However the grounds are worth a visit, and dogs are welcome on leads. Really nice cafe alongside the castle and seating where you... Read full review
    • Langevindadoption
      Brussels, Belgium
      Relaxing and beautiful
      5 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 30th August 2023
      Gardens and grounds are beautiful, traditional and authentic. Information supplied is interesting and we enjoyed everything about the place. The only negative is the huge quantity of wasps in and... Read full review
    • TMcD111
      Hookwood, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Could be so much better
      3 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 7th September 2023
      Lovely castle, however the gardens were disappointing. We visited 6th September 2023 and were disappointed with the gardens and felt they could have been so much more with a little more care and... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Road Directions

    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.

    Public Transport Directions

    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.

    Opening Times

    Closed until further notice (1 Oct 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
    Monday - SundayClosed
    Bank HolidayClosed

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous -WTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

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