Herstmonceux Castle Estate and Gardens
Herstmonceux, East Sussex
Image: Herstmonceux Castle EstateImage: Herstmonceux Castle Estate
A 15th-century moated brick castle set in formal gardens and woodland, now the UK campus of a Canadian university. The grounds and gardens are open year round, and you can see inside the castle on a guided tour.
Highlights
- Moated medieval brick castle
- Themed and formal walled gardens
- Woodland walks across the estate
- Guided castle tours on selected days
Good to know
- Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and grounds
- The castle interior is only open on paid guided tours
- The estate has previously closed for around two weeks over Christmas and New Year, so check before a festive visit
Getting there
Herstmonceux Castle Estate and Gardens, Wartling Road entrance, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RNParking: Reserved parking near the accessible toilets.
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Nearby
Image: Observatory Science Centre & MuseumObservatory Science Centre
A hands-on science centre set among the green telescope domes of the former Royal Observatory at Herstmonceux. Children can try more than 100 interactive exhibits indoors and out, then see the historic telescopes that once mapped the night sky.
Image: English HeritagePevensey Castle
One of the biggest Roman Saxon Shore forts, with walls that still stand almost to full height, and the place where William the Conqueror landed in 1066. Inside you can explore the Norman castle ruins, a dungeon and displays that run from Roman times to the Second World War.
Image: Knockhatch Adventure ParkKnockhatch Adventure Park
Knockhatch near Hailsham mixes a small zoo with rides and play for a rain-or-shine family day. Visit the Jungle Kingdom zoo and owl display arena, ride Blackbeard's Buccaneer, and use the indoor and outdoor play areas, with bookable experiences with capybaras, lemurs, meerkats and owls. It opens almost every day of the year.