The 15th century castle is one of the oldest and grandest brick buildings in the country and is a great day out for the family.
Did you know that just nestled away in South East England, you can discover one of the oldest brick buildings still standing in the UK? With a sprawling estate covering approximately 300 acres and magnificent gardens, it’s the ideal spot for a family day out. Nestled in Hailsham, Sussex – a stone’s throw north of Eastbourne – lies Herstmonceux Castle.
Pronounced ‘herst-mon-zoo’, this historic castle was built around 1441 by Sir Roger Fiennes, Treasurer of the Household to King Henry VI. Unfortunately, the castle was dismantled in 1777, leaving only its exterior walls intact. The castle was acquired by Colonel Claude Lowther in 1913, who commissioned its restoration by Sir Paul Latham in 1933.
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Today, Herstmonceux Castle serves as the UK campus for Queen’s University of Canada, welcoming international students who come to study in this Hogwarts-esque setting.
Things to do
While the castle is closed to the public during the winter months, it opens its doors for all to enjoy once the gardens burst into bloom in the spring and summer. The castle grounds feature a remarkable collection of uniquely themed gardens, reports Surrey Live.
Formal gardens with meticulously curated displays contrast with wild meadows sprinkled with wildflowers. There are at least eight different gardens to explore, including the Elizabethan Garden, complete with croquet lawns, and Queens Walk, lined with Irish yew trees and a dry moat.
The enclosed garden is home to herbaceous perennials, springtime pink tulips and magnolia trees. Early summer sees rambling roses bloom against the walls.
Nestled within the castle’s original walled garden is the Sundial and Rose Garden. A central sundial is encircled by six others, with a bust of Sir John Flamsteed in tribute to the Royal Greenwich Observatory that once resided at the castle.
From 1946 until 1989, the observatory was housed within the castle grounds. Visitors will discover a vast collection of David Austin English roses, along with hybrid tea and shrub roses adorning the beds in the garden.
The Apothecary Garden is a treasure trove of medicinal and culinary herbs. This fragrant garden boasts raised plant beds filled with lemon verbena, tiger grass and bay trees.
Guests can immerse themselves in the aromatic scents of the garden whilst learning about each herb and its uses, with informative labels scattered throughout.
Several gardens are wheelchair accessible, while others provide the perfect backdrop for picnics and taking in the picturesque scenery. Dogs on leads are welcome, and there’s also a play area for children.
Those wishing to explore the castle interior will need to purchase a guided tour ticket as free roaming is not permitted. The castle grounds play host to a variety of events throughout the summer.
These include falconry displays, comedy shows and exhibitions. A café and terrace, offering stunning views of the medieval castle, is the ideal spot for a slice of cake and a cuppa.
More information
Opening times
- April to June: 10am to 5pm (last admission 3pm)
- July to September: 10am to 7pm (last admission 5pm)
- October: 10am to 5pm (last admission 3pm)
- Winter opening times (Nov 2025 to March 2026) to be confirmed
Admission and tickets
- Gardens and grounds admission day ticket: Adults £10, students £8, children four to 17 £5 and free for children under four and for carers
- Castle and garden tours: £4
Tour times
- April to June 11am, 1pm and 3pm
- July to September 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm
- October to December: to be confirmed
Accessibility
- The main gardens are wheelchair accessible with reserved parking nearby close to the disabled toilet facility
- Ramp access to the courtyard and café
- Two manual wheelchairs are available on first come first served basis and can be reserved by calling 01323 833816
Fun for the family
- Play area for children
- Marlow Rope Maze
- Tree swing
- Activity sheets