Herstmonceux Castle, Medieval castle in East Sussex, England
Herstmonceux Castle is a red brick fortress in East Sussex with moats and formal gardens spread across 15 acres of grounds. The structure features multiple towers, a central courtyard, and several rooms open to visitors.
Construction began in 1441 under Sir Roger Fiennes as an early example of brick architecture in England. The structure has passed through various uses and periods of restoration since its foundation.
The castle hosts an annual Medieval Festival each August, featuring historical reenactments, period demonstrations, and traditional performances across its grounds.
The site is open to visitors from February through November, with guided tours available at scheduled times during the season. It helps to check opening times in advance and allow time to explore the full grounds at leisure.
From 1957 to 1988, the Royal Greenwich Observatory was housed here, bringing important astronomical instruments and research to the grounds. This scientific phase forms a surprising chapter in the site's history that few visitors expect.
Location: Herstmonceux
Location: Eastbourne
Inception: 15 century
Made from material: brick
Website: https://herstmonceux-castle.com
GPS coordinates: 50.87020,0.33921
Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:36
Pevensey Levels
2.8 km
Windmill Hill Mill, Herstmonceux
1.8 km
The Observatory Science Centre
450 m
Herstmonceux Free Church
1.9 km
Herstmonceux Place
977 m
Buckwell Place
2.6 km
The Ash Tree Inn
5.4 km
The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene
1.7 km
The Parish Church of All Saints, Herstmonceux
504 m
The Smugglers' Inn
5.5 km
The Parish Church of St Oswald
3.8 km
The Lamb Inn
1.7 km
Herstmonceux Science Centre
468 m
St John the Evangelist
3.8 km
Street Cottage
5.4 km
Batts Hill House
1.6 km
The Sundial Restaurant
2.4 km
Suttons
5.5 km
Church Farmhouse
599 m
The Old Farm House
5.6 km
K6 Telephone Kiosk Outside Allotment Gardens
5.6 km
Banks Lodge
5.6 km
Cherry Croft
819 m
Northlands
5.3 km
Lyons Close
5.5 km
The House Attached To The Post Office And Camden Cottage
5.5 km
Penthouse Cottages
5.6 km
Barnhorn Cottage Lamb Cottage
5.4 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes