Wadhurst Castle

Wadhurst Castle is a mansion on elevated ground west of Wadhurst town, featuring crenellated architecture, turrets, spires, and decorative tracery on its exterior walls. The building contains multiple interconnected interior rooms and offers various outdoor event spaces across its 140-acre estate.

The castle was built between 1818 and 1820 by James Louis West, replacing an earlier farmhouse called Maplehurst. In the 1830s Edward Buckton Lamb undertook major remodeling work, before the property faced damage in later decades.

The Victorian Winter Garden displays exotic plants and forms the heart of a series of reception rooms. These interconnected spaces with south-facing windows create a warm and inviting setting for gatherings and events.

The Carriage Barn in a separate courtyard can host up to 104 guests for ceremonies and receptions. Visitors should plan to explore the grounds at a leisurely pace, as the estate is large and outdoor accessibility varies with the seasons.

The estate suffered severe fire damage in 1933 and was later restored by architect Alfred Matthews, who saved it from ruin. During World War II the castle served as quarters for Canadian Army forces, marking a significant chapter in its wartime history.