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Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Daily Record
Fairytale castle with 300 acres and grand gardens perfect for family outing
With sprawling estate spanning approximately 300 acres and magnificent gardens, it's an ideal destination for a family outing this summer Did you know one of the UK's oldest brick structures is still standing? With an expansive estate covering roughly 300 acres and stunning gardens, it's the perfect spot for a family outing this summer if you're on your travels. This historical treasure is Herstmonceux Castle, located in Hailsham, just north of Eastbourne. Pronounced 'herst-mon-zoo', the castle was erected around 1441 by Sir Roger Fiennes, Treasurer of the Household for King Henry VI. Regrettably, the castle was dismantled in 1777, leaving only the exterior walls intact. Colonel Claude Lowther bought the castle in 1913 and commissioned its restoration by Sir Paul Latham in 1933. Today, Herstmonceux Castle serves as the UK campus for Queen's University of Canada, welcoming international students who come to study in this enchanting, Hogwarts-esque environment, reports SurreyLive. 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 diverse array of gardens, each with its own unique theme. Formal gardens with meticulously arranged displays contrast with wild meadows sprinkled with a variety of wildflowers. There are at least eight distinct gardens, including the Elizabethan Garden, complete with croquet lawns, and Queens Walk, adorned with Irish yew trees and a dry moat. The secluded garden is a haven for herbaceous perennials, springtime pink tulips and magnolia trees. As summer approaches, rambling roses burst into bloom against the garden walls. Tucked away within the castle's original walled garden is the Sundial and Rose Garden. A central sundial, surrounded by six others, features a bust of Sir John Flamsteed as a nod to the Royal Greenwich Observatory that once resided within the castle grounds. From 1946 until 1989, the observatory functioned on site. Visitors to the garden can marvel at an extensive collection of David Austin English roses, along with hybrid tea and shrub roses embellishing the beds. The Apothecary Garden presents a variety of medicinal and culinary herbs. This aromatic garden displays raised plant beds filled with lemon verbena, tiger grass and bay trees. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fragrant scents of the garden whilst learning about the uses of each herb, with informative labels dotted around the area. Several gardens are wheelchair accessible, while others provide the perfect backdrop for picnics or simply soaking up the picturesque surroundings. Dogs on leads are welcome, and a play area is available for children. Those wishing to explore the castle interior will need to purchase a guided tour ticket, as free roaming inside is not allowed. A host of events take place within the castle grounds throughout the summer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as falconry displays, comedy shows and exhibitions. The on-site café and terrace, with their breathtaking views of the medieval castle, provide the perfect setting for a coffee or tea break, complemented by a slice of cake. 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
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Stunning 15th century UK castle with a feature that will 'take your breath away'
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. 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
