The Gardens and Grounds are now closed until 7th April 2012
Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens. Built originally as a country home in the mid- 15th - century, Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of Medieval England and the romance of Renaissance Europe.
When you arrive at the castle if you do not have one of our leaflets please ask for one at the ticket office as it contains a map of the grounds and the different walks you may enjoy.
As you drive down the drive your enchantment begins with your first sight of the castle as it breaks into view surrounded by trees and the moat.
We suggest you start your walk in our beautiful Elizabethan walled gardens, up through the Rose Garden and Herb Garden and then head for woodland trails, leading to delightful discoveries such as Woodhenge, the Folly and lake, Rhododendron Gardens and much, much more.
The months below provide a guide as when to visit to enjoy the various areas of the gardens at their best.
| April | Daffodils |
| May | Rhododendrons, Azaleas and the Bluebells in the woods. |
| June-August | Roses in the Rose Garden |
| June-September | Herbaceous Borders of the Elizabethan Gardens |
| October | Autumn colours in over 100 acres of woodland. |
At the end of your walk why not enjoy a delicious cream tea in Chestnuts, the castle tearoom.
Click here to view our application form.
The castle is not open to the public, however guided tours are conducted at an extra charge and subject to availability, but due to the operation of a busy working university we strongly advise you to phone for confirmation of times before you visit. Tel 01323 833816
Horse and Carriage rides on the Estate (Weather permitting) Click to view Dates and Times
A brief history of the Castle
Sir Roger Fiennes went on to become Treasurer of the Household of Henry VI, and in 1441 began construction of the castle. This is one of the first major brick buildings (today it is the oldest brick building of any note still standing in England) and was years ahead of it's time in other respects, with concentration more on grandeur and comfort than on defence.
The family fortunes are interesting and varied, but in 1708 the last Lord Dacre, Earl of Sussex, was forced to sell Herstmonceux Castle. By the end of this century the owner, Robert Hare had demolished much of the interior and used the bricks to create a more fashionable residence, Herstmonceux Place, further up the hill.
The castle had fallen into ruin until 1910 when it was bought by Lt. Col. Claude Lowther who used local craftsmen to carry out the building work, and by 1912 most of the South front was rebuilt.
Col Lowther was responsible for much of the present design and for installing a number of pieces of fine woodwork and panelling purchased from other great historic houses in England, including Theobalds, the home of William Cecil, Lord Burghley.
After Col. Lowther's death in 1929, Sir Paul Latham contributed very greatly to the construction of the castle both internally and externally. In 1946 he sold it to the Admiralty who bought the estate for the Royal Greenwich Observatory, and it became an important scientific institution for the next 40 years.
In 1993 Herstmonceux Castle was acquired by Queen's University of Canada through the generosity of Drs Alfred and Isabel Bader, and is now an International Study Centre attracting students from around the world.
It was during a visit to their Sussex home that Drs Alfred and Isabel Bader chanced on an advertisement offering Herstmonceux Castle for sale, and their vision and support for the potential of the Castle taking on a new guise as an International Study Centre, bringing students from all over the world to study in the beauty and tranquillity of East Sussex countryside.