Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex

Our trip to Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex was gifted to Well Travelled Munchkins. All words, photos and opinions are our own.

Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex is everything you could want in a castle! Intriguing history, an impressive red brick build and beautiful gardens. On top of all that it’s a great place for kids too!

You can spend hours exploring the beautifully maintained Elizabethan Gardens, the Folly with it’s walled garden and tricky rope maze as well as exploring acres and acres of well kept woodland!

History of Herstmonceux Castle

The castle was originally built in the 15th Century and is one of the oldest brick buildings of its time still standing in England. The castle has had a rich and varied life with multiple owners and uses.

After a period of falling on to hard times the castle was rejuvenated by the victorian tourism trade and was seen as one of the best days out in the area! If you ask us, it still is! The castle was then restored in full at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Royal Greenwich Observatory

Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex was also the site of the Royal Greenwich Observatory from 1947 to 1988. It was moved from Greenwich in favour of darker skies and a clearer view into space.

The observatory domes are still in the grounds of the Herstmonceux Castle and now form part of The Observatory Science Centre. Visit the observatory website for opening times and more information to plan your visit.

Herstmonceux Castle Gardens

There are a range of beautifully maintained gardens to explore within the castle grounds such as the themed Elizabethan Garden, the Folly Garden, the Rose Garden and the Apothecary Garden.

The sundial, folly and rope maze keep little feet busy and the gardens keep everyone, young and old, entertained as you enjoy a stroll around the estate.

Herstmonceux Opening Restrictions

As of the time this was written Herstmonceux Castle has only opened up the castle gardens to the public. Due to Covid-19 the castle buildings are not open. For the latest information visit the Herstmonceux Castle website.