Herstmonceux Castle
BEST FOR
Ages 4-17
ENTRY
from £5
WHERE
Hailsham
What it’s like
Three hundred acres of gardens and woodland to explore, with the castle itself only open on a guided tour.
The grounds are the main event here. You've got the Elizabethan Garden, the Apothecary Garden and the Magic Garden to wander through, plus woodland trails across the wider estate where you can spot wildlife and let the kids find their own path. It's a proper outdoor day, and the seasonal activities on top mean there's usually a reason to come back later in the year.
The castle itself is a bit of a tease though. You can't just wander in, it's guided tours only, bought on the day and subject to availability, so if seeing inside matters to you, get there early rather than leaving it to chance. The tour includes a spiral staircase, which is worth knowing if anyone in your group struggles with steps.
Admission is £12 for adults and £6 for kids aged 4 to 17, with under-4s and carers going free. A castle tour ticket is another £6 on top. That's not pocket change for a family of four, but with two to four hours of grounds to cover, and plenty of people staying longer, it doesn't feel like a rushed visit.
Parking's free, which softens the entry price a little. The café needs a valid admission ticket to use, so you can't just pop in for a coffee without paying to get onto the estate. Dogs are welcome in the gardens with a ticket, and picnics are fine as long as you leave the barbecue at home.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 4 to 17, with under-4s free to wander too
- Last entry
- 4 pm (1st Apr-30th Sept), 3 pm (1st Oct-31st Mar)
- Parking
- Free parking available for visitors
- How long to allow
- Two to four hours typical. Many guests stay longer
- Picnics
- Allowed on estate. Barbecues not permitted
- Wheelchairs
- Two manual wheelchairs available free, first come first served
- Dogs
- Welcome in gardens and grounds with valid ticket or membership
- Getting there by bus or train
- Polegate train station 35 minutes away with cycle route (45 min)
- Castle tours are bought on the day only and can sell out, so aim for an early arrival if you want one
- Carers go in free when accompanying a paying visitor
- The café sits inside the ticketed area, so you can't visit it without an admission ticket
- Weather affects the woodland paths, some get uneven or slippery after rain
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£12 for adults, £6 for children aged 4 to 17. Under-4s and carers get in free.
Do we need to book ahead?
General admission can usually be bought on arrival. Castle tour tickets are sold on-site on the day and can sell out, so turn up early if you want one.
Can we go inside the castle?
Only via a guided tour, which costs £6 extra and includes a spiral staircase.
What are the opening hours?
10am to 5pm from April to September, 10am to 4pm the rest of the year. Last admission is an hour before closing.
Is there parking?
Free parking is available for visitors, with accessible spaces near the castle entrance and the café.
How long should we plan for?
Two to four hours is typical, though plenty of people end up staying longer with all the grounds to cover.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
Under-4s go free and the gardens are easy enough to wander, but some paths have uneven ground, slopes and steps that get trickier after rain.
Can we get food there?
The Nuthatch Kitchen and Terrace is on site, but you need a valid admission ticket or membership to use it, it's not accessible without paying to enter.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, in the gardens and grounds with a valid ticket, and there are water bowls outside the café.
Can we bring a picnic?
Picnics are fine on the estate, just no barbecues.
Is the castle wheelchair accessible?
There are two manual wheelchairs available free on a first-come basis, though some garden areas have uneven ground and the castle tour involves a spiral staircase.
Is the shop open?
The shop is currently closed.
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