Top Things to do in East Sussex
7 Castles in East Sussex That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in East Sussex, United Kingdom including Dr Blighty, Bodiam Castle, Lewes Castle & Barbican House Museum, Gardens & Grounds of Herstmonceux Castle, Camber Castle, Pevensey Castle, Hastings Castle.
Restaurants in East Sussex
1. Dr Blighty
2. Bodiam Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,009 reviews
A majestic 14th Century moated castle, with ruined interior and splendid grounds. Take part in various medieval activities, all year round. Admission price covers entry to castle and grounds. Opening hours are 10:30 til 5pm or dusk if earlier. Please note that last entry to the castle is at approx. 3:20pm during winter.
Reviewed By ldgp14 - Walsall, United Kingdom
We visited Bodiam Castle on a Tuesday afternoon it is a fantastic National Trust property with a great moat and stunning views from the top of the castle a must visit.
3. Lewes Castle & Barbican House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 539 reviews
Lewes Castle is open year round, and has a wonderful view from the top of the Keep. Next door is the Barbican House Museum with displays of the history of Sussex.
Reviewed By Bruggeling77 - Bruges, Belgium
This place was well worth the visit. I can recommend if you like history. For £8,5 you get awarded with the best views once you reach the top of the castle.
4. Gardens & Grounds of Herstmonceux Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 470 reviews
Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens. The Gardens and Grounds of Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe. Your experience begins as you make your way through the grounds and the castle breaks into view. The castle gardens and grounds are home to a staggering variety of flora and fauna with wild orchids, formal rose gardens, Canada geese and resident peacock all adding to the charm of such an individual location. Various events take place throughout the year including theatre productions, operatic performances and most famously the Medieval Festival. Castle tours are provided but because the castle operates as an International Study Centre we advise visitors to call in advance to avoid disappointment.
Reviewed By anteallachleicester - Leicester, United Kingdom
Spent the day here with friends. A stunning building with fabulous gardens. Don’t miss out on seeing the huge fish in the moat and finding the Magic Garden. There is a full sized parachute in the trees too. Loved the Folly - looks just like a dolls house by the lake. Past the orchard there is a pyramid. Keep your eye out for the peacocks too. Really easy to book and for £7 per adult it was great value for money. Very friendly welcome at the gate. Just have your order number to hand. Definitely recommend.
5. Camber Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By suzyandpaul888 - London, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit. Although closed due to Covid-19, one could see through into the impressive inside structure of the castle.
6. Pevensey Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 451 reviews
Reviewed By 1bungle - Bedford, United Kingdom
While on holiday to Hastings we visited Pevensey castle with our English heritage memberships, the weather was great so walking around outside was enjoyable to see everything and enjoy the view from the little platform at the top of the castle. There is a carpark nearby which is £2 a car for the whole day so after the castle you can go for some lunch I would recommend the priory court hotel and tea room, there is a small shop on the castle with a selection of gifts and some lovely jams for sale.
7. Hastings Castle
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 499 reviews
The first castle built by William the Conqueror in 1067 now shows a 20-minute program called "The 1066 Story."
Reviewed By PhilSears - Dorking, United Kingdom
Parked on the seafront by the museums and fascinating local caught fish sales at the East end of town, close to the Old Town. Given personal treatment to take the three of us on the mini railway the short distance to the West Cliff Funicular Railway/Lift that speeds you up to the castle - again an 'on-demand' service. Fabulous views on arrival at the top and a short walk to the Castle ruins, past a series of story boards depicting the history. The ruins are well described on numerous fixed boards, though much of the original has been lost to the sea due to cliff erosion over the centuries. An ok charge for concessions and children, but not a huge amount to see, needing only an hour or so PLUS the stunning views over the town and coastline. 20 minutes after our arrival there was a showing of a very informative video in the small, basic, purpose built theatre. The dungeon store rooms were a bit underwhelming but included in the ticket price. An important piece of history, but don't expect the magnitude and magnificence of other south coast castles. A return to sea level via the funicular and lunch in an Old Town pub found in the narrow, interesting, streets.
