1066 Country boasts history and heritage with a fantastic selection of castles in Sussex that are just waiting to tell you their story. Come and wander through medeival battle grounds, admire the breathtaking views and immerse yourself with the rich history of 1066 Country.
Located on the border of 1066 Country stands the medieval Herstmonceux Castle and Gardens. This 300-acre historic site boasts an array of beauty including a moat and large woodland. Some of the most identifiable garden features include the tranquil lake, a secret garden, Elizabethan Garden and a Rose Garden.
Herstmonceux castle is not open to the public however, the gardens are.
Herstmonceux Castle is a grade II listed building was built during the 15th century to house Sir Roger Fiennes. Not only does Herstmonceux Castle and Gardens embody the history of medieval England but also represents the romance of Renaissance Europe.
In 1910 the castle's potential was realised by Colonel Claude Lowther who envisioned the castle as his luxury country estate. Although renovation had begun it was soon delayed by WW1 and WW2. In 1993, the estate was gifted to Queen’s University in Canada by a wealthy and grateful former student, Dr Alfred Bader, meaning the castle is not freely open to the public.
Surrounding the castle there are uneven grounds and steps dotted around.
Herstmonceux Castle gardens are open to the public (it is ticketed) and are dog friendly, and we encourage visitors to bring their dogs for a scenic walk around the grounds.
For younger visitors, there is an outdoor play area and giant tree swing plus the family challenge of the Marlow Rope Maze.
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from if you would like to stay nearby.
Located in the heart of 1066 Country is Bodiam Castle. Built in the 14th century the castle stands as one of the most picturesque and romantic historic buildings in England.
Bodiam Castle is a grade I listed building and was built around the year 1385 by Sir Edward Dallingridge. Bodiam Castle was built in an uncertain time filled with turbulence from factors such as the Black Death which started in 1348 and royal disputes such as ‘The War of the Roses’.
As well as having a lot do there is also a lot to see. Bodiam Castle was discovered in 2016 to have been built by skilled craftsmen which explains the beauty of the grounds. The 68-acre site which boasts a large moat, historic buildings and rolling fields and are all very picturesque and partially accessible.
Amongst the beauty of the castle’s grounds and surrounding moat, discover windows from where arrows were once fired, a tower that served as a lookout, and ramparts that were once walked upon by knights. Once inside the castle's ruined walls, climb the steep spiral staircases to the top of the towers, take a seat on the dais and observe the great hall or look up at the remains of the iron-clad oak portcullis, thought to be one of the oldest in England.
Bodiam Castle is accessible for visitors as the maintenance team work hard to keep the ground even, however, there are still places around the grounds which are not wheelchair friendly and some stair sets to navigate. Dogs are allowed on a short leash.
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from if you would like to stay nearby.
Camber Castle, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Sussex
The ruins of Henry VIII Camber Castle is located on Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in 1066 Country. Built in the 13th century by Henry VIII, the castle was used during uncertain times and to ensure any foreign threat could be contained.
Camber Castle was one link in the chain of forts built along the south coast by Henry VIII. Each castle is highly symmetrical and built from Wealden and Sussex sandstone. By the time it was completed in 1544 the garrison held 29 men at a cost of £16,000. It was abandoned in 1642 due to shingle build up and is a rare example of a Henrician fort surviving in its original plan. Due to coastal shifts and land erosion the castle is located 2 miles from the sea.
Not only is Camber Castle a historic place but is also a haven for wildlife, specifically birds and small mammals. Surrounding the castle is over 1 acre of land filled with brown hares, various species of birds and plenty of wildlife.
Camber Castle is dog friendly. There is no direct vehicular access to the castle which can be reached following a one mile walk on uneven footpaths from Rye.
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from if you would like to stay nearby.
Built in 290 AD, as a Roman fort, Pevensey Castle is located in 1066 Country. The castle, which was used for protecting the coast against foreign threat, is now ruined.
Whilst at the castle, walk the massive outer walls and gatehouse of one of the Romans' shore forts, within which the Normans built another oval-shaped castle. Parts of the towers, keep and chapel remain, and Elizabethan catapult balls and cannon can also be seen.
Reopened in summer 2019, the castle features a new interpretation that tells its story from when it was first fortified by the Romans, to its time used as a coastal fortress in WWII. The dungeon is now accessible all year round, as are two towers that weren’t previously accessible, and a new museum showcases jewellery, household items and weaponry, reflecting not only the castle's military occupation but also its history as a home to families over the centuries.
Dogs on leads are welcome at Pevensey Castle. Wheelchair users can access the ruins but there is some uneven ground, and some help may be needed.
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from if you would like to stay nearby.
Hastings Castle is located in the heart of 1066 Country and is a landmark building in English history. Built by William the Conqueror the castle was constructed in 1067, the year after the infamous Battle of Hastings.
Take a step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Britain’s first Norman castle. An iconic landmark of England’s tumultuous past, Hastings Castle represents a seismic shift in the direction England took; historically, politically and culturally.
High above the town of Hastings, the castle boasts the most spectacular views in all of Sussex – and is the perfect spot for a family picnic. This means children are well catered for at Hastings Castle.
Dogs are welcome and encouraged as there are 6 acres of land but should be kept on leads. Wheelchair users are welcome but may need assistance on different areas of the site due to uneven ground.
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from if you would like to stay nearby.
The medieval town of Rye boasts Rye Castle. Built in the 13th century Rye Castle Museum is situated on a small site and was used to defend the coast against the Spanish Armada and French attacks in the 18th century (which is how it gained the name ‘Ypres Tower’). It has outstanding views and now houses Rye Museum.
Rye Castle, also known as Ypres Tower, is situated in the town of Rye and is littered with history dating back to the 13th century. You can see where murderer John Breeds was held prisoner, where prisoners were chained and the cells in which they were incarcerated. You can see a smugglers' lantern, and a model that shows the changes to the Romney Marsh coastline.
Together with Rye Castle Museum, there is also the East Street Museum (open April to October) which was originally a bottling factory, but it now houses exhibitions from Rye's history including its unique C18th fire engine. There is a display showing the changes to the coastline over the last thousand years and a shipbuilding display exhibiting many of the tools used, which includes models of ships built.
Wheelchair users are limited to the ground floor and accessible via the entrance ramp. The floors of the castle are uneven, and the doorways are low.
Dogs are allowed at Rye Castle Museum.
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from if you would like to stay nearby.
