Bodiam Castle reflected in its moat on a sunny day

Beyond Brighton · by car or train

Castles of the South East: Our Favourites

Arundel, Lewes, Bodiam, Herstmonceux, Pevensey, Bramber and Leeds Castle.

The back story

  1. Beyond Brighton

    Castles of the South East: the back story

    Sussex and Kent·In depth

    From Arundel and Lewes to Bodiam, Herstmonceux, Pevensey and Leeds Castle: the great castles within reach of Brighton.

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What to see

  1. National Trust

    Bodiam Castle

    East Sussex·Castle

    A moated 14th-century castle, built around 1385 in the National Trust’s words.

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  2. A moated brick castle

    Herstmonceux Castle

    East Sussex·Castle and gardens

    A moated brick castle with gardens and grounds in East Sussex.

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  3. English Heritage

    Pevensey Castle

    Pevensey·Castle

    Where William the Conqueror landed in 1066, building a fortress within the Roman walls.

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  4. English Heritage

    Bramber Castle

    Bramber·Castle ruin

    The ruins of a Norman castle above the Adur valley.

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  5. A longer day out

    Leeds Castle

    Kent·Castle

    The castle on its lake in Kent, a longer day out from Brighton.

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Share your Castles of the South East tips

Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.

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