Castles of the South East: the back story

About Castles of the South East: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Brighton Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Sussex is castle country. Arundel Castle, whose story begins in 1067, rises above the Arun; Lewes Castle looks over the Ouse; at Pevensey, English Heritage tells how William the Conqueror landed in 1066 and built a fortress within the Roman walls; Bramber Castle is a Norman ruin above the Adur (English Heritage); Bodiam, built around 1385 by Sir Edward Dallingridge in the National Trust’s words, stands in its moat; and Herstmonceux is a moated brick castle with gardens. Leeds Castle, in Kent, is a longer day out.

Which castle?

For a great house and gardens, Arundel. For a ruined fortress in its moat, Bodiam (National Trust). For the Norman story, Pevensey and Bramber (English Heritage). For a castle in town, Lewes (Sussex Past). For gardens around a moated brick castle, Herstmonceux. For a long day out in Kent, Leeds Castle.

Before you go

Opening seasons differ, and some close in winter: check each castle’s own site before you travel. Bramber Castle’s car park is closed, in English Heritage’s words.

Check opening times and trains on the official sites before you travel.

Our advice: combine Arundel with Amberley, Lewes with Glyndebourne, and Bodiam with Herstmonceux.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Castles of the South East: the back story before you go.