The Sussex coastline is home to some of the UK’s most ancient and spectacular Castles and hillforts. History enthusiasts and culture vultures local to the Brighton area or visiting for a weekend getaway won’t have to travel far to explore some genuinely historical monuments. From a Castle built in honour of William the Conqueror to a fifteenth-century first-of-its-kind fortress complete with 300 acres of woodland to walk, Sussex has no shortage of jaw-dropping Castles to explore.
Lewes Castle & Museum
Built during the eleventh century, Lewes Castle is just a short train ride away from the busy streets of central Brighton and Hove. The Castle was a strategically important fortress during the Norman period of the Middle Ages and looms large over the beautiful town of Lewes. Constructed in honour of the first Norman King of England, William the Conqueror, Lewes Castle is spectacular in design, while its meticulously maintained grounds act as a perfect time-capsule experience for any history enthusiast.
Lewes Castle is one of the oldest standing Castles in England, and walking to the summit of its famous keep will offer up panoramic views of the town. Visitors are invited to learn more about the Castle and its rich history by visiting the accompanying museum where collections of historic artefacts discovered in the Sussex region are displayed and not to be missed. Full access to the Castle and Museum is reasonably priced with an adult ticket costing only £10, while children under the age of seventeen and students only pay £5.50. Under 5’s, essential carers and members of The Sussex Archaeological Society can all enter for free.
169 High St, Lewes, BN7 1YE
Bramber Castle
West of Brighton, and situated in the rural idyll of the Sussex Downs, Bramber Castle is another Norman-age fortress fit for a King. Unlike the more complete Norman Castle situated in Lewes, the remains of Bramber Castle’s imposing structure can be found at the summit of a high natural knoll. Perfect for hikers and archaeology enthusiasts alike, the Castle attracts visitors from far and wide as the motte-and-bailey brick remains of the historic stronghold are not the only reason to travel to this remote part of West Sussex. The views of the Sussex Downs from the fort are some of the most spectacular around.
Much like Lewes Castle, the fortress at Bramber was built to protect William the Conqueror’s military interests in the region after he assumed the throne and was long the historic seat of the de Braose family. Visitors can explore the Castle grounds for free during sunlight hours on any day of the week and with the gorgeous town of Steyning just a short walk away, this Castle has a sunny day out written all over it.
Castle Ln, Bramber, BN44 3WE
Pevensey Castle
The Norman structures at Lewes and Bramber are infants in age compared to Pevensey’s Saxon-age fortress. Built during the fourth century, this medieval relic is one of the last standing Saxon shore forts and was the famous landing destination for William the Conqueror’s invading army during the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Its tactical positioning on the Sussex coast meant that it was also adopted during the Second World War as one of the first lines of defence against a potential invasion by Nazi Germany. Keen-eyed visitors will be able to see camouflaged machine gun posts dating from the 1940s hidden in the walls.
An edifice such as Pevensey Castle is not to be missed by those with a hankering for history and with easy access from Eastbourne and Pevensey train stations, there’s no excuse not to make the short journey to see one of England’s last remaining Saxon-age Castles. Entry to the Castle grounds is exceptionally cheap in price with an adult ticket costing only £7.70 and a child ticket priced at £4.00. The Castle is open from 10 am to 5 pm, but those visiting on a bank holiday are encouraged to arrive before 11 am to avoid queues.
Castle Rd, Westham, Pevensey, BN24 5LE
Herstmonceux Castle
Constructed during the fifteenth century, Herstmonceux Castle is one of the younger (if you can believe it!) Castles on this list, but its grounds are still steeped in history. Herstmonceux Castle is an enormous building complete with a moat and observatory. If exploring the Castle grounds doesn’t consume most of the day, the woodland that surrounds the Castle expands to 300 acres and is a vibrant natural habitat for hikers and agriculture enthusiasts alike to wile away the hours.
The structure of Herstmonceux Castle has a lot in common with its famous Flemish counterparts and was constructed atop the Norman settlement of Herst using local materials by builders travelling to England from Flanders in Belgium. Commissioned by Sir Roger Fiennes, the grounds of the Castle are also home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory; a paradise for astronomers and boasting the famous Issac Newton Dome.
Admission to Herstmonceux Castle and its surrounding grounds and gardens will set an adult visitor back only £8 per ticket, while children aged 4-17 can enter for £3.50. Infants under the age of three enter for free. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year, but from April-September, visitors can access Herstmonceux between the hours of 10 am-7 pm.
Hailsham, BN27 1RN
Hollingbury Hillfort
Hollingbury Hillfort is the grandfather of all the Castles on this list. The Iron Age hillfort is a scheduled monument, meaning it is of essential archaeological importance. The hillfort is a true relic of English history and is native to north Brighton, situated close to Hollingbury Park Golf Course.
Wandering up to the monument should be a right-of-passage for any Brighton local or visitor, and the best thing about the experience is its completely free to visit at any time of the year, boastings stunning views of Brighton, Hove and the South Downs.
The Hillfort is accessible by bus or, more traditionally, on foot.
Ditchling Rd, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 7HS
Hastings Castle
An hour’s train ride from Brighton, a trip to nearby Hastings Castle on the Sussex coast is well worth the journey for any intrepid cultural enthusiast. When William the Conqueror arrived on English shores in 1066, he commanded that three fortresses be erected at settlements in Dover, Pevensey and Hastings. The famous Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066 in the nearby village of Battle, but Hastings Castle is arguably the foremost landmark when visiting fortifications associated with the great King of the Norman age.
A visit to the Castle gifts not only a tour around the famous landmark but also offers stunning views of the fishing town below. Hastings is well worth a day out and its Castle is the jewel in its cultural crown. Prices are cheap as chips with an adult ticket priced at only £6.25, while children aged between 3-12 enter for only £5.00. Combi-tickets are also available, offering a fun-filled and educational day-out for the whole family, including a trip to the Castle grounds, Smugglers Adventures, and Hastings Aquarium, all for £22.88 (Adult) and £18.19 (Junior).
Castle Hill Rd, Hastings, TN34 3HY
