Fodor's Expert Review Herstmonceux Castle
With a banner waving from one tower and a glassy moat crossed by what was once a drawbridge, this fairy-tale castle has everything except knights in shining armor. Situated 13 miles northwest of Hastings in the direction of Lewes, the redbrick structure was originally built by Sir Roger Fiennes (ancestor of actor Ralph Fiennes) in 1444, although it was altered in the Elizabethan age and again early in the 20th century after it had largely fallen to ruin.
Today, most visitors come to explore the castle's stunning grounds, comprising hundreds of acres of themed gardens (including the formal walled Elizabethan garden), lily-covered lakes, and winding woodland paths. Kids will also enjoy the rope maze. The castle itself is owned by the Canadian Queen's University, so opportunities to get inside are limited—though check the website for occasional guided tours. If you do make it inside, don't miss the stunning Tudor staircase (see if you can spot the odd one out among the lion sculptures)... READ MORE
With a banner waving from one tower and a glassy moat crossed by what was once a drawbridge, this fairy-tale castle has everything except knights in shining armor. Situated 13 miles northwest of Hastings in the direction of Lewes, the redbrick structure was originally built by Sir Roger Fiennes (ancestor of actor Ralph Fiennes) in 1444, although it was altered in the Elizabethan age and again early in the 20th century after it had largely fallen to ruin.
Today, most visitors come to explore the castle's stunning grounds, comprising hundreds of acres of themed gardens (including the formal walled Elizabethan garden), lily-covered lakes, and winding woodland paths. Kids will also enjoy the rope maze. The castle itself is owned by the Canadian Queen's University, so opportunities to get inside are limited—though check the website for occasional guided tours. If you do make it inside, don't miss the stunning Tudor staircase (see if you can spot the odd one out among the lion sculptures) and the corner room with a medieval dungeon and an escape tunnel.
Families visiting Herstmonceux Castle may also want to stop at the neighboring Observatory Science Centre ( www.the-observatory.org; £9.50) for its entertaining and hands-on astronomical exhibitions.
READ LESS
