Join one of our guided tours to discover the history of the castle. Step inside one of Britain’s earliest brick-built castles and discover the stories behind Herstmonceux Castle. Our guided tours bring the estate’s history to life, from medieval architecture and Tudor intrigue to its later role as an international study centre for Queen’s University Canada. Led by knowledgeable guides, each tour offers the chance to explore parts of the castle interior while learning about the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the estate over nearly 600 years. Please note that Herstmonceux Castle is a working academic building rather than a furnished historic house. While tours explore the castle’s architecture, history, and stories, some interior spaces reflect its current role as an international study centre and educational campus. Tours last approximately 75 minutes. The castle was commissioned by Sir Roger Fiennes, Treasurer to the Household of Henry VI. Built around a central courtyard and moat, it once contained more than 140 rooms and remains one of the most striking historic buildings in East Sussex. In 1993, Dr Alfred Bader and his wife Isabel funded Queen’s purchase of the castle, helping establish the estate as an international campus where students from around the world continue to live and study today. Set within woodland, gardens, wildflower meadows, and walking routes, the estate offers visitors the chance to combine history, nature, and discovery in one visit. Children are welcome on our guided castle tours. Tours last approximately 75 minutes and involve a significant number of stairs. If you are visiting with children under 8, please consider whether the tour’s length and nature will be suitable for them. Herstmonceux Castle is a historic building and the guided tour includes a significant number of stairs. Some parts of the tour route may therefore be difficult for visitors with limited mobility to access. If you have accessibility needs or would like to discuss the tour route before your visit, please contact us. Private guided tours can be booked in advance by emailing us. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours before your preferred tour time and are subject to availability. There will be no Guided Tours on Sunday 11th October, Saturday 24th October, and Sunday 25th October due to large private events taking place on these days.
