Become a Friend of Herstmonceux Castle Estate

Herstmonceux Castle Estate has launched a new supporter network that includes a range of benefits.

Markeiting Coordinator Barry Howse explains: “The Herstmonceux Castle Estate is a special place for many of our visitors.  As such, we have launched a new supporter network and we hope that everyone who joins it will be unified by a shared appreciation of what we do here and be willing to champion the castle’s place within the local community.”

All Herstmonceux Castle Estate season ticket holders automatically become Friends of the Herstmonceux Castle Estate.  Membership includes several additional benefits, including but not limited to:

• one complimentary day ticket to gift to a friend
• invitations to several exclusive, free, members only events throughout the year, including a free castle tour, a free garden tour and some special out-of-season events
• automatic enrollment to our email distribution list; to receive updates, quarterly members’ newsletters and details of various community fundraising initiatives throughout the year
• access to our dedicated and exclusive Friends of Herstmonceux Castle Estate Facebook group
• a loyalty card for Chestnuts Tea Room
• advance notice on Castle Arts and plant sales
• and more!

The 2023 season runs Saturday 18th February to Sunday 5th November 2023.
Opening Times: For the months of February, March, October and November, the venue is open 10am – 5pm, with last admission at 3pm. From April to September, opening times are 10am – 7pm, with last admission at 5pm.

For more information, including pricing, the range of membership benefits, qualifying areas for local residents, and the online application form, please visit:

Herstmonceux Castle sits at the mouth of a small valley facing south over the Pevensey Levels to the sea, presently about seven kilometres away. Before Roman times, however, the Levels themselves were marshlands. During the Roman period and as late as the Norman invasion, these marshes were in flood and an inlet of the sea came up almost to the present site of the castle. During the thirteenth century a series of great storms, recorded by many contemporary chroniclers, accelerated the gradual silting up of the area. This, combined with increased artificial draining of the marshes, began to form the landscape we can see today.

During spring and summer, the Gardens and Grounds of Herstmonceux Castle are popular attraction for national and international tourists. Herstmonceux Castle operates as the UK campus of Queen’s University (Canada) and hosts international students every year who come to England to study within this tranquil setting, learn more about our country and explore Europe.

Throughout the year Herstmonceux Castle hosts international students, tourists, conferences, events and weddings.