The 600-acre estate of the 15th-century, moated Herstmonceux Castle blends historic gardens with an expansive, conservation-focused landscape. Significant areas of the estate are being managed for wildlife through rewilding, creating a varied setting of formal gardens, woodland, wildflower meadows and lakes. This careful management supports a rich diversity of plants and animals.

The gardens provide a succession of colour through the seasons, from spring bulbs to summer borders and the autumn foliage. Visitors can also see the location featured in a recent BBC ‘Fake or Fortune?’ episode, which investigated a painting of the gardens attributed to Winston Churchill.

The formal gardens include the Elizabethan Garden, with walls dating from 1570. Moving north through the loggia, you'll discover themed areas including a wildflower garden, an apothecary garden, a shady garden, and the newly developing memorial garden. This reflective space replaces the former Shakespeare Garden and offers a quiet place for remembrance. A notable feature is the National Plant Collection of historic water lilies, a designated collection with a link to the varieties that inspired Claude Monet at Giverny. The lilies create a striking display on the estate’s ponds in summer.

Beyond the gardens, there are miles of walking trails, estate beehives producing honey, and an avenue of ancient sweet chestnut trees. Daily castle tours are available. The estate also has a shop selling local produce and plants, and a newly refurbished café.

The estate’s collection of historic water lilies has been awarded National Plant Collection status by Plant Heritage. This recognises the significance of the collection, established by the late Ken Warner, which includes varieties from the famed Latour-Marliac nursery in France. Dogs are welcome on leads.

Opening times: Daily from 1st March 2026
Admission rates: Check website for details.
Group Rates: Check website for details.
Facilities: Café and Shop
Disabled Access: Limited. Toilet and parking for disabled on site. Loan of wheelchair (booking advisable).
Tours/Events: Please refer to website for more details.
Coach Parking: Yes (no charge)
Length of visit: 2 - 4 hours
Booking contact: Barry Howse, Herstmonceux Castle Estate, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN
Telephone: 01323 833816
Email: bc.events@queensu.ca
Website: www.herstmonceux-castle.com
Location: Located just outside Herstmonceux village on the A271, entrance is on
Wartling Road. Please follow the brown tourist road signs.