Fit for Kings and Queens alike, step back in time at some of our finest castles. Sussex has a rich history with majestic castles and historic houses sure to wow visitors of all ages.
Petworth House & Park
Petworth House & Park, Petworth GU28 9LR
Treasure house of art set amidst a 700 acre deer park designed by ‘Capability’ Brown. State rooms filled with paintings by artists including Van Dyck, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough, plus statues and wood carvings. Open daily (closed 24th /25 Dec).
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Weald & Downland Living Museum
Town Lane, Singleton, West Sussex, PO18 0EU
Be part of something historic and discover Sussex rural history through the seasons, in the heart of the picturesque South Downs. See what rural living was like with over a 1,000 years of history to explore, and over 50 relocated historic houses covering the 40 acre site.
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1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey & Battlefield
Battle Abbey, High Street, Battle, TN33 0AD
“March into history on the most famous battlefield in England. Follow in the footsteps of the armies of William the Conqueror and King Harold as they clashed in 1066, and discover how the Normans overcame the Saxons to seize the kingdom and change English history forever.
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Newhaven Fort
Newhaven Fort, Fort Road, Newhaven, BN9 9DS
There is so much to explore at Newhaven Fort, including the vast, echoing tunnels built into the chalk cliffs. Stroll along the ramparts and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the South Downs and Sussex Coast. The cliff-top gun emplacements are sure to fire any imagination!
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Kew Wakehurst
Kew Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN
Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex. Managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. With over 500 acres to discover, Wakehurst is home to a dramatic and diverse landscape ranging from managed ornamental gardens, temperate woodlands, an Elizabethan Mansion and a private nature reserve.
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St Mary’s House and Gardens
St. Mary's House & Gardens The Street Bramber, Steyning BN44 3WE
Enchanting historic 15th century timber-framed house, with magnificent gardens, and charming cottage-style tea rooms, in the picturesque award-winning downland village of Bramber. St Mary’s is still a lived-in home, with fine panelled rooms, including the unique Elizabethan trompe l’oeil Painted Room.
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The Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion 4-5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE
Built as King George IV’s pleasure palace when Brighton was the heart of fashionable Regency society, the Royal Pavilion was also used by King William IV and Queen Victoria. Today it has been restored to its original 1823 splendour with Indian architecture contrasted with interiors inspired by China.
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Bignor Roman Villa
Bignor Roman Villa, Bignor, West Sussex, RH20 1PH
For nearly two hundred years locals and tourists have been visiting the site to see the fantastic mosaics that adorned the floors of this once elegant Roman Villa. The villa was a rich working farm in Roman Britain and the land is still farmed to this day by the Tupper…
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Chichester Cathedral
Chichester Cathedral West Street, Chichester PO19 1RP
Located in the heart of the city, Chichester Cathedral is a living church with over 900 years of history. Discover unique architecture, where medieval features sit alongside world famous contemporary artworks.
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Butser Ancient Farm
BUTSER ANCIENT FARM, CHALTON LANE, PO8 0BG, UK
Go time-travelling through 10,000 years of history! Discover an incredible family day out for under £30, and get 15% off with code ANCIENT. Explore a Stone Age farm, Bronze Age roundhouse, Celtic village, Roman villa, and Saxon halls. Plus get hands-on with activities, a free trail, and living history demonstrations.
View AttractionLearn more about the castles in Sussex
There are a variety of castles in Sussex. Discover Pevensey Castle, originally founded in the 4th Century, this castle played a key role during 1066 for William the Conqueror’s army. With incredible exhibitions and artefacts, Pevensey Castle also showcases a variety of historical stories. Or, visit 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey & Battlefield to explore the infamous site of the pivotal battle during William the Conqueror’s time. Explore the battlefield trail, the fascinating Abbey and enjoy the interactive exhibition on your family day out.
If you are looking for a more daring experience, why not visit Hastings Castle and Smugglers Adventure? In addition to the haunting ruins of Hastings Castle, originally built by William the Conqueror, visitors can explore the winding underground cave network of Smugglers Adventure. Learn about the dark history of smuggling gangs, pirates and bootleggers all set below ground.
If that doesn’t take your pick, explore some stunning Sussex historic homes or one of the stately homes in Sussex like Bateman’s or Petworth House and imagine what life could’ve been like.