Castles

Bramber Castle
(25 Minutes from Burgess Hill)

“This early Norman motte and bailey castle was built by William de Braose around 1075, and remained in the ownership of the de Braose family for over 250 years. The castle was the caput (head) of the barony of Bramber, one of the feudal administrative divisions of Sussex, and occupies a site with commanding views across the River Adur and the surrounding countryside.
For more information, visit Bramber’s website

Climb to the top of Lewes Castle
(25 minutes from Burgess Hill)

The construction of Lewes Castle began soon after 1066 and it was intended to be the Norman Noble William de Warenne’s stronghold in Sussex. In fact, the castle was not completed until 300 years later with the building of the Barbican.

It now houses the Sussex Archaeological Society’s archaeology collections, a changing temporary exhibition gallery and a specialist bookshop providing books on all aspects of history and archaeology. The high towers of the castle also provide an excellent view of the beautiful surrounding town and countryside, both of which are well worth a visit.

For more information, visit The Sussex Archaeological Society

Arundel Castle
(40 minutes from Burgess Hill)

The seat of The Dukes of Norfolk and set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, Arundel Castle has been open to visitors seasonally for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England, with its own unique place in history and a collection of priceless works of art. Come and see paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculpture and carving, heraldry and armour in stunning room settings.

For more information, visit Arundel Castle’s website

Pevensey Castle
(50 minutes from Burgess Hill)

“Walk the massive outer walls and gatehouse of one of the Romans’ Saxon shore forts, within which the Normans built another oval-shaped castle, now ruined. Parts of the towers, keep and chapel remain and Elizabethan catapult balls and cannon can also be seen. Reopened in summer 2019, the castle features a new interpretation that tells its story from when it was first fortified by the Romans, to its time used as a coastal fortress in WWII. The dungeon is now accessible all year round, as are two towers that weren’t previously accessible, and a new museum showcases jewellery, household items and weaponry, reflecting not only the castle’s military occupation but also its history as a home to families over the centuries.

A new trail for children takes them on a mission around the castle and gets them to explore its nooks and crannies and look for hidden things.
For more information, visit Pevensey Castle’s website

Bodiam Castle
(1hr, 15 minutes from Burgess Hill)

One of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain, Bodiam was built in 1385, as both a defence and a comfortable home. The exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically above the moat. Enough of the interior survives to give an impression of castle life. There are spiral staircases and battlements to explore, and wonderful views of the Rother Valley from the top of the towers.

For more information, visit the National Trust’s website.

Every care has been taken in preparing this information, but you are advised to check the details with the organisations concerned to avoid any possible disappointment. None of these firms have been inspected by Burgess Hill Town Council and no recommendation is intended. Distances have been calculated using the AA Route Planner.