A lovely property to wander round, we attended during the battle reinactment which made for a…read morelovely day out (held in October). As well as the Abbey there is also a small restaurant selling locally sourced produce, it can be a bit pricey however. Butyou can picnic in the grounds if it's a nice day. For the kids there's plenty of room for them to run around, an interactive museum and a themed playground.

After William the Conqueror had invaded Great Britain and made it his home he built the Battle…read moreAbbey to commemorate his victory. The Abbey is a truly an interesting site to visit because he built it on the exact spot where he first set foot on British soil. I don't want to go into much detail about the battle but if ancient history is a forte yours as it is mine then highlights of the visit include an interactive audio visual interpretation of the battle.

Reculver Towers is the remains of a 12th century church, which is located on the remains of Roman…read moreand Saxon buildings. The Towers themselves are perched on the top of a large cliff, which has been heavily eroded in the past and is the reason why there are only partial remains of the church left standing. Due to its location on the north coast, the towers lend themselves to some lovely photographs with the sunset to their rear and the sea to one side. There is a large stony beach at the base of the cliffs, which is ideal for dog walking rather than bathing, as the Thames Estuary leaves it somewhat muddy. Also be aware that the tide can come rather far in at certain times of the year, partially cutting off some areas at the base of the cliffs!! There are reputed to be a decent number of fossils to be found along the beach, especially following storms, though me and the dog have never found anything exciting. There is ample parking in the vicinity of the towers, good paths suitable for wheelchairs and buggies along the cliff top. There is also a pub very close by and a small shop/amusements arcade associated with the nearby caravan park. All in all, a nice place for a picnic or for a stroll.

A beautiful area to have a picnic on a sunny day. About 3k walk from Herne Bay. Not easily…read moreaccessible by public transport. Very good toilet facilities though, which is important on a picnic! Worth a visit if you're in the area, as it really is a beautiful spot.

Built to defend an important port on the River Adur, Bramber Castle was constructed as a motte and…read morebailey castle around 1073 by William De Braose, who fought alongside William the Conqueror at the battle of Hastings in 1066. Apart from a period of confiscation during the reign of King John, it remained in the ownership of the De Braose family until themale line died out in 1324. Thereafter, it passed via the Mowbray and Howard families into the estate of the Dukes of Norfolk, who held it until it until 1926. It was given to the National Trust in 1946. Very little survives of the original castle, thanks to a gradual decline over the years, damage during the Civil War in 1642 and looting of the stones as a quarry for building by the locals. The most prominent feature is the tall and unsteady-looking fragment of the Gatehouse tower, still standing to almost its full original height. In the centre of the grounds is the impressive original motte, its earthen mound rising some 30ft (10m). A short distance away is a section of the curtain wall which survives up to 10ft (3m) in places. Around the perimeter are also the remains of the castle's impressive moat. (NB be careful with small children, as there are some sheer drops in places). Although the ruins are rather fragmentary, the grounds are beautifully kept by the National Trust, and make a wonderful place for a picnic, as well as affording excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

This place is a bit of a let down. There seems to be no effort to make it obvious where/what parts…read moreof the ruins were. They have a lame sign at the entrance but little else. It just seems like an enclosed play field.

Very nice place to go for a hike or just to see the mesmerising views! I saw many dog walkers along…read morethe way; probably frequent walkers. Fortunately, there is a fence keeping anyone from going and damaging the Long Man itself. I have recently been on a 10 mile hike along the South Downs and it was amazing! I really enjoyed seeing the views of Firle Beacon, Hove, Polegate and many more towns. Definitely a lovely place for a hike on a sunny day; but remember to bring plenty of water as it can get quite hot up there! I sat down for a quick drink and sat there for a little while admiring the spectacular views! I recommend this to anyone in the East Sussex region as the South Downs stretch much further than the Long Man itself! Overall, a lovely place to visit if you need a bit or fresh, warm air!

Herstmonceux Castle is an almost fairytale-like castle, situated in rolling countryside in East…read moreSussex, 10 miles from Eastbourne. The castle buildings themselves are now part of a Canadian College and are not open to the public, but the magnificent gardens are open to the public. There's also a tearoom where you can have refreshments afterwards. Begun in 1441, the castle was begun by Sir Roger Fiennes and completed by his son, Lord Dacre. It was the first major building built in brick in southern England since Roman times. After the fortunes of the family declined, the castle was partially dismantled in the late 18th century and stood as a picturesque ruin until the early 20th century when it was restored to its present form. After the Second World War, the estate became home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory, moved from London because of increasing light pollution and excessive ground movement from trains and traffic. (This is now the Observatory Science centre - see separate reviews.) The Observatory closed in the 1980s and in the 1990s became part of Queen's College, Ontario, as Bader College. Access to the grounds is available daily February to November, £8 for adults and £3.50 for 4-17s. Season tickets are available for regular visitors and there are discounts for those living locally. The castle grounds are extensive, and the castle itself sits at one end of a lake with an impressive moat at the front. The gardens include the quadrangle in the middle of the castle, which is followed by a series of walled gardens. These have magnificent herbaceous borders, as well as an Apothecary's garden, Rose Garden, Elizabethan Garden, and walks around the castle moat, and across a wildflower meadow up to a Folly and lake. It's worth a visit of at least a couple of hours. There's a gift shop and cafe - we had a pot of tea for two and really excellent cakes on our visit (a toffee apple muffin and a pumpkin and ginger cake) for under £10. The ticket office entrance is on the east of the estate, accessed through the grounds of the Science Observatory. There is a small car park opposite the main entrance to the front of the castle (parking on gravel / grass). From the village and mediaeval church, access is indirect via public footpaths, but there is no vehicular access this way.

Boasting a fairly colorful history, including standing as an exterior walls-only edifice for well…read moreover a century, Herstmonceux Castle's name derived from very early 12th century owners of a manor house that existed on the site, Idonea de Herst who married Ingelram de Monceux, a Norman nobleman. At that time, the manor house was called "Herst of the Monceux." There is evidence that in 1066 some other structure existed before the manor in this location. During most of the 20th century it was vacant, Then, in 1992, it became part of Queen's University at Kingston (Ontario, Canada) and was known as Queen's International Study Centre (ISC), with primarily arts or commerce students. The name later changed, in 2009, to Bader International Study Centre, after Alfred Bader, the Queen's alum who first had the idea to turn this castle into a university study center. Gaining entry may not be possible but the exterior is incredible. Well worth the visit.

Southwick is now firmly part of the suburban sprawl running from Brighton and Shoreham, and is…read moreknown to most people for the power station that dominates the far side of Shoreham Harbour. But there was a community here in Saxon times, and its church is surprisingly ancient. In fact, the walk from the station crosses the Green, an attractive and villagey stretch of tree-lined common which splits Southwick into two halves. There are some handsome cottages surrounded by well appointed semi-detached suburban homes, and a rather less appealing row of post-war shops. St Michael and All Angels was, until the 18th century, dedicated to St Margaret, and sits among a very pretty churchyard, thickly studded with trees. Although there was probably a church here in Saxon times, it first recorded in 1086, and in 1206 the right to appoint the rector was granted to the Templars, and then to the Hospitallers, although much of the early mediaeval period was taken up with disputes over these rights with the monks of Sele Priory. The ownership passed from Sele Priory to Magdelene College at the Dissolution, and patronage thereafter passed to the Crown until the 20th century. Fire in the 19th Century damaged the nave and an unexploded bomb (and the subsequent excavation to remove it) damaged the tower in 1941. The church itself is built of flint, and is essentially in three parts: the tower, nave and chancel. The tower is by far the most impressive part: its foundations and lower walls are said to be Saxon, although it mostly dates from the late 12th and 13th centuries. It is an attractive composition, with paired round-headed arches with narrow openings surmounted by paired gothic lancets and, above that, a shingle broach spire. The west door is also attractive, but a modern addition: the tower was carefully taken down and faithfully rebuilt in 1950 after the bomb damage, with vestries built either side. The chancel is mostly 13th century, with two original lancets, framed by a 14th century chancel arch. There are two round headed arches to the south, although the central column probably dates from the Victorian rebuilding. A 14th wooden screen with narrow lancets also survives in the south aisle. The nave burned down in the 1830s and was rebuilt with narrow lean-to aisles in 1834, with round-headed arcades and lancet windows. Pevsner's Buildings of England described the nave as a 'loveless cover for pew-space', which I think is a bit harsh, although there's no doubt it doesn't match the quality of the tower. The furnishings other than the south aisle screen - are limited in interest to what appears to be a mediaeval aumbry, some 18th and 19th century tombs and memorials, and a sturdy, square font, probably from the 13th century. The church is today the centre of large and busy parish, and has a vibrant church life, with services daily through the week.

Thatcher would be proud…read more Looking around Hever, many would be left with the impression that the owners are enormous fans of Anne Boleyn. The unfortunate wife of Henry VIII is, after all, the main focus of the exhibition and makes an appearance on much of the marketing material. But look a bit closer, and the more astute visitor may notice a different, more 'true blue', streak permeating the house. Yes, Labour voters clutch your pearls, but the proprietors appear to be worshippers of none other than Margaret Thatcher. (More so than Ms Boleyn, I would wager.) In the castle, visitors are treated to a near life-size oil painting of the union basher. And for those lucky enough to stay in the guest house for the price of £300 per night, they will find a letter written by the Iron Lady to thank the castle for her stay that has been framed and hung in one of the hallways. Among the owners personal possessions, I note Ms Boleyn has not received a similar dose of affection. Of interest is also the fact that this castle, its stunning gardens and water maze, owe their amazing condition to our friends across the Atlantic. Most stately homes in Britain are now virtually on their knees, with years of decline and underinvestment in the country reflected in their faded carpets, moth-eaten curtains and peeling paintwork. Hever, however, has avoided this fate for the good reason that it was bought by... gasp... an AMERICAN. Horrifying as it may sound, Mr Astor - who owes his astounding wealth to the rise of New York City - purchased the castle and injected nothing short of a fortune into it in order to create the attraction that we see today. Demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit so often absent in Britain, he then had the vision to order the construction of a second moat, a lake, a walled Italian garden complete with artefacts from Pompeii, a 'wall waterfall' and to direct the gardeners to shape some bushes like a chess set. I don't think he was involved in the water maze, so loved locally, but its presence reflects Hever's enduring ambitious spirit. Perhaps it was this spirit that so inspired Margaret Thatcher to write of Hever: 'I have seen several castles and large country houses but none as perfect as Hever.'

If you are visiting London, Hever Castle is a must do. Only a 90 minute drive from London hotels,…read morethe trip is well worth the wait upon arrival. From its sprawling vistas to the castle itself this place is a real treat. There is a large lake on site that offers rowing, an area that allows you to try your hand at archery and even a place to see falconry. There are jousting exhibitions and plenty of food from the cafe or restaurant on site. The REAL gem is the castle. Home for Queen Anne Boleyn from 5 years old to 12 one can only imagine the wonder this place brought her. The castle provides an audio tour in several languages so there is no issue there. (The staff are marvelously kind and helpful in the castle and in the dining areas and gift shop.) It's small but chock full of informative history about Anne Boleyn as well as those who lived in the castle after her death. If you are looking for a respite from the concrete jungle and noisy planet that is London, Hever provides you with lots of peace and quiet Tour the rose garden or just sit and enjoy the views and shade from the trees. It's an idyllic setting and a trip that will make your visit to the UK complete.

We did lots of castles, cathedrals and abbeys on this years Road Trip through England and Scotland…read more And this here was one of the finest we've encountered. We came by car, there's a huge parking lot with even some options at the shade. If you're a member then parking and entrance is free (scan your card for free parking). At the entrance there's a ticket office, a fine little restaurant and some shops. It's a short walk to the wonderful castle. Pretty flat and goes around the whole site. Dogs are allowed - our Bulldog had a great time. And not just our Bulldog; we did as well. It's a fantastic, well-preserved and well taken care of castle. With the mout surrounding it, it looks just like a "typical" castle you'd imagine. It was built from 1380-1385. By by Sir Edward Dallingridge. He was even promoted by King Richard II himself. So this castle here belonged to a person of great importance. Be sure to check out the interiour as well. It's a stunner from outside, but it's really worth your time going in and on top of it for some great views. There are lots of facilities on the site and also picnic spots with views of the castle. A great place to spend a few hours. One of the highlight of our Road Trip surely. Staff was very friendly and helpful. And be sure to grab a bite at the restaurant by the entrance (jacket potatoes were great).

This is what a castle should look like. Tall towers, complete ramparts, portcullis, drawbridge and…read morea huge moat. It's every child's dream! Built in 1385, it functioned as both castle and a comfortable late mediaeval home. Now owned by the National Trust, it is set in lovely well-maintained grounds which are perfect for a family picnic. In the summer, there are lots of activities going on (check website for details), with people dressing up as mediaeval knights, jousting and cool stuff like that. For the adults there are also occasional concerts. The site is very family friendly, with the information office supplying all kinds of material to help children (of all ages!) enjoy their visit, and to stimulate their imaginations. The website has excellent information about access for wheel-chair users. The site has ample car-parking, and is close to some other excellent attractions - the Kent & East Sussex preserved steam railway, and the village of Battle where William the Conqueror beat the Anglo-Saxons in 1066.