Herstmonceux

North of Pevensey is Herstmonceux, which is home to the Observatory Science Centre and the magnificent 15th-century Herstmonceux Castle. Part of the castle grounds is used as an international study centre for Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

The Observatory Science Centre and the castle are surrounded by countryside and they are not actually in Herstmonceux itself. The castle and observatory are around 4.8km (3 miles) south of Herstmonceux but the neighbouring village of Windmill Hill is a little closer.

Coming and going

Herstmonceux is not particularly easy to get to if you don’t have access to a car.

Cuckmere Buses route 49 is the bus route that takes you closest to Herstmonceux Castle but it is infrequent and does not run during winter. This route runs between Eastbourne and the Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux but it only runs a couple of times a day and it does not run every day.

A more practical option is Stagecoach route 98, which runs hourly between Eastbourne and Hastings. It is best to get off at the Windmill Hill post office and walk the remaining 3.2km (2 miles), which should take around 40 minutes.

Sights and activities in Herstmonceux