Amberley Castle
Historic grandeur with understated luxury. Feels like staying in a private castle rather than a hotel. Suits of armour, tapestries, antique furnishings, and fireplaces dominate — contemporary touches are tasteful rather than intrusive.
The interconnecting rooms Rye and Hastings work well for families — call to book, subject to availability
Why It Matters
One of very few genuinely fortified medieval castles operating as a hotel in England. The 60ft curtain walls, twin-tower gatehouse, and working portcullis are all intact. Henry VIII visited in 1526. It holds Relais & Châteaux membership and is part of the Andrew Brownsword Hotels portfolio.
This is a genuine, full-moat, portcullis-and-all medieval castle turned luxury hotel. The walls are 60 feet high and date to around 1103 — Henry VIII slept here in 1526. Today it operates as a 19-room Relais & Châteaux property owned by Andrew and Christina Brownsword, where stone corridors, suits of armour, and barrel-vaulted dining rooms coexist with Vispring beds and L'Occitane toiletries. The restaurant is genuinely excellent — five courses for £98 a head served under Norman-era ceilings — and the 12-acre grounds include formal gardens, a putting course, croquet lawn, and tennis court.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Classic Room
Located in Tower House Mews, these are the entry-level rooms — comfortable and characterful rather than sprawling. Well-appointed with the same care as the rest of the castle. Good choice for shorter stays or when you'd rather spend on dinner than square footage.
Gatehouse Suite
Generous suites in the 17th-century Bishopric Dairy just outside the castle walls. Separate lounges and contemporary bathrooms with walk-in showers. Best for families (sofa beds and travel cots fit in the lounge) or anyone wanting more room to breathe. The separate lounge is a genuine selling point — actual privacy, actual space.
Junior Deluxe Room
Spacious contemporary rooms in Tower House Mews. Super king beds, roll-top baths and separate showers. Good option for longer stays where comfort and space matter. Named after Sussex towns — Hastings and Winchelsea are among them.
Premier Deluxe Room
The rooms that make the brochure — inside the castle proper, with genuine original features, beautiful views over the grounds, and the full weight of several centuries of architecture. These are the most characterful options available. Named after Sussex castles and places: Chichester, Herstmonceux, Lewes, Amberley among them.
Superior Room
More space, original architectural details, and generously sized en suite bathrooms with freestanding baths and separate showers. Original features vary room to room — some have exposed stone, others have leaded windows.
The Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
On-site mini golf putting course set within the castle grounds. No booking required — ask reception for equipment.
Traditional croquet lawn within the castle grounds. No booking required. Reception can help with rules if needed.
Outdoor tennis court beneath the castle battlements. No booking required — ask reception for racquets and balls.
Archery sessions available via Spotlight Entertainment (partner). Call hotel first to confirm availability.
Falconry sessions arranged via Spotlight Entertainment (partner company). Call hotel before booking to confirm availability.
A bird of prey experience paired with afternoon tea. Seasonal event — next scheduled 13 August.
In-house games collection: Dominoes, local Monopoly, Backgammon, Cluedo, Scrabble, Wentworth Jigsaw Puzzle, ProPoker, and Chess. Available any time from reception.
Over 12 acres of formal gardens within the ancient walls — including the now-dry moat, Victorian-style borders, and views up to the battlements. No booking, wander at will.
Hands-on session in the castle grounds where guests build a traditional coracle from scratch using ancient techniques, then paddle it. A genuinely unusual experience offered year-round. Enquire with the hotel for scheduling and pricing.
Shape your own wooden spoon beside a crackling fire guided by expert crafters. Slow, hands-on, and surprisingly satisfying. Offered year-round in the castle grounds.
An evening event with Nyetimber, the prominent English sparkling wine producer. Next scheduled 8 October, 6pm–10pm.
Self-guided outdoor yoga using mats and a yoga guide collected from reception. Take yourself wherever the grounds inspire — the formal gardens and castle walls make for an unusual backdrop.
Walking maps available from reception covering the village of Amberley, the River Arun walk to Arundel, the South Downs Way, and Centurion's Way. The hotel staff give personal advice on routes.
Guided walks in the South Downs paired with afternoon tea at the castle. Seasonal event — next scheduled 24 September.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Three meeting and private dining rooms seating between 12 and 40 guests. Suitable for corporate events, private dining and special celebrations.
Complimentary wireless internet access throughout the hotel and rooms.
Over 12 acres of formal gardens enclosed within the ancient castle walls, including the dry moat and Victorian-style borders.
Complimentary dry-and-fold laundry service; items returned within 24 hours. Delicate items cannot currently be accepted. Irons and ironing boards available on request.
Available on request.
Front desk staffed around the clock for guest assistance.
Safes available in guestrooms.
L'Occitane skincare and bath products provided in all rooms.
Vispring beds in all rooms.
Private car park on-site, approximately 100m from reception. Free for hotel guests. Disabled guests may be dropped off at the turning circle.
Open fire in the lobby/lounges — particularly notable on winter stays.
BUILD YOUR AMBERLEY CASTLE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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