Herstmonceux Castle is situated just outside the village of Herstmonceux, near Hailsham, East Sussex at the foot of the beautiful Sussex Downs. It can be reached easily either by public transport or by car and parking is free. There are facilities in place to aid access to the site by disabled and non-drivers.

By Rail and Shuttle Bus to the Castle:

If you are travelling by British Rail take the train to Polegate Railway Station. For train times go to www.southernrailway.com/.

Shuttle Bus:

This service is for the Festival weekend only. Stagecoach Buses operates a regular non-stop service to the Castle grounds from Polegate High Street. Click on the heading below for Times of Trains:

Times of Trains from and to London and the Shuttle Bus Schedule.

Fares:

Adult Single - £3

Adult Return - £5

A Return ticket is valid for the entire weekend e.g. purchase a Return ticket arriving on one day and departing on a different day

Child Single (under 16 yrs) - £2

Child Return - £3

No other concessions will be accepted.

Driving:

If you prefer to drive the directions are simple and there is ample free parking.

There are car parks allocated for Disabled parking only. Access is via either the main entrance on Wartling Road or the Church Road entrance to the Castle. Church Road is just on the outskirts of Herstmonceux Village. The walk is shorter from this entrance and enables easier access for those in wheelchairs.

Drivers will need to display an official Disabled badge in order to park here. Spaces are limited.

Disabled toilets are provided and approximately 50% of the Festival site can be reached by paved paths.

If you are coming from the direction of Brighton, follow the A27 to Polegate and then head east on the A259 to the Pevensey Roundabout and follow the signs north on Wartling Road to the Castle. The driving time is approximately 45 minutes.

If you are driving from the Hastings direction follow the A259 to the Pevensey Roundabout and then turn north up the Wartling Road.

Coaches are welcome. There is a special paved coach parking area which is accessed from Wartling Road and is located immediately to the south of the main car entrance. It is in the same location as the bus stop and turnaround area. See option number 2 for details of special ticket offers for groups.

Herstmoncuex Castle GPS Co-ordinates ( Wartling Road Entrance)

Decimal Degrees

50.868608, 0.348902

Degrees Minutes Seconds

Latitude: 50° 52' 6.9888"

Longitude: 0° 20' 56.0472"

More Useful information:

Plan your itinery with www.visitbritain.com

More Buses:

National Express run various coaches from London to Brighton , as well as airport coaches from Heathrow to Gatwick Airport. From here you can get the train to Polegate Station and the shuttle bus or a taxi to the Castle.

Website www.nationalexpress.com

More Trains:

If you live in the London area or arrive at one of the London airports make your way to Victoria Train Station using London above ground and underground rail network. From here you can then get a main line train to Polegate Railway Station.

Fast rail transit between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria Railway Station. www.gatwickexpress.co.uk

London Underground maps and information www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/

For more information on times, delays or to plan a journey etc.

Website www.thetrainline.com or www.nationalrail.co.uk

By Air:

If you are travelling to the UK by air there are various modes of transport which can be used to travel onwards from the airport.

Website of the British Airports Authority www.baa.com

This website has links to pages on Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted Airports; it then allows you to click on 'to and from our airport' which will give information about the different transport available. The train and bus can also be used in conjunction with this.

Taxi:

In order to save money it is advisable to get as close to the Castle as possible before getting a taxi. There are many ways to get to Polegate Railway Station by public transport. A taxi from there should be approximately £12.00 (one way). The main taxi company used is Direct Travel Taxis + 44 (0)1323 484444. Based in Polegate High Street they also offer service to and from the airport of your choice at very competitive rates. Please book as far in advance as possible.