Pevensey Castle
Latest Reviews
Pevensey is a good, relatively unique castle to visit with a decent audio tour. It's well signposted and you can access pretty much all of the ruin but it lacks some of the restoration of castles like Dover. Being a ruin there isn't much shelter if the weather is bad.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This a lovely castle to spend an afternoon or morning exploring, followed by a wander in the village to the pub. It's not massive and is in a very ruinous state, so don't expect to make a full day of it. Car Park next door, £2 all day. Free entry within the outer roman fort walls, then paid entry to the actual castle within these outer walls. The audio guide is essential if you want to get anything out of your visit, as there isn't much information otherwise. It's very peaceful and relaxing here, and the history of the castle is brilliant. Just felt a shame that English Heritage don't make much of the place, no tea-room or restaurant, only a tiny shop, and I have to say, it doesn't look like they are keeping on top of the maintenance. But, if your an English Heritage member, it's a must visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have wanted to visit Pevensey for ages and were not disappointed, at least by the castle and its history. We parked in the town car park which is directly adjacent to the castle walls. £2 for all day parking. It's possible to go inside the outer walls without paying - this is really just a handy cut-through between villages as there's not much to see until you go into the inner bailey section, within the curtain walls, at which point you have to pay. There's a small kiosk/shop at the entrance and we picked up the free audio-guides and made our way around the site.
Despite the fact that the castle looks very ruined, there are actually a fair few nooks and crannies to explore, including several of the tower interiors that were partially modernised during WW2 when some American and Canadian soldiers were stationed there. The remains of the chapel were thought-provoking too.
The audio guide did an excellent job of explaining the history of the place. It's amazing to imagine all the hands it has passed through over the centuries: from the Romans, Saxons, Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors and finally to its uses during WW2.
However, our main gripe about the whole day was the fact that the audio guide's directions were so confusing and, at times, incorrect! On more than one occasion we were left wandering about at a loss of where the guide was supposed to be directing us. Lefts and rights were entirely mixed up, which was quite frustrating. Definitely get the audio guide (there's not much info otherwise) but just be prepared for a bit of traipsing about in confusion...
Despite the fact that the castle looks very ruined, there are actually a fair few nooks and crannies to explore, including several of the tower interiors that were partially modernised during WW2 when some American and Canadian soldiers were stationed there. The remains of the chapel were thought-provoking too.
The audio guide did an excellent job of explaining the history of the place. It's amazing to imagine all the hands it has passed through over the centuries: from the Romans, Saxons, Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors and finally to its uses during WW2.
However, our main gripe about the whole day was the fact that the audio guide's directions were so confusing and, at times, incorrect! On more than one occasion we were left wandering about at a loss of where the guide was supposed to be directing us. Lefts and rights were entirely mixed up, which was quite frustrating. Definitely get the audio guide (there's not much info otherwise) but just be prepared for a bit of traipsing about in confusion...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the original landing place of the Norman fleet in 1066 as such you would think that it would be quite an attraction but to be frank it's just a bit dull with very little info signs. Although we didn't pay to go in we could see from the entrance door that £6.30 is a bit steep to see the other side of walls that you can see for free!! This being the 950 anniversary year so much more could of been done. Plan for 30 mins max and go visit the wonderful tea shop and pub just outside to fill out the time
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are also members of the National Trust. The difference between NT and English Heritage is like chalk and cheese. It's clear that EH hasn't got 2 pennies to rub together for maintenance or if it does, is very poorly managed.
The castle itself is very interesting, the audio guide is good and the one member of staff was friendly. It is not a day out - only about 2 hours is needed at the most to see everything - it's certainly no Bodiam Castle!
Was worrying to see that there seems to be very little preventative maintenance - loads of ivy and other plants growing all over the walls and castle - might look picturesque, but no doubt causing considerable long term damage!!
Lots of missed opportunities to increase funds: why let people in to the outer area without paying? No on-site tearoom to raise funds? The payment kiosk and shop should be outside the castle at the entrance as it would be easy to slip past and not pay - which we saw on our visit.
It is obvious that the government doesn't want to spend the money hence making EH a charitable trust, but I just hope they can find the money to maintain these places or many will end up falling down!
The castle itself is very interesting, the audio guide is good and the one member of staff was friendly. It is not a day out - only about 2 hours is needed at the most to see everything - it's certainly no Bodiam Castle!
Was worrying to see that there seems to be very little preventative maintenance - loads of ivy and other plants growing all over the walls and castle - might look picturesque, but no doubt causing considerable long term damage!!
Lots of missed opportunities to increase funds: why let people in to the outer area without paying? No on-site tearoom to raise funds? The payment kiosk and shop should be outside the castle at the entrance as it would be easy to slip past and not pay - which we saw on our visit.
It is obvious that the government doesn't want to spend the money hence making EH a charitable trust, but I just hope they can find the money to maintain these places or many will end up falling down!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We couldn't get into the paid carpark as there was an RV trying to squeeze out, so we drove on and parked up with no problem by the west gate entrance (free on road parking) and visited on a quiet Monday.
It was a sunny day and the brilliance of the blue morning sky contrasted with the lines of Red brick in the impressive Roman walls.
We entered by the Keep entrance and were met by a very helpful member of staff in the hut/shop who issued us with a pair of audio guides.
Off we went listening to history and walking round the castle learning about Romans, Normans and right up to the 1940s.
Beware the dungeon... it's full of water to about 4cm that is totally invisible until you step into it! I couldn't stop laughing, fortunately I had waterproof boots on :-)
There is a cannon from the Tudor times, several of the towers are open and have been floored so you can walk inside as you hear tails of old, about the chapel and the well, plus explanations of the trebuchet and the massive stones they fired into (and maybe even from) the walls.
We finished off our trip by purchasing some jams and marmalade from the shop.
After a walk round the grounds we had lunch at the pub by the eastern entrance/car park. Food was very good quality.
Overall a place I have long wanted to visit having passed it many times over the year, it was just what I expected but do ensure you get the audio devices to listen to the stories and history of the castle as it really brings it to life.
It was a sunny day and the brilliance of the blue morning sky contrasted with the lines of Red brick in the impressive Roman walls.
We entered by the Keep entrance and were met by a very helpful member of staff in the hut/shop who issued us with a pair of audio guides.
Off we went listening to history and walking round the castle learning about Romans, Normans and right up to the 1940s.
Beware the dungeon... it's full of water to about 4cm that is totally invisible until you step into it! I couldn't stop laughing, fortunately I had waterproof boots on :-)
There is a cannon from the Tudor times, several of the towers are open and have been floored so you can walk inside as you hear tails of old, about the chapel and the well, plus explanations of the trebuchet and the massive stones they fired into (and maybe even from) the walls.
We finished off our trip by purchasing some jams and marmalade from the shop.
After a walk round the grounds we had lunch at the pub by the eastern entrance/car park. Food was very good quality.
Overall a place I have long wanted to visit having passed it many times over the year, it was just what I expected but do ensure you get the audio devices to listen to the stories and history of the castle as it really brings it to life.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting place, and audio talk about the history of Pevensey Castle, My Support Worker enjoyed it to, lots of photos taken.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A must visit castle. Steeped with history. There's a lovely tea room adjacent thereto and a great pub for after. You can really feel an atmosphere of how it was to be in this great castle
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stunning view
Lovely open old castle
£12 for 2 adults to get in is a bit steep !
Nice clean area
£2 to park
Lovely open old castle
£12 for 2 adults to get in is a bit steep !
Nice clean area
£2 to park
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Such great history.
Really enjoyed this castle.
Very informative and interesting to see how this building has been used to defend England throughout the centuries.
Really enjoyed this castle.
Very informative and interesting to see how this building has been used to defend England throughout the centuries.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a damp chilly rainy weekday and were the only visitors-just us and the somewhat forlorn, but very informative, English Heritage representative.
And we're glad we visited-this castle has an amazing history dating back to Roman times. The audio guide is great, and the castle itself is a sight to behold. Definitely worth a visit.
And we're glad we visited-this castle has an amazing history dating back to Roman times. The audio guide is great, and the castle itself is a sight to behold. Definitely worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Easy parking around the Castle, it is much easier if you park free at the rear of the castle.
LOVLEY grounds Fantastic inside to. Lots of history in this area , Romans , Normans etc, well worth a visit .
LOVLEY grounds Fantastic inside to. Lots of history in this area , Romans , Normans etc, well worth a visit .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very nice hour wondering around this well preserved Roman fort still surrounded by a water filled moat with some great views of the sea and surrounding countryside, the girl in the shop. Was very. Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable as I say a peaceful hour taking in the place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've lived near here all my life, but never visited. It is ruins, but there is lots of information as you look round telling you all the history and it's also ideal if you have a dog as you can take them in. You do need to pay for the parking (£2 all day) and the chap in the gift shop is very helpful. If you get chance pop in to the tea room (Castle Cottage)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are members of English Heritage and Pevensey Castle being one of Britain's oldest and most important strongholds we had to pay it a visit we took the audio tour which was very informative. Well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic bit of local history, we visited for the wealden food festival and were not disapointed at all
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely walk for the dog around outer walls but keep to the path as some dog owners allow dogs to poo and do not clear it up!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great audio commentary now available which does make the visit more interesting.
Has changed since I was here with school many years ago. The underground tunnels are now all closed off.
Still worth a visit and on a nice day the view is breath taking.
I parked in the next road down by the play park and walked across the field, as that car park is free.
There is also two lovely church's to walk around in Pevensey.
Has changed since I was here with school many years ago. The underground tunnels are now all closed off.
Still worth a visit and on a nice day the view is breath taking.
I parked in the next road down by the play park and walked across the field, as that car park is free.
There is also two lovely church's to walk around in Pevensey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not a great deal to see but quite atmospheric and with room for kids to charge around. There are guided tours but I cannot tell you any details, as it is on my own doorstep, I usually just drive past.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great audio commentary available to accompany our visit, Pevensey Castle (English Heritage) is fascinating to visit. Much larger than expected, there are nooks and crannies, towers and dungeons, even a canon, to explore.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went with my adult son on a summer's day. This is an English Heritage site with a public pathway through the large outer wall area, built by the Romans. This area is free to enter.
The inner curtain wall, gatehouse and keep are medieval, the ruins of what was built after the Norman Conquest. You have to pay to enter this area, but there is a good little portable audio guide included with the entry price.
The car park by the entrance charges £2 for the day.
There is a pub offering pleasant food right by the car park. There is also a tea room near the entrance.
The inner curtain wall, gatehouse and keep are medieval, the ruins of what was built after the Norman Conquest. You have to pay to enter this area, but there is a good little portable audio guide included with the entry price.
The car park by the entrance charges £2 for the day.
There is a pub offering pleasant food right by the car park. There is also a tea room near the entrance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having just joined English Heritage entry was free . Interesting and informative history including Norman invasion. All day parking in adjoining public car park was only £2 for whole day so if members a cheap day out (if you avoid nearby pub and ice cream van , which we didn't!)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Beautiful castle
Able to walk inside the outer wall but overpriced to go in the fort
Managed to see most of the fort area from the gate
Able to walk inside the outer wall but overpriced to go in the fort
Managed to see most of the fort area from the gate
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enough parking places, nice to walk over the Castle grounds and around (Pevensey end Westham) the Castle.
After that, have a drink in the 'Beer garden' at the other side of the street, also a nice place!
After that, have a drink in the 'Beer garden' at the other side of the street, also a nice place!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The audio guide gives you all the history and there is lots to listen too, it is interesting without being boring, for me this made the visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
