Travel Information
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.
Walk/Park and Ride:
This is the only weekend of the year when you can get directly to the Castle by public transport. An express bus link, provided by Eastbourne Buses, departs Polegate Railway Station from 9:30 am and from then on every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour, driving directly to the Castle grounds. Buses will leave the grounds on the hour and half hour returning to the station with the last bus at 6pm. The travel time is approximately 20 minutes. The fare, one way, is £2.00 and £1.50 for Concessions. Under 3's travel free. For information regarding Eastbourne Buses Timetable Enquiries please call 01323 416416 or www.eastbournebuses.co.uk
By Rail and Bus:
If you are travelling by British Rail take the train to Polegate Railway Station. For train times go to www.southcentraltrains.co.uk/. An express bus link, provided by Eastbourne Buses, departs Polegate Railway Station from 9:30 am and from then on every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour, driving directly to the Castle grounds. Buses will leave the grounds on the hour and half hour returning to the station with the last bus at 6pm. The travel time is approximately 20 minutes. The fare, one way, is £2.00 and £1.50 for Concessions. Under 3's travel free. For information regarding Eastbourne Buses Timetable Enquiries please call 01323 416416 or www.eastbournebuses.co.uk
By Car:
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 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 orange badge in order to be allowed 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 driving from London it will take approximately 1 1/2 hours. The simplest and most enjoyable drive is straight down the A22 to the Boship Roundabout then take the A271 through the village of Herstmonceux and follow the signs to Herstmonceux Castle. The main entrance is on the Wartling road.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 the Wartling Road to the Castle. 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 the 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.
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.
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